Program Associate – Sector Networks at African Leadership Academy: Full Career Opportunity in Program Coordination, Youth Development, and Employer Engagement in Johannesburg

The African Leadership Academy (ALA) is offering a compelling professional opportunity for a Program Associate – Sector Networks role based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. This position is designed for a skilled and detail-oriented professional who is passionate about program coordination, stakeholder engagement, data management, and youth development ecosystems across Africa.

This role sits within the Africa Career Networks (ACN) team and plays a critical function in ensuring smooth operational delivery of sector-based programs, employer engagement activities, participant tracking, and digital learning support systems.

The closing date for applications is 04 June 2026, with a potential start date of 01 August 2026.

About African Leadership Academy (ALA)

The African Leadership Academy is a leading pan-African institution committed to transforming Africa by identifying, developing, and connecting young leaders who will shape the continent’s future. Since its establishment in 2008, ALA has focused on nurturing leadership capacity, entrepreneurship, and innovation among young Africans to promote sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.

Through initiatives such as Africa Career Networks, the institution bridges the gap between education, employment, and leadership development by connecting young talent with employers, mentors, and growth opportunities.

Position Overview: Program Associate – Sector Networks

The Program Associate supports the operational execution of sector-based programs within Africa Career Networks. The role requires close collaboration with the Program Manager and other stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery of career development programs, employer engagement activities, and participant experiences.

This position involves a mix of administrative coordination, data tracking, reporting support, event logistics, and stakeholder communication.

The successful candidate will help maintain program efficiency while ensuring participants and partners experience a well-organized and impactful engagement journey.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination and Program Delivery

• Coordinate operational delivery of sector programs such as:
  • Sector Success initiatives
  • Sector Challenge programs
  • Community engagement activities
• Support participant onboarding and ongoing engagement processes
• Assist in ensuring smooth program execution across multiple activities and timelines

2. Employer and Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain and update employer engagement databases and records
• Track opportunities, internships, and placements
• Coordinate communication between employers and program participants
• Manage follow-up documentation and engagement logistics

3. Data Management and Reporting

• Track participant engagement metrics including:
  • Attendance records
  • Learning Management System (LMS) activity
  • Placement and opportunity tracking
• Support development of dashboards and reporting tools
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of program data

4. Events and Network Engagement

• Coordinate virtual and regional events
• Manage registrations, communications, and scheduling
• Support post-event engagement and follow-ups
• Assist in onboarding activities for participants and partners

Minimum Requirements and Selection Criteria

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following or related fields:
  • Business Administration
  • Public Health
  • Medical or Biomedical Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • International Development
  • Management
  • Communications
  • Project Management

Required Experience

• 2–4 years of professional experience in:
  • Program coordination
  • Project administration
  • Operations or partnerships
  • Youth development or career development programs
• Experience in multi-stakeholder environments
• Familiarity with LMS platforms, CRM systems, spreadsheets, and reporting dashboards

Preferred Experience

• Workforce development, consulting, entrepreneurship, or innovation ecosystems
• Employer engagement or internship coordination
• Virtual learning or fellowship program support
• Experience in African youth-focused initiatives

Key Competencies

Technical Skills

• Program and project coordination
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce or similar tools)
• Data tracking and reporting
• Event planning and logistics
• LMS administration
• Documentation and report writing
• Microsoft Office and digital tools proficiency

Generic Skills

• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail

Personal Attributes

• Integrity and confidentiality
• Emotional maturity and resilience
• Ability to work under pressure
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Initiative and self-confidence

Job Details

• Job Location: African Leadership Academy Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Reporting Structure: Dual reporting
• Potential Start Date: 01 August 2026
• Application Deadline: 04 June 2026

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