Program Manager, Youth Ambassadors Africa (YA-AF) Program (Contingent Upon Funding)

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

Salary Range $70,000-$100,000

Position Summary

The Program Manager for the Youth Ambassadors Africa (YA-AF) program will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a large-scale, U.S.-based international youth exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This position requires demonstrated experience managing youth-focused exchange programs, organizing complex logistics across multiple international delegations, and implementing civic and leadership programming in alignment with federal guidelines. The Program Manager will work in close coordination with the program's internal Director and liaise with U.S. embassies and consulates in sub-Saharan Africa, American host communities, partner organizations, and internal teams to ensure successful execution of all phases of the program.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Planning and Management:

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Youth Ambassadors Africa program, including detailed planning of exchanges and follow-on components.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, host family placements, and activity schedules for multiple delegations of youth and adult mentors.
• Develop and implement civic engagement and leadership programming tailored for youth ages 15-18 and adult mentors.
• Ensure all program elements meet ECA program objectives and comply with all grant requirements, federal regulations, and safety standards.

Stakeholder and Partner Coordination

• Liaise regularly with ECA program officers and U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa regarding program updates, country priorities, and logistical coordination.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with host communities, local partners, schools, trainers, and community service sites across the U.S.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partner organizations and consultants; monitor deliverables and ensure quality control of subcontracted components.

Staff and Logistics Oversight

• Supervise program staff, interns, or temporary personnel supporting the exchange(s); delegate responsibilities and maintain timelines.
• Oversee participant support services including travel logistics, health and safety protocols, chaperoning, and host family engagement.
• Ensure appropriate staff-to-participant ratios and risk management procedures are in place during travel and programming.

Participant Support and Engagement

• Provide guidance and supervision to youth participants and adult mentors throughout their exchange experience.
• Design and implement interactive, age-appropriate workshops, teambuilding, cultural activities, and service-learning experiences.
• Facilitate leadership development and community project planning sessions to prepare participants for post-program follow-on projects.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Support the development and implementation of a Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) aligned with ECA's MODE Framework.
• Collect and analyze participant data and survey responses; document outcomes in accordance with federal reporting requirements.
• Prepare narrative and financial reports, success stories, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in international relations, education, youth development, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience managing international exchange, youth development, or leadership programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-delegation logistics and multi-phase programs.
• Experience in cross-cultural communication, youth development, and/or working with international participants.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of on-time and on-budget program delivery.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including report writing and public presentation.
• Familiarity with U.S. Department of State exchange programs, grants administration, and federal compliance.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working on programs involving sub-Saharan Africa.
• Proficiency in French or Portuguese.
• First aid/CPR training or experience managing youth in residential or travel settings.

Work Environment and Travel

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, especially during exchange program implementation.
• Domestic travel required to program sites and orientation sessions; international travel may be requested.
• Must be able to pass a background check and meet duty of care protocols for youth programs.

Please note: This position is contingent upon securing funding.

BENEFITS

This position is eligible for healthcare benefits.

American Councils is committed to providing employment opportunities for all individuals, in accordance with current federal regulations. Our focus is on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities based on merit.

American Councils' commitment to employment opportunity is driven by federal requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (supporting individuals with disabilities) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) (protecting covered veterans). We also ensure our employment practices comply with all applicable regulations, including E-Verify requirements for work eligibility. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and grow, in full compliance with federal law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.