Programme coordinator

French South African Tech Labs (FSAT Labs) is a leading non-profit technology incubator and accelerator based in Cape Town, South Africa, dedicated to fostering digital entrepreneurship across the continent. Operating from a 400 sq m co-innovation space, FSAT Labs supports early-stage digital startups through a 6-month incubator and 18-month accelerator program, offering digital skills training, entrepreneurship mentoring, coaching, and software development and research services for both startups and corporates. Twice a year, a new class of entrepreneurs is selected, with the top 3 startups advanced into an accelerator program designed to help them generate revenue, scale their businesses, and achieve unprecedented growth.

About the Role:

FSAT Labs is looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented Programme Coordinator to join our growing team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for assisting in planning, coordinating, and executing FSAT Labs and Afric Arena's programmes and events across the African tech ecosystem, from corporate open innovation challenges and startup acceleration programmes to flagship summit events.

You will work at the exciting intersection of technology, startups, and corporate innovation, supporting founders on their journey, coordinating with partners and sponsors, and ensuring every programme and event is delivered to the highest standard. This role demands a blend of programme management expertise, stakeholder communication, operational rigour, and a genuine passion for Africa's tech ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with senior leadership to develop programme plans and own the overall responsibility for their successful execution

Define programme scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, budgets and resource allocation

Ensure programmes follow best practices, delivering the best possible experience to founders, mentors, partners and other stakeholders

Own the overall logistics, operations, administration, scheduling, calendar management and event planning across all programmes

Identify key learning resources for startup founders and find scalable ways to engage with them

Startup & Founder Engagement

Engage with founders in coaching and advisory sessions, planning activities and milestones that drive them toward success

Assess and qualify early-stage ideas, technology and founding teams

Create and present high-quality entrepreneurship and startup programme content

Evangelise the Afric Arena vision and story to key ecosystem players locally and across the continent

Event Management

Develop comprehensive event plans including timelines, budgets and resource allocation

Research and select suitable event venues based on stakeholder requirements

Oversee logistics including transportation, catering, audiovisual equipment and accommodations

Collaborate with marketing teams to create promotional materials and strategies for events

Monitor attendance and engagement, adjusting plans accordingly

Stakeholder & Team Management

Collaborate with clients, sponsors and stakeholders to understand requirements and manage expectations

Assemble and coordinate cross-functional teams including event coordinators, vendors and contractors

Maintain clear and regular communication with all programme stakeholders, providing updates on status and developments

Negotiate contracts with suppliers, venues and service providers to optimise outcomes

Risk, Budget & Reporting

Create and manage programme and event budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness

Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies; implement contingency plans as needed

Monitor progress against milestones and proactively address potential delays

Compile post-programme reports including financial summaries and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Evaluate programme success and identify lessons learned for continuous improvement

Qualifications & Experience

To apply please contact:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Project Management, Event Management, or a related field

1–3 years of experience in a programme, project or event management role, ideally within the tech, startup or innovation ecosystem

Proven attention to detail and strong organisational skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, able to engage confidently with founders, corporates and investors alike

Strong interest in and knowledge of technology, startups, entrepreneurship and venture capital

Experience with project management and productivity tools (Click Up, Google Suite, Canva, basic Adobe Suite, advantageous)

Negotiation and vendor management skills

Creative problem-solving ability and comfort working with a degree of ambiguity

Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Relentless energy, initiative and passion for building ecosystems and relationships

Willingness to travel, up to 50% travel within Africa may be required

Qualifications & Experience

A front-row seat to Africa's most exciting tech ecosystem

The opportunity to work directly with innovative startups, leading corporates and influential investors

A collaborative, diverse and mission-driven team environment

Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience

Travel opportunities across the African continent #J-18808-Ljbffr