Opportunity: Join the Innovation Movement as a State Project Officer with AfriLabs

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for driving innovation and entrepreneurship? AfriLabs, the largest network of innovation centers across Africa, is looking for a dynamic State Project Officer to join our team in Osun. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a transformative ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs in creating sustainable solutions to Africa's most pressing challenges.

The Role

As a State Project Officer, you will serve as the heartbeat of our project activities within the state. You will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination, implementation, and monitoring of our 'Aggregator' projects. Working at the intersection of academia, government, and the innovation ecosystem, you will ensure our Centres of Excellence (CoEs) function effectively to nurture the next generation of innovators.

Key Responsibilities

State Coordination: Develop and manage implementation workplans while acting as the primary liaison between AfriLabs HQ, academic institutions, and ecosystem support organizations (ESOs).
Stakeholder Engagement: Build robust partnerships with university management, government agencies (MDAs, NBTE, NUC), and local community leaders to foster an enabling environment for innovation.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Track KPIs, verify program data, and ensure that all activities comply with quality standards and safeguard requirements.
Operations & Logistics: Oversee the day-to-day coordination of training sessions, workshops, and innovation challenges.
Reporting: Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation of field activities, ensuring transparency and data integrity for all project stakeholders.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who brings a blend of professional project management skills and a community-oriented mindset. You should 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 program implementation, ideally within NGO, academic, or donor-funded environments.
Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a field-based setting.
A proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity and gender equity in the innovation space.
Professional certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are considered a strong advantage.

If you are a self-starter who thrives in collaborative environments and is eager to make a tangible impact on the Nigerian innovation landscape, we encourage you to apply.