Director of Projects Department

Job Announcement: Director of Projects Department

Position: Director of Projects Department

Location: Istanbul,Türkiye

Organization: The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), is an international, non-commercial, non-partisan organization uniting leading umbrella youth organizations from the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and was established in 2004.

About the ICYF

The ICYF is an international non-governmental organization committed to advancing youth empowerment, education, and sustainable development through collaborative partnerships with governments, institutions, and civil society organizations. Our mission is to uplift and empower young people through innovative programs and initiatives, contributing to global efforts in youth development.

The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) is dedicated to empowering Muslim youth by fostering solidarity, capacity building, and active participation in the social, economic, and cultural development of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation region and beyond through engagement with Muslim minority youth across the world. The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum’s unique mission is to promote sustainable development by equipping youth within the region with the skills and opportunities they need to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The ICYF actively engages youth in diverse activities, including decision-making processes, peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and diplomacy, to strengthen social cohesion and build sustainable, inclusive societies.

Position Overview:

The Director of the Projects Department will lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of youth-focused programs, ensuring their alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. This role requires a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of youth development, project management, policy-making, and international cooperation. The Director will oversee the implementation of key programs and lead efforts to scale youth development initiatives across various regions. The candidate must demonstrate alignment with the organization’s culture and a commitment to its core values.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Project Development:
   1. Lead the design, development, and implementation of youth development policies, strategies, and programs, ensuring alignment with international frameworks and the organization’s strategic goals.

1. 1. Oversee the creation of action plans, concept notes, roadmaps, and strategic initiatives that address critical issues facing youth across various regions.
   2. Provide oversight and ensure the proper execution of youth-focused projects, ensuring they are aligned with the organization’s mission to empower and elevate youth.
2. Building Strategic Partnerships & Global Collaboration:
   1. Build and maintain permanent strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, NGOs, and youth-led institutions, to enhance the impact of youth development efforts.
   2. Foster cross-sector partnerships to support the integration of youth empowerment priorities in global, regional, and national development agendas.
   3. Represent the ICYF at diplomatic missions, high-level meetings, and global policy forums, advocating for youth development and securing support for initiatives.
3. Financial Oversight & Resource Mobilization:
   1. Prepare and manage yearlong budgets for youth projects, ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively in line with program goals and organizational priorities.
   2. Lead resource mobilization efforts, identifying funding opportunities, writing proposals, and securing financial support from donors and partners.
   3. Oversee the allocation and efficient use of funds, ensuring financial sustainability and impact for youth development programs.
4. Youth Policy Advocacy & Global Representation:
   1. Lead global advocacy efforts for youth empowerment, ensuring youth priorities are integrated into broader international frameworks such as the SDGs and regional policy discussions.
   2. Advocate for the inclusion of youth perspectives in key decision-making processes at global, regional, and national levels, and represent the ICYF in high-level policy discussions.
   3. Draft reports, proposals, and presentations on the impact of youth development programs, ensuring clear and compelling messaging for stakeholders and policymakers.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:
   1. Direct the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing youth development projects, ensuring alignment with global and regional objectives.
   2. Prepare and present comprehensive reports to senior leadership, stakeholders, and external partners, ensuring transparency and accountability in program delivery.
   3. Provide data-driven insights for continuous improvement, refining strategies and programs based on evaluation outcomes.
6. Digital Transformation & Training Initiatives:
   1. Spearhead the integration of digital platforms into ongoing youth development projects, enhancing accessibility and scalability through digital solutions.
   2. Design and implement training programs that foster leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement among youth.
   3. Develop digital tools and resources to enable young people to access educational content and skills development opportunities remotely.
7. Knowledge of Youth Issues & Trends in the OIC Member States:
   1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of youth challenges and emerging trends within the OIC Member States, including education, employment, and social inclusion.
   2. Lead research efforts to understand regional youth dynamics, and use this knowledge to inform policy development and the design of youth-focused initiatives.
   3. Collaborate with regional and national stakeholders to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of youth development programs across diverse socio-political contexts.
8. Flexibility and International Travel:
   1. Willingness to travel frequently for missions, conferences, and diplomatic gatherings across regions to represent the organization, build partnerships, and attend key policy discussions.
   2. Prepare and present reports and proposals during missions and global conferences, ensuring high-level representation and influence on youth development matters.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Education, Project Management, or related fields.
  • A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• Experience:
  • At least 6 years of experience in youth development, project management, and policy advocacy, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role in the non-governmental or international development sector.
  • Proven track record of designing, managing, and implementing large-scale youth development programs across multiple regions.
  • Experience in preparing annual budgets, managing financial resources, and ensuring the financial sustainability of youth programs.
  • Extensive experience with drafting concept notes, action plans, roadmaps, and monitoring the progress of youth-related projects.
  • In-depth knowledge of youth issues, challenges, and emerging trends, particularly within the OIC Member States.
  • Familiarity with project cycle management (PCM), project management methodologies, and non-formal education frameworks.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership, project management, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage diverse teams and complex projects.
  • Expertise in youth policy development, advocacy, and global representation.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively in international policy discussions.
  • Proficiency in managing budgets, writing proposals, and securing funding for youth-related projects.
  • Digital literacy, with experience in integrating digital solutions into program implementation and monitoring.
• Competencies:
  • Ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, intergovernmental bodies, and civil society organizations.
  • Strong knowledge of youth development frameworks and a demonstrated capacity for driving change at the global, regional, and national levels.
  • High level of cultural sensitivity and the ability to navigate complex political, economic, and social environments across different regions.
  • Analytical thinking with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear, impactful manner.
• Language Requirements:
  • Proficiency in English is required for this position.
  • Arabic and French is considered a strong asset.

To apply, please send your CV to hr@icyforum.org