Opportunity: State Project Officer - Akwa Ibom at AfriLabs

Are you passionate about fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth? AfriLabs, the premier network of 174 innovation centers across 45 African countries, is seeking a dedicated and proactive State Project Officer to join our team in Akwa Ibom. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of impactful 'Aggregator' projects that aim to develop innovative solutions to African challenges.

The Role

As a State Project Officer, you will serve as the heartbeat of our project operations within the state. You will act as the primary liaison between AfriLabs HQ, academic institutions, innovation hubs (ESOs), and government stakeholders. Your work will directly contribute to building successful entrepreneurs and creating sustainable jobs by ensuring our project objectives are met on time and with high quality.

Key Responsibilities

State Coordination: Manage implementation workplans and facilitate day-to-day operations at various Centres of Excellence.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with university management, government agencies (MDAs, NUC, NBTE), and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Track performance against KPIs, conduct site visits, and ensure compliance with project standards.
Data Management: Lead data collection, verification, and reporting processes to ensure accurate outcomes tracking.
Operational Support: Oversee event logistics, from workshops to innovation challenges, ensuring seamless execution.
Communication: Drive outreach efforts to attract participants, promote inclusivity, and capture impactful success stories from the field.

Qualifications & Skills

A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Development Studies, Project Management, or a related field.
2–5 years of proven experience in project coordination or programme implementation within NGOs, donor-funded projects, or academic environments.
Exceptional organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders independently.
Professional certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are considered an advantage.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Why Join Us?

Working with AfriLabs means being at the forefront of Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial transformation. We offer a dynamic, collaborative environment where your contributions directly influence the success of startups and the future of the African innovation landscape.