Senior Events Officer at AfriLabs

Job Role & Person- Specification 

• AfriLabs is seeking to recruit a Senior Events Officer to join the team and provide high-level strategic support to the Events department  while taking ownership of deliverables within the department and the organisation extensively.
• To be successful in this role, you should have strong organisational skills, top-notch event management skills, the ability to manage time and meet deadlines, and strong report-writing skills. The candidate should be proactive, forward-driven driven and result-oriented.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the AfriLabs Annual Gathering and other ecosystem events, including logistics, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Oversee the end-to-end execution, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for participants.
• Plan, manage, and execute AfriLabs ecosystem events, including conferences and City Meet-Ups.
• Develop content, concept notes, and event plans.
• Conduct a thorough evaluation of the event, gathering feedback and preparing a comprehensive post-event report with recommendations for future improvements by preparing timely and technical reports of all AfriLabs events.
• Develop and manage event budgets, tracking expenditures, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure favourable terms and manage expenses within budgetary constraints.
• Track event finances, provide budget reports, and offer support for production and technical aspects.
• Activity-based Financial report (ABC)
• Collaborate with internal teams to align the event with organizational goals and objectives.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including partners, sponsors, and speakers, to ensure their active participation and support.
• Coordinate logistical aspects of the event, including vendor engagement, venue selection, transportation, accommodation, and catering.
• Oversee on-site operations to ensure smooth event flow and handle any unforeseen challenges.
• Engage and manage vendors, collaborating with the Operations department.
• Assist in developing best practices, conducting reviews, and preparing reports for management.
• Research venue options, schedule events, and manage room layouts/seating arrangements.
• Work with the communications team to develop a marketing strategy, implementing promotional activities to enhance attendance and increase visibility.
• Lead event planning and production meetings, coordinating with the Communications Team.
• Collaborate with the programme team to integrate thematic content into the event agenda.
• Coordinate session schedules, speaker logistics, and participant engagement activities.
• Create and manage event sponsorship packages, soliciting and securing sponsorships.
• Organise and manage invitation, registration, and attendee check-in processes.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Member Services department for speaker engagement and content management during AfriLabs events.
• Coordinate virtual events and recommend appropriate virtual platforms.
• Manage on-site production and clean-up, securing volunteers, and overseeing staff.

Required Skills, Qualifications & Abilities: 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Relations or any other related field.

Experience 

• 5 years experience in Event Management and corporate management.
• Proven experience in planning and executing large-scale events, preferably with a Pan-African focus.
• Familiarity with Pan-African issues and cultural sensitivities.
• Project Management and Coordination.

Skills 

• Strong organizational, budget and project management skills.
• Capacity to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Project management skills
• Extensive knowledge and experience with Google Suite Tools.
• A positive and proactive attitude towards work.
• Self-motivated.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal  skills
• Proficiency in event management software and tools.