Lead a Pan-African Initiative Empowering Refugee and Displaced Youth Across Africa
The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Project Director (DPD) under its flagship DREEM Phase II Programme (2026–2031). This senior leadership role offers experienced development professionals the opportunity to help shape one of Africa's most ambitious youth empowerment initiatives focused on refugee, displaced, and host community youth.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, oversee programme implementation, manage technical teams, coordinate partnerships, and support large-scale impact across multiple African countries.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a leading Canadian international development organization dedicated to creating educational and economic opportunities for young people worldwide.
Operating across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, WUSC works through innovative partnerships and locally driven solutions to help young people achieve meaningful futures and sustainable livelihoods.
About the DREEM Initiative
The Displaced and Refugee Youth Enabling Environment Mechanism (DREEM) is a large-scale Pan-African programme supporting refugee, displaced, and host community youth through education, employment, and economic inclusion initiatives.
Phase II of the programme will run from 2026 to 2031 and aims to expand access to education, strengthen local systems, and create dignified employment opportunities across Africa.
Programme Goals
Goal
Target
Employment Opportunities
1 Million Youth Reached Indirectly
Education Access
35,000 Youth Supported
Refugee Inclusion
Strengthened Across Africa
Higher Education Access
Expanded Opportunities
Refugee-Led Organizations Support
Enhanced Capacity Building
Preferred Duty Stations
Country
City
Kenya
Nairobi
Côte d'Ivoire
Abidjan
Ghana
Accra
Rwanda
Kigali
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Nigeria
Lagos
Candidates must already possess legal work authorization in their preferred duty station country.
Key Technical Areas
Technical Pillar
Focus Area
Refugee-Led Organization Engagement
Localization & Community Leadership
Technical Assistance Mechanism
Partner Capacity Support
Higher Education Inclusion
Access to Education Pathways
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Programme Leadership
Responsibility
Details
Programme Delivery
Achieve Annual Workplan Targets
Quality Assurance
Ensure Programme Effectiveness
Strategic Planning
Support Long-Term Programme Goals
Adaptive Management
Drive Continuous Improvement
Staff Leadership & Capacity Building
Responsibility
Details
Staff Mentoring
Coach Programme Teams
Leadership Development
Build Internal Capacity
Team Management
Supervise Technical Managers
Performance Support
Strengthen Programme Delivery
Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
Responsibility
Details
Partner Coordination
Manage Implementing Partners
Donor Engagement
Maintain Strategic Relationships
Government Collaboration
Work with National Stakeholders
Consultant Management
Coordinate Technical Experts
Important Dates
Event
Date
Applications Open
Currently Open
Application Review
Rolling Basis
Recruitment Closing
Until Position is Filled
Programme Duration
2026–2031
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Education
Master's Degree Required
Relevant Fields
International Development, Education, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or Related Fields
Applications are reviewed continuously, and recruitment may close once a suitable candidate is identified.
Why Should You Apply?
Reason
Benefit
Large-Scale Impact
Support One Million Youth
Senior Leadership Role
Strategic Programme Management
Pan-African Exposure
Multi-Country Experience
Refugee Inclusion Work
Meaningful Social Impact
International Development Career
High-Level Professional Growth
Global Partnerships
Collaborate with Leading Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the DREEM Programme?
DREEM is a Pan-African initiative supporting refugee, displaced, and host community youth through education and employment opportunities.
What position is being offered?
WUSC is recruiting a Deputy Project Director (DPD).
Is bilingual proficiency required?
Yes. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory.
What educational qualifications are required?
A Master's degree in a relevant field is required.
Which countries are preferred duty stations?
Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Is relocation support provided?
No. Candidates must already have legal work authorization in their chosen country.
What is the programme duration?
The DREEM Phase II programme will run from 2026 to 2031.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The WUSC DREEM Deputy Project Director Job 2026 is a rare leadership opportunity for experienced development professionals seeking to drive transformative change across Africa. With responsibility for a programme aiming to improve educational and employment outcomes for one million refugee and displaced youth, the role offers significant strategic influence, international exposure, and the chance to contribute to one of the continent's most impactful refugee inclusion initiatives. Candidates with strong bilingual communication skills, leadership experience, and expertise in refugee inclusion or international development should apply as early as possible due to the rolling recruitment process.
