About the Role

AfriLabs, the premier network organization representing 174 innovation centers across 45 African countries, is seeking a dedicated State Project Officer to join our team in Edo State. This is a vital position focused on supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of our Aggregator projects. If you are passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovative solutions to solve African challenges, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact at the state and institutional levels.

Key Responsibilities

State Coordination: Manage implementation workplans, serve as the primary focal point for project activities, and facilitate seamless communication between AfriLabs HQ and local stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the bridge between educational institutions (universities/polytechnics), government agencies (NBTE, NUC), and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Monitoring and MEL: Oversee the implementation of training initiatives, track KPIs against Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and ensure robust data collection and reporting for program audits.
Operational Excellence: Manage logistics for workshops, innovation challenges, and training sessions, ensuring all resources are effectively utilized to meet program objectives.
Community Engagement: Drive outreach efforts to boost participation among students and local communities, with a strong focus on inclusivity and gender equity.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Development Studies, Project Management, or a related field. PMP or PRINCE2 certifications are highly desirable.
Experience: 2–5 years of professional experience in project coordination or program implementation, ideally within the NGO, academic, or donor-funded project sectors.
Competencies: Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities. You must be comfortable working independently in a field-based environment and possess high proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

We are looking for a proactive professional who can navigate the complexities of institutional partnerships and field operations with efficiency and integrity.