Position: Project Lead
Organization: Zorig Foundation
Project: Sustainable Employment for Youth Program (SEYP) Phase 3
Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Oct 15, 2025
About Zorig Foundation:
Zorig Foundation (ZF) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social development and youth empowerment in Mongolia. With a mission to create a more equitable and inclusive society, we focus on improving the lives of underserved populations through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. Our initiatives span various sectors, including education and community development, with the aim of fostering sustainable growth and positive change in society. As we embark on the third phase of the Sustainable Employment for Youth Program (SEYP) and develop our institutional Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Project Lead and M&E Officer to successfully guide these critical initiatives.
About SEYP:
The SEYP initiative, funded by the Lorinet Foundation in Phase 1 and the Australian government in Phase 2, enabled Zorig Foundation (ZF) to target unemployed university graduates and facilitate their transition to employment. Phase 1 focused on developing and testing an effective curriculum, close collaboration with employers and proving the need for career services. Phase 2 aimed at piloting partnerships with universities with an aim to identify long-term strategies to enhance their career services. Additionally, ZF launched a successful social media campaign to highlight the issue of youth unemployment. Our findings emphasize the urgent need to address the systemic issue of bridging the disconnect between higher education outcomes and labor market demands in Mongolia, which can be achieved by strengthening the career services offered by local universities.
Drawing from our learnings and global evidence, ZF with funding support from Lorinet Foundation is now delivering the SEYP Phase 3 (2024 – 2027) - Upscaling Sustainable Employment for Youth Program. This phase aims to enhance the career services of Mongolian universities, supporting the transition of university graduates into the labor market and addressing the unemployment among them. To achieve this, ZF will work directly with the system, leverage existing policy priorities and deploy a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach, working across the following objectives:
- Assist core partner university in enhancing its capacity to offer effective career services.
- Develop an adaptable career guidance framework and advocate for its wider adoption among local universities.
- Build awareness about importance of prioritizing graduate employability, and advocating for the expansion of career services as well as coordinated efforts among key stakeholders.
Job Summary:
The Project Lead will play a crucial role in guiding the SEYP Phase 3 initiative to successful completion. This role encompasses overseeing all aspects of the project, ensuring that objectives are met efficiently and effectively. The Project Lead will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans aligned with the project’s goals, managing day-to-day activities, and addressing challenges as they arise to ensure successful project delivery.
A significant aspect of this role involves supporting the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) planning for both SEYP and ZF. The Project Lead will work closely with the project team to integrate M&E strategies into the project framework, ensuring that monitoring and evaluation activities are aligned with project objectives and funder requirements. This includes developing a comprehensive M&E plan, tracking progress, and utilizing data to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
In addition to strategy and M&E planning, the Project Lead will coordinate with team members and external partners to foster effective collaboration and communication throughout the project. They will be responsible for producing detailed reports that highlight progress, achievements, and areas needing attention. Managing stakeholder communications will be essential, ensuring that the needs and expectations of partners and funders are met and that they are kept informed of project developments.
The Project Lead will also support human resource-related activities, ensuring that the project team is utilized effectively and provided with the necessary support to perform their roles efficiently. Strong strategic planning and organizational skills, combined with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with diverse teams, are crucial for this position.
Key Responsibilities:
Comprehensive Project Oversight and Leadership:
- Lead and manage the full lifecycle of SEYP Phase 3, ensuring strategic coherence and alignment with project goals and expected outcomes.
- Coordinate across all components and activities of the project, ensuring effective integration and synergy between different workstreams and stakeholders.
- Provide guidance and supervision to internal teams, contractors, and partners to ensure efficient and high-quality implementation.
- Monitor progress, identify potential risks early, and lead adaptive management processes to ensure long-term success.
- Represent the project and Zorig Foundation in high-level meetings, donor briefings, public engagements, and other strategic partners.
- Take full ownership of project performance, ensuring responsiveness to evolving context, partner expectations, and strategic objectives.
Reporting and Communication:
- Develop and deliver comprehensive project reports that highlight progress, challenges, and key outcomes.
- Manage stakeholder communications to ensure transparency, accountability, and strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Oversee the implementation of M&E processes, monitoring progress, and ensuring data-driven decision-making.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Political Science, Policy, Statistics, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience with a strong track record in project management and M&E frameworks.
- Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing M&E plans, reporting, and stakeholder communication.
- Experience managing human resource-intensive activities within a project context.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong proficiency in written and verbal English communication within professional contexts.