Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist at Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) Nigeria

Role Overview

• We are seeking a highly skilled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager to lead and implement DEI strategies across the organisation’s operations in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, and other African countries where CcHUB operates. 
• Reporting to the Safeguarding, Gender, and Child Protection Specialist, the DEI Manager will work collaboratively with the Gender Manager and other teams to ensure that an intersectional safeguarding approach is embedded in all DEI initiatives. 
• The DEI Manager will be responsible for ensuring that CcHUB's practices and departments are inclusive, equitable, and culturally sensitive, while also driving innovation and thought leadership in DEI across the tech and innovation ecosystem.
• This role will provide technical support for inclusive proposal development, conduct gender and diversity audits, and act on key findings to foster a more inclusive environment across CcHUB's programmes and human resources interventions. 
• The DEI Manager will also contribute to building CcHUB's reputation as a leader in DEI within the tech and innovation space, while supporting the organisation’s growth and commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities
DEI Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Develop, lead, and manage the implementation of a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy that reflects the needs of CcHUB’s diverse stakeholders across Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, and other regions.
• Work closely with the Safeguarding, Gender, and Child Protection Specialist and Gender Manager to ensure an intersectional approach to DEI, integrating safeguarding principles into all DEI initiatives.
• Develop clear DEI objectives, KPIs, and action plans that align with CcHUB’s mission and vision, and work with internal teams to drive progress.

Intersectionality in Safeguarding and DEI Integration:

• Ensure that an intersectional approach is embedded in all DEI efforts, recognising how various aspects of identity—such as gender, race, ability, socio-economic status, and age—interact to shape experiences of inequality and discrimination.
• Lead initiatives to ensure CcHUB’s programmes and operations (including EdTech, Design for Health, Research, Startup Support, Higher Education Innovation, Design Lab, and Learning Science), and support teams (such as Admin, Community Support, People, and Finance) are inclusive and accessible to all.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure safeguarding protocols address the diverse identities of all individuals engaged in CcHUB’s work.

Conducting Gender and Diversity Audits:

• Lead gender and diversity audits across CcHUB’s operations to identify gaps, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Develop action plans based on audit findings to promote equity and inclusivity in programme design, staffing, and stakeholder engagement.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report regularly on the implementation and outcomes of audit recommendations.

Technical Support and Inclusive Proposal Development:

• Provide technical input to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into proposal development and programme design.
• Collaborate with programme teams to develop inclusive strategies and ensure alignment with DEI best practices in all funding applications.

Collaboration with the People and Culture Team:

• Work with the People and Culture Team to embed DEI principles into human resources policies and processes, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and career progression.
• Support the implementation of inclusive hiring practices and promote diverse representation across all organisational levels.
• Foster a workplace culture where all staff feel valued, respected, and supported in their development.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Design and deliver DEI and safeguarding training for staff, partners, and stakeholders across CcHUB’s operations.
• Build internal capacity to strengthen understanding and application of DEI principles, especially their intersections with safeguarding and gender equality.
• Develop toolkits, resources, and learning materials on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and equitable decision-making.

DEI Thought Leadership:

• Position CcHUB as a thought leader in DEI within Africa’s tech and innovation ecosystem.
• Lead or contribute to DEI-related research, publications, and speaking engagements that elevate CcHUB’s voice in the sector.
• Collaborate with external partners and networks to remain current on global DEI trends and incorporate innovative approaches into CcHUB’s work.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Develop and maintain a robust DEI monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, measure impact, and inform continuous improvement.
• Prepare regular DEI reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure collection and disaggregation of relevant DEI data to support informed decision-making and programme refinement.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, safeguarding, or related fields, preferably in international development, tech, or social innovation sectors.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing DEI strategies in multicultural and complex environments, ideally within Africa.
• A strong understanding of intersectionality and its application to safeguarding gender equity, and child protection is desirable.
• Experience conducting gender and diversity audits and translating findings into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills with the ability to lead trainings, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives on DEI and safeguarding.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and diverse communities.
• Experience in proposal development and providing technical input into program design to ensure inclusivity.
• Strong analytical, monitoring, and reporting skills, with experience in using data to drive decision-making and measure impact.
• A commitment to creating equitable and inclusive spaces for all individuals, particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups.

 Skills and Attributes:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, human rights, or a related field.
• Experience working in African contexts with an understanding of the diverse socio-political and cultural dynamics in the region.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail.
• Innovative and forward-thinking mindset, with a passion for advancing equity and inclusion within the tech and innovation sectors.

Additional Information:

• This role is fully onsite in our Lagos Nigeria office.