National General Secretary (NGS) 801 views

Position Summary

The National General Secretary (NGS) is the chief executive officer of The Gambia YMCA National Secretariat. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for The Gambia YMCA, ensuring delivery of its mission, strong governance support to the National Council, effective programme implementation, and sound financial and staff management.

Purpose of the Role

To lead the day-to-day management of The Gambia YMCA, translate the decisions of the National Council into action, and provide effective leadership to staff, branches and partners so that the YMCA delivers quality programmes and sustainable impact across The Gambia.

Key Responsibilities

The NGS will be responsible for the following key areas:

Governance Support and Secretariat Administration

• Serve as an ex‑officio officer of the National Council and provide timely, accurate information to support decision‑making.
• Manage official correspondence and maintain proper records and filing systems for the Association.
• Prepare meeting agendas in consultation with the Chairperson and ensure minutes are recorded, approved and safely archived.
• Ensure that adequate minutes and records are kept for National Council meetings, National Executive Committee meetings, and sub‑committees/branches.
• Coordinate implementation of National Council resolutions and provide regular progress updates.

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development

• Provide leadership for strategic planning, annual work planning and performance management across the Movement.
• Promote the aims, objectives, and values of the YMCA across all branches and programmes.
• Drive organisational growth, innovation and quality improvement, including systems strengthening and staff capacity building.
• Support branch development, supervision, mentoring, and compliance with national standards and policies.

Programme Leadership, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

• Create and attract sustainable revenue to run the YMCA’s activities and meet operational costs, including staff salaries and statutory obligations.
• Develop and implement a diversified income strategy (grants, partnerships, membership contributions, corporate sponsorships, and social enterprise/fee‑based services where appropriate).
• Lead high‑quality project concept development and proposal writing, including logical frameworks, budgets, and donor‑compliant documentation.
• Strengthen donor relations and ensure timely reporting, compliance, and stewardship to enable repeat funding and long‑term partnerships.
• Provide overall leadership for programme design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting.
• Build and manage partnerships with Government institutions, local authorities, donors, faith/community leaders, private sector and civil society.
• Lead fundraising and resource mobilisation efforts, including proposal development, donor stewardship and diversification of income.
• Represent The Gambia YMCA at national, regional and international forums, including Africa Alliance of YMCAs and World YMCA platforms.

Human Resources Management and Staff Discipline

• Lead and manage the Secretariat team; set clear performance expectations and conduct regular reviews.
• Oversee recruitment, appointment and termination of staff in line with approved policies, procedures and National Council guidance.
• Ensure staff discipline and fair workplace practices, including grievance management and a safe working environment.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, inclusion and safeguarding.
• Ensure that employment practices meet the requirements of The Gambia’s Labour Act, 2023 and other applicable laws.

Financial Management, Compliance and Risk

• Support the National Council and Treasurer to ensure sound financial management, internal controls, and compliance with approved budgets.
• Oversee day‑to‑day financial operations, cash flow planning, procurement oversight and proper financial documentation.
• Ensure statutory compliance (e.g., payroll set‑up and required social security contributions) and timely reporting to regulators and donors.
• Lead organisational risk management, including safeguarding, security, reputational and operational risks.
• Ensure data confidentiality and appropriate handling of staff and applicant information.

Key Deliverables / Performance Indicators

• Annual work plan and budget developed and delivered with quarterly performance reports.
• Timely and accurate governance documentation (agendas, minutes, reports, policies).
• Improved programme outcomes with credible M&E evidence and donor‑compliant reporting.
• Strong staff performance management system with clear targets and regular reviews.
• Clean audit outcomes and strengthened internal controls and compliance.
• Increased resource mobilisation (funding, partnerships, and local income initiatives).

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Management, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Finance or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of development practice (e.g., project cycle management, results-based management, M&E, and donor compliance).
• Demonstrated experience in NGO work and/or non‑profit leadership, preferably in youth development, community development, or a similar mission‑driven setting.
• Proven project writing skills, including developing concepts, writing proposals, preparing donor budgets and logframes, and producing quality reports.
• At least 8 –10 years of progressive leadership/management experience, preferably in an NGO, faith-based organisation, youth development, or a similar mission-driven institution.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme management, and leading teams.
• Strong understanding of governance processes, HR management, and financial stewardship.
• Proven fundraising/resource mobilisation and partnership management experience.
• Knowledge of the Gambian operating environment and ability to work effectively with communities and public institutions.
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strong proposal and report writing skills (concept notes, proposals, logframes and donor reports).
• Leadership and people management (coaching, delegation, accountability).
• High integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism aligned to YMCA values.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinking, planning, and execution discipline.
• Financial literacy and ability to interpret budgets and financial reports.
• Negotiation, partnership-building, and fundraising skills.
• Strong problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making under pressure.
• Digital literacy (email, office productivity tools, basic data/reporting tools).

Safeguarding and Ethics

The Gambia YMCA is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. The successful candidate will be required to adhere to YMCA safeguarding policies and may be asked to complete reference checks and other integrity checks.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Gambia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and employment decisions are made on merit and the inherent requirements of the job. We do not discriminate in recruitment, selection, training, promotion or other employment practices.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter addressing suitability for the role
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three (3) referees
• Copies of relevant qualifications and certificates
• Contact details of referees (one must be a recent supervisor)

Please send your CV and other relevant documents to rsenghore@ymca.gm.

The deadline for submission is June 22nd, 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

The Gambia YMCA reserves the right to verify the qualifications and conduct due diligence checks.

For enquiries, please call the following numbers:

7781524, 7622808, 7057681 or 3779205