Programs Coordinator - PANKO Youth Center

Established in June 2020, PANKO Youth Center's mission is to provide a safe place and opportunities for less privileged children to learn skills necessary to develop their full potential. The center's thematic areas include Foundational skills, Transferable skills, Digital skills and job-specific skills.

Currently, the center runs after-school activities to support school-going children living in very rural communities with foundational skills to lift them out of extreme poverty. Located in the Sagnarigu District of the Northern region of Ghana, children come to the center every day for two hours after school to participate in programs, including; literacy and numeracy, book club, homework support, life skills, sports, and recreation.  

Job Description

REPORTS TO: Managing Director

SUMMARY

Reporting to and under the direction of the Managing Director, the Programs Coordinator provides the management, development and planning of programs. He/she encourages and promotes a supportive environment for the vulnerable children and youth to address barriers they may be experiencing. The Coordinator works in cooperation with individuals, groups, institutions and organizations to determine the needs of children and youth. He/she is responsible for developing creative programs and strategies to address the identified needs. The Coordinator also manages and supervises the youth center staff on a daily basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Program Management

• Develops and coordinates the implementation, and evaluation of the youth center programs
• Ensures the daily operation of the programs
• Works in partnership with community organizations
• Identify and report trends and priorities needed for children and youth in the community.  
• Determines the gaps in service delivery and recommends strategies for improvement
• Ensures that the programs adhere to the organizational objectives of the Centre
• Works collaboratively with other program staff at the Centre
• Develops and maintains an awareness of services and programs for children and youth in the region.
• Ensures implementation of policies, procedures and develops others if necessary.

Staff Management

• Manages program staff and volunteers: including training, guidance, supervision, facilitation of group meetings, development of work plans, as well as conducting performance evaluations.
• Ensures the management of staff holidays within the youth center programs
• Advises and gives support to staff when resolving problems
• Ensures leadership by encouraging communication, participation and motivation while fostering a positive team environment

Administrative and Financial Management of the Program

• Participates in creating the budget for programs in consultation with the Managing Director
• Participates in the application for funding in cooperation with the Managing Director.
• Submits statistics and program reports
• Ensures a safe filing system in accordance with the law for confidential documents related to staff and volunteers.
• Prepares and submits Newsletters.

Participation in teamwork

• Determines with the team the policies and objectives for all programs
• Actively participates in team meetings, professional development activities, staff retreat and other Centre activities
• Performs other relevant duties
• Develops and maintains an awareness of services and programs for children and youth in the region.
• Ensures implementation of policies, procedures and develops others if necessary.

Required Skills or Experience

• Must have a strong passion for working with children and youth.
• Must be creative and have strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to challenging situations.
• Minimum of HND or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or equivalent degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years experience managing programs and staff
• Minimum of 2 years experience working with children and youth.
• Capacity to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Capacity to work efficiently within a multidisciplinary team
• Strong ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong computer skills
• Proficiency in written and oral English; fluency in Dagbani is an added advantage.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends