AfriLabs is a network of 268 innovation communities in 49 African countries and over 112 cities. We were founded in 2011 to build a community around the rapidly emerging technology hubs in Africa.

These hubs serve as centres that provide support to African entrepreneurs, innovators, developers and youths, by providing physical co-working and dedicated office space, training, business, legal and financial support, helping to raise successful entrepreneurs that will create jobs and develop innovative solutions to African problems.

We exist to support these hubs and their communities via capacity building, financing, networking, policy advocacy, and providing insightful, reliable data. The big picture for us is a thriving innovation economy in Africa. We believe that everyone has a role to play in building the Africa we want.

Currently, we are looking for an awesome human who will work closely with our Executive Director and team to achieve our objectives. We are focused on shaping the future of innovation and we are looking for individuals that are interested in creating high-impact work in a collaborative, dynamic and diverse environment.

Join us in impacting the African economy as we support the tech, entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem on the continent every day.

Job Description – Chief Operating Officer, AfriLabs

As the Chief Operating Officer at AfriLabs, you will be responsible for overseeing the AfriLabs teams (in Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon and South Africa, with consulting teams across the continent) to ensure that they deliver their objectives and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.

Your job would be to ensure the ship is run smoothly and efficiently, while constantly building strong systems, technologies and processes in order to better manage people, programmes, our community and resources and most importantly, while maintaining AfriLabs values, mission and vision. 

As the COO at AfriLabs, you will be responsible for the following:

1. 1. Organisational Management: Working with the Executive Director to design and implement organisation strategies, plans and policies while overseeing daily operations of the organisation and various departments (Programmes, Finance, Operations HR, Member Services, Events, Communications, etc). 

1. 2. Financial and Grants Management: Overseeing the work of the finance function as a whole to ensure compliance with regulatory and funder requirements; efficient and effective management of organisational finance; accuracy and reliability of financial information; and the overall management of AfriLabs inflow and expenditure. Overseeing directly the AfriLabs Finance Manager.

1. 3. Management of Information Technology: Overseeing, and ensuring effective use of Information Technology systems to support core organisation operations such as fundraising and organisational processes, including document management, stakeholder relationships management, event support, community management and grant management systems. 

1. 4. Leadership and Talent Management: Contributing to the Senior Management Team’s efforts to promote an organisational culture of collaboration, open and frequent communication, adaptation, alignment with a common vision, and celebration of success in achieving specific projects and broader organisational objectives.

1. 5. Stakeholder Engagement: Supporting the Executive Director in engaging stakeholders and occasionally representing AfriLabs at partner meetings and negotiations, stakeholder and speaking engagements, etc.

The right person for the role will possess the following:

• Bachelor degree from a recognised university. Master’s degree or MBA will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 – 7 years of management and team leadership in a non-profit, tech or development organisation.
• Experience working in the African innovation, technology and entrepreneurship space is a must! 
• Proficiency in both English and French will be an added advantage
• The necessary knowledge, experience and technical skills needed to execute the job description listed above.

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (AfriLabs Secretariat). Travel to other African countries and outside the continent will be expected occasionally.

Employment Terms: Full time role. 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours can be arranged upon request. Overtime, as required.

Terms and Conditions: This is a locally recruited professional position by the AfriLabs Secretariat Nigerian entity and all benefits are denominated and paid in Nigerian Naira. AfriLabs’ remuneration package includes a salary paid monthly, leave provisions, insurance, pension and health benefits.

To Apply: Send CV and cover letter to jobs@afrilabs.com