Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Youth Program Officer
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: KES 80,000–100,000 Monthly (Estimated)
• Category/Department: Conservation Strategy, Impact and Learning
• Reporting To: Senior Manager, Youth Leadership Program
• Application Deadline: August 5, 2025
• Reference Number: YOUTH001308

Introduction

An exciting Youth Program Officer opportunity awaits a passionate professional in Nairobi, Kenya, to join the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), a leading conservation organization dedicated to ensuring wildlife and wildlands thrive in modern Africa. This role is ideal for individuals committed to empowering youth in conservation, offering a platform to coordinate the AWF Alumni Community and drive innovative youth projects like the AWF GIS Fellowship and the We Are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge. As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in fostering youth leadership, building partnerships, and advancing conservation initiatives, contributing to AWF’s mission of promoting sustainable development and human rights-based conservation across Kenya and beyond.

About African Wildlife Foundation

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, is a premier conservation organization registered as a 501(c)(3) in the United States and a charity in the United Kingdom and Canada. Operating across Africa, AWF focuses on ensuring wildlife and wildlands thrive through innovative conservation strategies. With a strong commitment to youth engagement, AWF’s Youth Leadership Program has trained 108 fellows as of 2025, fostering a growing alumni community dedicated to conservation action. AWF’s Strategic Vision 2020–2030 emphasizes rights-based conservation, integrating human rights into its core principles to promote sustainable development. The organization values collaboration, innovation, and community impact, offering a dynamic workplace for professionals passionate about conservation and youth empowerment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and drive the AWF Alumni Community, fostering engagement and collaboration among alumni to advance conservation initiatives.
• Coordinate the AWF GIS Fellowship, ensuring effective recruitment and supervision of experts and trainees.
• Manage the We Are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge, overseeing participant recruitment and project implementation.
• Support training, innovation, and growth opportunities for socially and environmentally impact-oriented start-ups.
• Develop workplans for youth programs, ensuring timely delivery of activities and alignment with AWF’s strategic goals.
• Maintain records on technical and financial aspects of program operations, including monitoring project activities and outcomes.
• Document minutes, decisions, and recommendations from meetings and workshops to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Establish partnerships with stakeholders to support the AWF Leadership Community and emerging youth initiatives.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including ministries, donors, NGOs, and community-based organizations, to maintain effective communication.
• Generate ideas for products and initiatives that communicate the impactful stories of young conservation leaders.
• Collaborate with AWF’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team to develop and analyze program metrics.
• Track program indicators and use findings to inform youth programming strategies and outcomes.
• Work with the communications and knowledge management teams to document and disseminate significant change stories.
• Support administrative tasks and other services as required to ensure program success.
• Promote AWF’s rights-based conservation approach, ensuring all activities align with human rights principles.
• Engage youth via social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, to enhance program visibility.
• Facilitate in-person and online discussions to foster community engagement and knowledge sharing among youth.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Conservation, Business, or Social Sciences from a recognized institution.
• At least 3 years of experience in coordinating alumni programs or managing youth-focused projects.
• Extensive experience in engaging youth via social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
• Strong coordination and time management skills, with the ability to develop and implement workplans effectively.
• Good multicultural and interpersonal skills, with experience networking with diverse stakeholders, including ministries, donors, private sector, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
• Proven written, analytical, presentation, and reporting skills, with proficiency in computing tools such as Microsoft Office.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and French, ensuring effective communication across diverse regions.
• Keen interest in conservation and alignment with AWF’s mission to ensure wildlife and wildlands thrive.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or in international organizations is an added advantage.
• Significant international experience in related disciplines can substitute for degree relevance.
• Experience in facilitating in-person and online discussions is highly desirable.

