Program and Events Assistant

Founded by two Black women in the aftermath of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests around the world, the African Futures Lab (AfaLab) works to advance demands for racial justice for Africans and Afro-descended people globally.   

We pursue the recognition and repair of global racial injustices through rigorous, empirically grounded knowledge exchange across Africa and Europe. Our work includes research, "Mobilization Labs" with partner organizations, and advocacy.    

Our work aims to bolster activists and policymakers in holding states and private actors accountable for the enduring effects of colonialism and slavery in Europe and Africa. Our current projects focus on the intersections of racial justice with gender rights, climate justice, and socio-economic inequalities. Learn more about AfaLab on our website  (external link)or follow us on Instagram  (external link)and LinkedIn (external link).    

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.