Network Development Lead Recruitment
Position: Network Development Lead – Al Sharq Youth
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Type: Full-Time
Duration: 2 years
Application Deadline: 4 July 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Build the Network Behind the Movement
Al Sharq Youth is looking for a Network Development Lead to grow, activate, and strengthen its global network of hubs, members, and youth communities.
The Network Development Lead will work closely with hub Coordinators, regional coordinators, network members, alumni, and internal teams to support Al Sharq Youth hubs around the globe, improve member engagement, and create meaningful pathways for young people to contribute, lead, and grow within the ecosystem.
This is a role for someone who understands community-building, youth engagement, leadership development, and ecosystem thinking. The ideal candidate should be able to build systems, support local teams, strengthen communication, and help turn Al Sharq Youth into a more active, connected, and impactful global network.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Network & Hub Development
Lead the growth and development of Al Sharq Youth’s global network and local hubs.
This includes supporting existing hubs, helping establish new ones, strengthening local leadership, and ensuring that hubs have the clarity, tools, and support needed to remain active and impactful.
2. Network Members Recruitment & Onboarding
Design and oversee member recruitment, onboarding, and activation journeys.
The Network Development Lead should help create a clear experience for new members, from joining the network to understanding its mission, finding opportunities, and becoming active contributors.
3. Engagement & Activation
Develop initiatives, programs, and activities that keep members engaged throughout the year.
This includes creating pathways for members to join programs, lead initiatives, contribute to local hubs, collaborate across regions, and take ownership within the network.
4. Hub & Regional Coordination
Support regional and hub coordinators in building active and sustainable local communities.
This includes regular follow-up, guidance, coordination meetings, capacity-building support, and helping hub teams overcome challenges.
5. Programs & Initiatives for Network Development
Design and coordinate programs, activities, and initiatives that support network growth, hub establishment, community activation, and engagement with programs developed by Al Sharq Youth.
These may include onboarding programs, leadership circles, hub development tracks, member challenges, regional gatherings, online sessions, local initiatives, and mechanisms that connect members to Al Sharq’s programs, opportunities, and activities while encouraging active participation and contribution.
6. Communication & Collaboration
Strengthen communication and collaboration across hubs, regions, members, and internal teams.
The Network Development Lead should help ensure that members feel connected to the wider Al Sharq Youth ecosystem and that opportunities, updates, and resources are shared clearly.
7. Systems, Tracking & Learning
Develop simple systems to track participation, hub activity, member engagement, and overall network health.
The role includes documenting progress, identifying challenges, collecting feedback, and improving the network model over time.
8. Ecosystem & Partnership Support
Identify opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and ecosystem connections that can support hub growth and member development.
The Network Development Lead will also work closely with the programs, media, conference, and leadership teams to connect the network with Al Sharq Youth’s wider activities.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who combines community-building, strategic thinking, coordination skills, and a strong belief in youth leadership.
The ideal candidate is someone who can work with people across different countries and cultures, support local leaders, build engagement systems, and create momentum inside a global network.
They should be comfortable with follow-up, communication, planning, facilitation, and turning ideas into practical systems and activities.
Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate should have:
- A bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Management, Communications, Engineering or a related field. A master’s degree is an advantage.
- At least 2 years of professional experience in community-building, youth work, civil society, network development, program management, membership engagement, or ecosystem-building.
- At least 2 years of experience in a coordination, leadership, or management role involving teams, volunteers, members and initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing community engagement strategies, programs, or youth-focused initiatives.
- Strong understanding of youth engagement, leadership development, and community-building methodologies.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, coordination, and follow-up skills.
- Experience working across regions, and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Skills & Competencies
The role requires a combination of network-building, program coordination, and leadership skills, including:
- Community and network development
- Program and initiative design
- Project and program management
- Volunteer and team coordination
- Stakeholder engagement
- Communication and follow-up
- Facilitation and community support
- Partnership and ecosystem engagement
- Data tracking and reporting
- Strategic thinking and planning
Language Requirements
English: Required
Arabic: Highly desirable
Turkish: A strong advantage
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Working Days: Monday – Friday
Location:
Al Sharq Forum Office
Yenibosna, Bahçelievler
Istanbul, Türkiye.