Advance Innovation in Nigeria: Become a State Project Officer with AfriLabs

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for driving entrepreneurial growth and academic innovation? AfriLabs, the leading network of 174 innovation centers across 45 African countries, is seeking a dynamic State Project Officer to join our team in Cross River. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of African innovation by supporting our mission to raise successful entrepreneurs and develop scalable solutions to local challenges.

The Role

As the State Project Officer, you will serve as the heartbeat of our Aggregator projects at the state level. You will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and successful implementation of project activities, acting as the vital link between AfriLabs HQ, educational institutions, and key stakeholders. Your work will directly impact how innovation centers operate and scale within their communities.

Key Responsibilities

State Coordination: Manage implementation workplans and serve as the primary focal point for all project activities within assigned institutions.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with university management, government agencies (MDAs, NBTE, NUC), and local innovation hubs.
Monitoring & Evaluation (MEL): Oversee the collection and validation of program data, track KPIs, and ensure rigorous adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
Operational Excellence: Facilitate logistics for workshops, innovation challenges, and training sessions to ensure a seamless participant experience.
Reporting: Maintain high-quality documentation and provide regular field updates to ensure transparency and strategic alignment.
Community Outreach: Drive awareness initiatives to ensure inclusivity, particularly for youth and women in the innovation space.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who combines organizational discipline with strong interpersonal skills. Ideal candidates will possess:

A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.
2–5 years of proven experience in project coordination or development work, preferably with NGOs or donor-funded projects.
Strong problem-solving abilities and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
The ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes across academic and government environments.
Professional certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are a significant advantage.

If you are a proactive leader who thrives in field-based environments and is committed to fostering economic development in Nigeria, we invite you to apply.