African Futures Lab

Role Description African Futures Lab is seeking a motivated Program & Events Assistant to support the successful delivery of the Lab's programs, events, and other organizational priorities. The role provides cross-functional support across research, advocacy, convenings, and organizational operations, helping ensure that activities are well-coordinated and delivered effectively. During this six-month contract, the Program & Events Assistant will play a key role in supporting the planning and delivery of the Lab's major events, both in-person and online, while also contributing to broader program implementation and organizational operations. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, proactive, and eager to gain hands-on experience within a Pan-African policy and advocacy organization working to advance racial justice, reparatory justice, climate justice, and gender justice. Key Responsibilities - Program support - Support the implementation of programs, fellowships, campaigns, and other organizational initiatives. - Maintain program trackers, participant databases, and documentation. - Support stakeholder relationship management within collectives, dialogue spaces, working groups, and networks. - Coordinate program meetings, participant communications, schedules, and logistical arrangements as required. - Assist in preparing program materials, presentations, briefing notes, meeting summaries, and other program documentation. - Track action items and follow up with colleagues and partners to support timely delivery of program activities. - Events & convenings - Support the logistical planning and delivery of conferences, podcasts, workshops, exhibitions, webinars, meetings, and other events convened in-person or online. - Coordinate participant registration, invitations, and attendance tracking. - Support participant engagement, including registrations, communications, and resource sharing. - Assist with venue sourcing, travel, accommodation, catering, and other logistical arrangements. - Support speaker, facilitator, and participant coordination, including scheduling, communications, travel arrangements, briefing materials, and other logistical requirements. - Prepare event materials, participant packs, agendas, presentations, and logistical documentation. - Provide on-site coordination before, during, and after events. - Assist with post-event reporting, evaluations, and lessons learned. - Research & partnership support - Conduct desk research, mapping, and information gathering to support program activities, advocacy initiatives, and organizational learning. - Support the preparation of grant applications, research outputs, reports, and other organizational documents. - Assist with stakeholder mapping and partner engagement. - Support coordination with partners, consultants, and external service providers. - Administrative & operational support - Maintain organizational trackers, databases, filing systems, and shared resources, ensuring information is accurate and up to date. - Support recruitment and onboarding processes, including interview coordination and document management. - Assist with procurement processes and coordination with suppliers and service providers. - Support organizational administration and operational processes as required. Qualifications - Master's degree (completed or in progress) in International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, Law, Project Management, Social Sciences, or another relevant field. - Relevant working experience gained through internships, volunteering, academic projects, or employment in program support, event coordination, administration, research, or operations. - Experience in organizing international events is a plus. - Excellent command of written and spoken English; French and/or Swahili is an advantage. - Demonstrated interest in racial justice, reparations, climate justice, gender justice, or related social justice issues, particularly within African contexts. Skills & Competencies - Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. - Strong written and verbal communication skills. - Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills. - Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. - Strong coordination, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, and collaboration tools. Application Deadline If you're ready to help shape a more just future through your work, we encourage you to apply by 8th August 2026.