Company Culture and Values

The African Wildlife Foundation fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and impact, creating a dynamic environment where employees are empowered to drive conservation and youth empowerment. AWF values diversity, inclusion, and rights-based conservation, ensuring all team members respect and promote human rights in their work. With a commitment to professional growth, AWF provides opportunities for training and collaboration, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about conservation, youth leadership, and sustainable development in Africa.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Youth Program Officer position. Candidates must submit the following documents:

• Updated CV detailing relevant experience and contact information (telephone and email address).
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the role and alignment with AWF’s mission and requirements.
• Copies of academic certificates, including your Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal at Apply for Youth Program Officer Jobs in Nairobi. Include your email and telephone contact details, as these will be used to schedule interviews. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and required to produce originals of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, testimonials, and a valid clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) during interviews. The application deadline is August 5, 2025.

AWF is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via the provided email or phone number for further instructions.

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Tags

Youth Program Officer, Conservation Jobs Nairobi, AWF Careers 2025, Youth Leadership Jobs Kenya, Environmental Jobs Nairobi

Why Pursue a Career as a Youth Program Officer with AWF?

The Youth Program Officer role with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact in conservation and youth empowerment in Nairobi, Kenya. This position is ideal for professionals passionate about fostering youth leadership, coordinating innovative projects, and advancing sustainable conservation efforts. As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll work at the intersection of conservation, youth engagement, and community development, driving initiatives like the AWF GIS Fellowship and the We Are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge. With a strong focus on AWF’s rights-based conservation approach, this role provides a platform to empower young leaders and promote environmental sustainability across Africa.

The Role of a Youth Program Officer

As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll be responsible for coordinating the AWF Alumni Community, currently comprising 108 fellows, and managing emerging youth projects. Your work will involve designing community engagement strategies, overseeing the AWF GIS Fellowship, and facilitating the We Are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge. By developing workplans, maintaining records, and building partnerships, you’ll ensure the timely and effective implementation of youth initiatives, aligning with AWF’s mission to ensure wildlife and wildlands thrive in modern Africa.

Career Growth and Skill Development

The Youth Program Officer position offers significant opportunities for professional growth in conservation and youth leadership. Working with AWF, you’ll develop expertise in program coordination, community engagement, social media management, and project management, which are highly transferable skills across the conservation and non-profit sectors. The role provides hands-on experience in facilitating discussions, managing partnerships, and implementing monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) tools, preparing you for advanced roles in conservation strategy or youth development.

Impacting Conservation and Youth Empowerment

Your work as a Youth Program Officer will directly contribute to empowering young conservation leaders and advancing sustainable development in Kenya and beyond. By coordinating the AWF Alumni Community and projects like the AWF GIS Fellowship, you’ll foster a network of youth committed to conservation action and policy. Your efforts in documenting significant change stories and engaging stakeholders will amplify the impact of AWF’s programs, benefiting ecosystems and communities across Africa.

Working in Nairobi: A Hub for Conservation

Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, is a global hub for conservation and development, making it an ideal location for the Youth Program Officer role. Based at AWF’s headquarters, you’ll work in a dynamic environment with access to international networks, conservation experts, and innovative projects. Nairobi’s strategic importance ensures your work will have a significant impact, connecting local initiatives with global conservation goals.

Collaboration and Community Building

The Youth Program Officer role requires close collaboration with AWF’s global teams, including communications, knowledge management, and MEAL departments. Your interpersonal skills and networking abilities will be critical in building partnerships with ministries, donors, NGOs, and community-based organizations. By facilitating in-person and online discussions, you’ll foster a vibrant alumni community and enhance youth engagement in conservation across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Commitment to Rights-Based Conservation

AWF’s Strategic Vision 2020–2030 emphasizes rights-based conservation, ensuring human rights are integrated into all activities. As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll promote this approach by respecting and protecting human rights in all stakeholder interactions, regardless of ethnic group, gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or class. Your commitment to AWF’s values will ensure conservation initiatives are inclusive, equitable, and impactful.

Leveraging Social Media for Youth Engagement

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging youth, and as a Youth Program Officer, you’ll leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok to connect with young conservation leaders. Your extensive experience in social media engagement will help amplify AWF’s initiatives, share inspiring stories, and build a vibrant online community dedicated to conservation and youth leadership.

Monitoring and Evaluation for Impact

The Youth Program Officer role involves working with AWF’s MEAL team to develop and analyze program metrics, ensuring initiatives like the AWF GIS Fellowship and We Are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge deliver measurable outcomes. By tracking indicators and documenting change stories, you’ll provide data-driven insights that inform AWF’s youth programming and enhance its impact across Africa.

Building Partnerships for Success

Partnerships are key to the success of AWF’s youth programs. As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and community organizations. Your networking skills will ensure the AWF Alumni Community and emerging initiatives have the support needed to thrive, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Why This Role Stands Out

The Youth Program Officer position with AWF is a unique opportunity to join a leading conservation organization with an estimated salary of KES 80,000–100,000 monthly. This full-time role offers the chance to work at the forefront of youth leadership and conservation, coordinating impactful projects in Nairobi, a global hub for environmental innovation. With a focus on community building, project management, and rights-based conservation, this position provides both professional growth and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Africa’s conservation landscape.

Preparing for Success

To excel as a Youth Program Officer, you’ll need to leverage your coordination skills, time management abilities, and passion for conservation. Your fluency in English and French, combined with your experience in social media engagement, will ensure effective communication with diverse audiences. By staying proactive and collaborative, you’ll drive the success of AWF’s youth initiatives and contribute to its mission of sustainable conservation.

Aligning with Your Career Goals

The Youth Program Officer role is ideal for individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Conservation, Business, or Social Sciences and at least 3 years of experience in alumni coordination or project management. It offers hands-on experience in youth leadership, conservation strategy, and community engagement, aligning with career aspirations in conservation, youth development, and non-profit management. Your work with AWF will build a strong foundation for future leadership roles in these fields.

The Future of Conservation and Youth Leadership in Kenya

Conservation and youth leadership are critical to Kenya’s sustainable development, with increasing demand for innovative programs that empower young leaders. As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll be at the forefront of this transformation, coordinating initiatives that shape the future of conservation. By fostering a vibrant alumni community and driving projects like the AWF GIS Fellowship, you’ll contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship and youth empowerment.

Joining AWF’s Vision

By joining AWF as a Youth Program Officer, you’ll become part of an organization committed to ensuring wildlife and wildlands thrive in modern Africa. With a focus on rights-based conservation, your work will promote inclusivity, equity, and sustainability, aligning with AWF’s Strategic Vision 2020–2030. Based in Nairobi, your contributions will strengthen AWF’s impact, creating opportunities for youth and communities across Africa.

The Role of Technology in Youth Engagement

Technology, particularly social media, plays a pivotal role in engaging young conservation leaders. As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok to connect with alumni and participants, sharing stories of impact and inspiring action. Your ability to leverage digital tools will enhance the visibility of AWF’s youth programs, making them accessible to a global audience.

Empowering the Next Generation

The Youth Program Officer role is about empowering the next generation of conservation leaders. By coordinating the AWF Alumni Community and projects like the We Are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge, you’ll provide young people with the tools, networks, and opportunities to drive change. Your work will inspire youth in Nairobi and beyond to take action for wildlife and wildlands, creating a lasting legacy.

Building a Global Network

AWF’s international presence, with operations in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, offers opportunities to build a global network. As a Youth Program Officer, you’ll connect with international stakeholders, including donors and conservation organizations, enhancing the impact of AWF’s youth programs. Your multicultural skills will ensure effective collaboration across diverse regions and cultures.

Promoting Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is at the core of AWF’s mission, and as a Youth Program Officer, you’ll promote initiatives that balance environmental conservation with human well-being. By supporting start-ups with social and environmental impact, you’ll foster innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to sustainable economic growth in Kenya and across Africa.

Final Thoughts

The Youth Program Officer role with AWF is an unparalleled opportunity to advance your career in conservation and youth leadership in Nairobi, Kenya. With a focus on coordinating alumni communities, managing innovative projects, and promoting rights-based conservation, this position offers both professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact. Apply today to join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering youth and ensuring wildlife and wildlands thrive in modern Africa.

Disclaimer: JobKenya.org is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the African Wildlife Foundation directly via the application link provided. Please do not send applications to JobKenya.org, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we may not respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.