African Futures Lab- Program and Events Assistant

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.

The Program & Events Assistant will support the successful delivery of the Lab's programs, events and organizational priorities by providing coordination, operational, research and administrative support across the following areas: 1. 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, dialogues 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

• 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.

• 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.