Programs Specialist- Youth Engagement and Leadership Development

Programs Specialist- Youth Engagement and Leadership Development

Apply locations Ontario time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday job requisition id JR100040

Become a changemaker with Islamic Relief Canada! Join our team and work towards our mission to mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.

Location: Hybrid

About the Department:

The Special Programs Department at Islamic Relief Canada drives impactful and innovative initiatives to address diverse global needs through strategic project management and international collaboration. Our team oversees the Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program offering unique opportunities for Canadian volunteers to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian development and the Gifts in Kind Program which is dedicated to sending in-kind donations, primarily medical equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals, to developing countries to build health infrastructure's capacities and address emergency needs. By joining our department, you'll contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference in communities around the world, while supporting volunteers in their journey to create lasting change.

Job Purpose:

The Program Specialist for Youth Engagement and Leadership Development will design, implement, and manage initiatives to empower youth to become change-makers and community leaders. This role focuses on fostering youth participation in community service, leadership development programs, and passion projects, all aligned with Islamic Relief’s mission and values. The ideal candidate has experience in youth programming, leadership training, and a commitment to social change.

This role also serves as a key contributor to the Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program, ensuring youth participants are engaged in meaningful leadership and service opportunities that foster personal growth, civic responsibility, and a commitment to humanitarian values.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development & Implementation

• Design and implement youth-focused leadership and community service programs, including the Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program.

• Create interactive workshops and learning modules on leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.

• Lead the development of curricula that foster personal growth, leadership, and civic responsibility among youth participants.

• Ensure alignment of all programs with Islamic Relief’s mission, values, and goals for youth leadership and service.

Youth Engagement & Outreach

• Engage with youth communities to encourage participation in leadership and development initiatives.

• Build strong partnerships with schools, youth organizations, and community groups to promote programs and recruit participants.

• Coordinate youth engagement events, including leadership camps, workshops, and field trips focused on community service and personal development.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train, and manage the volunteers participating in youth leadership and development projects.

• Provide ongoing mentorship and support to youth volunteers, ensuring their leadership skills are nurtured and developed.

• Help lead the Inspire Volunteer Abroad cohorts, providing guidance and support during their trips and volunteer experiences.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Track and evaluate program outcomes and participants’ feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

• Prepare regular reports on the impact of youth leadership initiatives, including success stories and areas for growth.

• Develop tools to assess the leadership growth and development of participants.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NGOs, schools, and local governments, to enhance program offerings and expand outreach.

• Liaise with community leaders and experts to introduce new opportunities for youth leadership development.

Advocacy & Representation

• Represent Islamic Relief Canada at youth forums, leadership conferences, and community events to advocate for youth empowerment.

• Promote the vision and mission of Islamic Relief and the Inspire Program to broader audiences.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Education, International Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

• 3-5 years of experience in youth development, leadership training, or community service program management.

• Proven experience in designing and delivering youth programs with measurable outcomes.

• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people and build strong networks.

• Passionate about youth empowerment and social change, with a commitment to fostering a culture of service.

• Experience working in cross-cultural environments, with knowledge of youth development in international contexts, is a plus.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools.

• Fluent in English; Ability to communicate in French and other languages is an asset.

• Strong travel experience.

• Must be eligible to work in Canada.

Personal Qualities:

• Self-motivated, passionate, and a natural leader.

• Strong empathy and the ability to inspire youth from diverse backgrounds.

• A commitment to Islamic Relief’s values of Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice, and Custodianship.

*Please note: this position may require mandatory travel to IR projects worldwide and across Canada.

Starting Salary:

$58,500.00

Please note: The posted starting salary is intended to provide potential candidates with a general understanding of the compensation associated with the position. The actual salary offered will start at this figure, with adjustments possible based on individual qualifications and other relevant factors.

About Us

Islamic Relief works with communities to strengthen their resilience to calamities, and we provide vital emergency aid when disasters occur.

We help the impoverished access basic services, including education, water and sanitation, as well as healthcare. We provide lasting routes out of poverty through our sustainable development schemes. Our integrated approach to progress is transforming communities worldwide.

We tackle the root causes of poverty and make sure that the world’s most vulnerable people have real influence in both our programs and advocacy.

If you are committed to alleviating suffering worldwide and tackling poverty, and like the values and ethos Islamic Relief adheres to, we look forward to receiving your application for any appropriate vacancy.