Women’s Football Development Officer

Are you passionate about the development of women’s and girls’ football and do you have the professional skills and experience to contribute to its sustainable growth across East and Central Africa? CECAFA is looking to recruit a Women’s Football Development Officer.

Responsibilities

Support the planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring of CECAFA’s women’s and girls’ football development programmes, working with the Women’s Football Development Department, Member Associations and relevant stakeholders to increase participation, strengthen development pathways and contribute to the sustainable growth of women’s football across the CECAFA region.

The position works within the Women’s Football Development Department.

• Support the implementation of CECAFA’s women’s football strategy, programmes and annual activities and contribute to initiatives aimed at increasing participation and opportunities for women and girls in football.
• Support CECAFA Member Associations in implementing women’s and girls’ football development programmes and maintain effective coordination with their respective women’s football contacts.
• Assist in identifying development needs, challenges and opportunities across the region and support initiatives that strengthen pathways for female players, coaches, referees, administrators and football leaders.
• Coordinate assigned women’s football programmes, workshops, seminars and capacity building activities, including relevant CAF and FIFA programmes implemented through or in collaboration with CECAFA.
• Coordinate Member Association participation, nominations, submissions, programme documentation and follow up relating to assigned women’s football activities.
• Work with the Competitions Department and other relevant CECAFA functions to support the development objectives associated with women’s and girls’ competitions and strengthen pathways between grassroots, youth and senior football.
• Support education, capacity building and knowledge sharing initiatives and promote the exchange of good practices in women’s football among CECAFA Member Associations.
• Collect, maintain and analyse women’s football participation and programme data, monitor agreed performance indicators and support evaluation of programme outcomes and impact.
• Prepare activity plans, reports, programme summaries, presentations and budget inputs and promote safeguarding and safe participation across all assigned women’s and girls’ football activities.
• Coordinate with relevant CECAFA departments, represent the Women’s Football Development Department when assigned and carry out any other related duties assigned through the departmental reporting structure or by the Executive Director.

Requirements and Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Sports Science, Physical Education, Business Administration, Development Studies, Management or another relevant field.
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in women’s football, football development, sports administration, programme management or a related field.
• Practical experience working in women’s or girls’ football and experience within a football association, club, sports organisation or development programme will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of women’s and girls’ football development, including participation, player pathways, capacity building and the challenges and opportunities affecting the growth of the game.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, implement and monitor football development programmes, workshops or capacity building activities.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities, maintain accurate records and deliver within agreed deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with Member Associations and diverse football stakeholders in a multicultural environment.
• Good written communication, reporting, presentation and data management skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and safe participation principles, a high level of integrity and professionalism, and willingness to travel as required. Knowledge of CAF and FIFA women’s football development programmes will be an added advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages used within the CECAFA region will be an added advantage.

What CECAFA Offers

• An opportunity to contribute directly to the development and sustainable growth of women’s and girls’ football across East and Central Africa.
• Professional exposure to regional football development programmes and engagement with CECAFA Member Associations.
• A dynamic and multicultural football working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth through regional programmes, competitions and capacity building activities.
• Employment conditions in accordance with CECAFA policies and the terms applicable to the position.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates who meet the requirements of the position are invited to submit their application in English, including a motivation letter, updated Curriculum Vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications, and contact details of professional referees.

Applications should be submitted to careers@cecafaonline.com with “Women’s Football Development Officer” clearly indicated in the email subject line.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026.

Only applications meeting the required criteria will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CECAFA is committed to fair, professional and merit-based recruitment and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates.