Remote Job at The International Youth Foundation (IYF)

International Youth Foundation (IYF) Recruitment 2026: Regional Director, Africa (Sub-Saharan) – Remote Job

The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is inviting applications from highly experienced professionals for the position of Regional Director, Africa (Sub-Saharan).

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced development professional to lead IYF’s regional strategy, expand its partnerships and funding base, oversee programme quality and drive youth development initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The position is fully remote and offers an annual gross salary of USD $120,000–$140,000.

Job Details

Organisation: International Youth Foundation (IYF)
Position: Regional Director, Africa (Sub-Saharan)
Job Level: Director II
Location: Fully Remote – Sub-Saharan Africa
Preferred Countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: USD $120,000–$140,000 gross per year
Experience Required: Minimum of 12 years
Education: Master’s degree preferred
Supervisor: Chief Program Officer
Application Deadline: Not specified in the supplied vacancy details.

About the Organisation

The International Youth Foundation (IYF) works to empower young people by expanding access to opportunities that help them build better futures.

Through partnerships, programmes and innovative solutions, IYF supports youth development, education, employment and skills development across different regions.

Position Summary

The Regional Director will provide strategic leadership for IYF’s operations and programme portfolio across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The successful candidate will have a dual responsibility:

Expand IYF’s business development, funding opportunities and strategic partnerships across the region.
Provide senior-level programme leadership and oversee the successful delivery of regional initiatives.

The role involves building relationships with institutional donors, governments, corporations, foundations and development partners while strengthening country teams, managing operational risks and ensuring programme impact.

The Regional Director will also serve as a member of IYF’s Senior Leadership Team and contribute to the organisation’s global strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

1. Organisational Strategy

Lead the development and implementation of IYF’s regional strategy.
Define the organisation’s growth strategy, operating model and country presence across Africa.
Develop innovative, multi-sectoral programmes aligned with IYF’s strategic priorities.
Ensure regional activities deliver measurable impact and meet organisational standards.

2. Business Development and Funder Engagement

Lead high-level engagement with donors, foundations, corporations and institutional funders.
Identify new funding opportunities and develop a strong regional business pipeline.
Manage opportunities from initial prospecting and proposal development through negotiations and signed agreements.
Lead strategic proposals and high-level partnership negotiations.
Develop innovative funding models and cross-sector partnerships.
Maintain accurate opportunity forecasts and pipeline information using Salesforce.
Strengthen relationships with existing funders to encourage programme renewals and expansion.

3. Programme Leadership and Executive Sponsorship

Provide strategic direction for IYF’s regional programme portfolio.
Serve as the senior programme representative and executive sponsor for regional initiatives.
Maintain strategic relationships with funders and consortium partners.
Ensure programmes achieve agreed outputs and outcomes within approved budgets and donor requirements.
Promote adaptive learning and programme innovation across different country contexts.

4. Programme Quality and Operational Excellence

Strengthen the technical, financial and management capacity of country teams.
Ensure effective programme monitoring, accountability and risk management.
Promote responsible resource management and compliance with donor requirements.
Support evidence-based learning and continuous improvement.

5. External Representation

Represent IYF at high-level meetings, conferences, events and stakeholder engagements.
Strengthen the organisation’s visibility and reputation across the region.
Build relationships that create opportunities for new partnerships and institutional growth.

6. Team Leadership and Supervision

Supervise programme leads and country-level teams.
Support staff development, coaching and mentoring.
Strengthen team performance and accountability.
Contribute to IYF’s global institutional strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements and Qualifications

Interested applicants should possess the following:

Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience in designing and managing youth development, employment, education or skills programmes.
Equivalent senior-level experience in the technology, education, philanthropy or social impact sectors may also be considered.
Significant professional experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Knowledge of youth employment and social services programmes, particularly education and health, is strongly preferred.
Proven experience developing business opportunities from initial engagement to signed agreements.
Experience working with institutional donors, including multilateral, bilateral, corporate and foundation funders.
Strong background in securing funding and developing cross-sector partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to develop innovative funding models and partnerships that combine social impact with business or policy outcomes.
Excellent leadership, management, supervisory and analytical skills.
Strong experience in coaching, mentoring and strengthening organisational systems.
Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
Proficiency in French, Portuguese or other regional languages is highly desirable.
Ability to use AI tools, CRM systems and data platforms to support research, outreach and partnership development.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently within Africa and internationally when required.
Strong commitment to youth empowerment and social and economic development.

Educational Qualification:

Master’s degree in Economics, Education, Social Sciences, Business or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
A Bachelor’s degree with commensurate professional experience is also acceptable.

Location and Work Arrangement

This is a fully remote position based in Sub-Saharan Africa.

IYF particularly encourages applications from candidates residing in:

Nigeria
Kenya
Ghana
South Africa

Outstanding candidates based in other Sub-Saharan African countries may also be considered.

Important: Applicants must already have legal authority to live and work in the country where they will be hired. IYF will not provide work authorisation or employ expatriates for this position.

Salary and Compensation

Annual Gross Salary: USD $120,000–$140,000

The position is classified as Director II.

Ideal Candidate Profile

IYF is looking for leaders who are:

Purpose-driven and passionate about youth development.
Accountable and capable of delivering results with minimal supervision.
Innovative, growth-oriented and committed to continuous learning.
Empathetic, collaborative and effective in multicultural environments.
Experienced in building partnerships and leading high-performing teams.

IYF also encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official IYF recruitment portal, review the complete job description and submit their applications online.

Application Link

Position: Regional Director, Africa (Sub-Saharan)

Location: Remote – Sub-Saharan Africa

Salary: USD $120,000–$140,000 gross annually

Deadline: Not stated in the supplied vacancy information. Check the official application portal for updates.