Vacancy: Africa Forward Programme Officer

Catalyst 2030 is seeking an Africa Forward Programme Officer

Catalyst 2030 – A Global Movement of Social Change Innovators

Launched at the World Economic Forum in January 2020, Catalyst 2030 is a global community of social entrepreneurs, funders and other social change innovators who believe collaborative action and bold, new strategies are needed to address the crises of our time.

Joining forces with communities, governments, businesses, funders and others, Catalyst 2030 members are working toward changing systems at all levels. Cumulatively, members have already impacted the lives of millions, often with limited resources. Together, we envision the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all.

What is Africa Forward?

Africa Forward is a groundbreaking initiative co-created by members of the African Chapters of Catalyst 2030.

Africa Forward’s objective is to support the next cohort of African social entrepreneurs and innovators as they collaborate on innovative pathways and solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the continent. Africa Forward’s vision is to create a recognized and self-sustaining social innovation sector that drives job creation and delivers against Africa’s development agenda.

Scope of the work

Reports to: Programme Manager

Governance Responsibilities:

• Assist in ensuring program activities align with Africa Forward’s mission, strategic objectives, and governance framework.
• Provide administrative support for compliance with governance and reporting standards.

Key responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Support Program Management:
   • Assist the Programme Manager in day-to-day coordination of AF activities, including managing schedules, timelines, and budgets.
   • Provide strong administrative support to ensure successful program delivery.
2. Event Support:
   • Assist in the planning and execution of AF events, handling logistics, participant coordination, and vendor management.
   • Help in organising ancillary meetings and liaising with stakeholders for smooth event delivery.
3. Communication:
   • Support communications efforts by working closely with the communications team to ensure regular member engagement.
   • Assist in updating the AF website, social media channels, and other communication touchpoints.
4. External Affairs:
   • Act as a point of contact for program-related activities, communicating with partners, vendors, and stakeholders as necessary.
5. Program Planning and Implementation:
   • Support the Programme Manager in developing program goals, objectives, and timelines.
   • Help ensure programs are executed according to plans and provide administrative support for tracking progress.
6. Data Management & Reporting:
   • Assist in maintaining program databases and records.
   • Support the development of reports, presentations, and other materials for internal and external stakeholders.
7. Measurement, Evaluation, and Quality Assurance:
   • Work with the Programme manager, relevant Catalyst 2030 team and any external consultants to support data collection and analysis for program impact evaluation.
   • Ensure all data is accurately recorded and reported, assisting in evaluations to improve program effectiveness.
8. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Help build and maintain relationships with external partners, ensuring ongoing communication and collaboration.
   • Assist in engaging key stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and community partners.
9. Any other ancillary ad hoc tasks related to the above.

Key Outcomes:

• Effective support in the execution of AF programs, ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Smooth coordination and execution of 5+ annual events, ensuring stakeholder engagement.
• Timely and accurate reporting of program impact data, contributing to AF’s monitoring and evaluation goals.
• Positive relationships with junior-level partners and stakeholders, supporting program growth.
• Any other ad hoc tasks as requested and a being willing to be flexible when required

Qualifications and experience

• 3-5 years of experience in project coordination, event planning, or administration, preferably in the non-profit or social innovation sector.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with attention to detail in managing logistics and communications.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• An active interest in global issues and challenges, their complexity and nuances
• Ability to work in a multicultural, global environment and demonstrate cultural sensitivity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and across time zones, and a willingness to learn from experience
• Ability to manage time effectively and to adapt to changing environments
• Desire to work collaboratively, with a positive attitude and ability to rise to challenges
• Fluency in English and another language (Spanish, French, Portuguese or Arabic), other languages would be an asset e.g. Russian, Chinese etc. a plus
• Hands-on attitude, flexibility and ability to adapt to new tasks and a willingness to help out when required