Programme Coordinator

About FSAT Labs

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.

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 AfricArena'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

Programme Planning & Execution

• 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 AfricArena 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

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• 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 (ClickUp, 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

Benefits

What We Offer

• 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