Executive Director

Location: AfriLabs Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria.

This is a full-time, Abuja-based leadership role. Pan-African candidates are welcome and should be willing to relocate to Abuja, Nigeria. Relocation support will be provided.
Employment Type: Permanent  

Tenure: Three-year, full-time appointment subject to Board review and renewal. 
Application Window: Monday, 26 January – Thursday, 13 February 

About AfriLabs 

AfriLabs is a pan-African network of innovation and technology hubs working to drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across Africa. As the largest network of its kind on the continent, AfriLabs connects and supports ecosystem builders in more than 50 countries, playing a convening and enabling role at the intersection of innovation, policy, capacity building, and ecosystem development. 

At this pivotal moment in its evolution, AfriLabs is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Executive Director. 

The Role 

The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic, operational, and values-driven leadership for AfriLabs. Reporting to the Board, the ED is responsible for strengthening governance and accountability, ensuring financial sustainability, delivering value to member hubs, and leading a high-performing Secretariat that can execute AfriLabs’ mission at scale. 

This role requires a senior leader who can balance strategic vision with hands-on execution, navigate a complex pan-African ecosystem, and represent AfriLabs credibly with governments, funders, partners, and global platforms. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Governance 

• Provide strategic leadership and stewardship of AfriLabs’ mission, vision, and Board-approved strategy. 

• Ensure strong governance, accountability, and transparent reporting to the Board. 

• Translate Board direction into clear organizational priorities and executable plans. 

Financial Sustainability & Resource Mobilization 

• Ensure AfriLabs’ long-term financial sustainability through fundraising, partnerships, and diversified revenue streams. 

• Oversee disciplined financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation. 

• Balance revenue growth with mission integrity and organizational values. 

Ecosystem, Member & Partnership Leadership 

• Strengthen value delivery to AfriLabs member hubs by improving communication, responsiveness, and practical support across the network. 

• Manage a large, diverse, pan-African ecosystem, balancing different regional needs while maintaining coherence and shared purpose. 

• Position AfriLabs as a credible and influential voice in Africa’s innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation space. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with governments, funders, development partners, and ecosystem stakeholders. 

Secretariat & Operational Leadership 

• Lead and support the Secretariat to operate efficiently, collaboratively, and consistently across functions. 

• Ensure teams are well supported, motivated, and equipped to deliver high-quality outcomes. 

• Strengthen internal systems, processes, and structures to support organizational growth. 

Leadership Approach 

AfriLabs is seeking a people-centred and values-driven leader who combines empathy with accountability. The Executive Director is expected to invest in the growth and development of Secretariat staff, foster a supportive and inclusive organizational culture, and ensure that AfriLabs’ growth translates into stronger systems, better working conditions, and long-term institutional strength. 

Required Experience & Profile 

• Minimum of 15 years’ relevant leadership experience, including leading complex organizations, teams, or networks. 

• Proven organizational leadership experience, including managing senior staff and multi-functional operations. 

• Experience leading or working within a membership-based, multi-stakeholder, or network organization is a strong advantage. 

• Demonstrated experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem-building, or development contexts. 

• Experience engaging at senior levels with Boards, funders, governments, and partners. 

• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual capability is strongly preferred, given AfriLabs’ pan-African mandate. 

• Corporate and/or entrepreneurial background is a strong asset, particularly where it brings commercial thinking, revenue generation, or experience scaling organizations. 

Personal Attributes 

The ideal candidate: 

• Is people-centred, approachable, fair, and values-driven. 

• Can balance empathy with firm, accountable decision-making. 

• Is a credible public representative and spokesperson for African innovation. 

• Leads by example and invests in building others across the AfriLabs ecosystem. 

• Understands how organizational growth should translate into improved staff wellbeing and capacity over time. 

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted via https://www.cvpeopleafrica.com/jobs/view/nigeria/business-strategic-management/executive-director/36092 within the stated application window. All applications will be assessed through an independent and confidential recruitment process.