Events and Hospitality Consultant

ABOUT ALU

At the African Leadership University (ALU), we're more than just an institution—we're a catalyst for transformation. Our mission is to develop a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who will shape Africa's future. Through our innovative curriculum, focus on experiential learning, and vibrant pan-African community, we empower students to become changemakers, problem-solvers, and innovators. At ALU, we're not just teaching; we're nurturing the leaders who will drive Africa's progress and prosperity in the 21st century.

HOW WE WORK

As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

ALU is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Events & Hospitality Consultant to play a pivotal role in establishing a robust and scalable events program. As a consultant, you will bring your expertise to analyze our current event management practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop a comprehensive strategy for enhancing our events and hospitality functions. You will be responsible for designing and implementing standardized processes, tools, and resources that will enable ALU to deliver exceptional events across all our campuses.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The operations teams on campus play a critical role in delivering quality service, experience and operational excellence on their respective campuses. On each campus, we pride ourselves in, uniting diverse perspectives to craft the best experiences for our internal and external stakeholders who visit our campuses and spend time with the ALU community. We are passionate about showcasing ALU’s extraordinary journey, fostering meaningful relationships, and amplifying our brand. We do not simply educate young leaders, we create the best environment and experience for our students, employees, partners, clients, and other critical stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Needs Assessment and Strategy Development:

• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to understand ALU's current event management practices, challenges, and opportunities.
• Develop a strategic plan for establishing a robust and scalable events program that aligns with ALU's mission, values, and growth objectives.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact of the events program.

Process Design and Implementation:

• Design and implement standardized processes for planning, coordinating, and executing various types of events, including conferences, workshops, seminars, student activities, and VIP visits.
• Develop and implement tools and resources to support event planning and execution, such as event templates, checklists, and budget management tools.
• Create a comprehensive event planning calendar that optimizes resource allocation and ensures alignment with academic and organizational priorities.

Hospitality Framework Development:

• Develop a framework for delivering exceptional hospitality services to guests, including VIPs, partners, and visitors.
• Define standards for guest accommodation, transportation, and on-site experience.
• Develop guidelines for managing vendor relationships and ensuring quality service delivery.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Provide training and guidance to ALU staff on event planning, execution, and hospitality best practices.
• Develop and deliver training materials and resources to support ongoing learning and development.
• Mentor and coach staff to enhance their event management skills and capabilities.

Knowledge Transfer and Documentation:

• Document all processes, tools, and resources developed during the consultancy engagement.
• Ensure effective knowledge transfer to ALU staff to ensure sustainability and ongoing program success.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in event management, hospitality, or a similar role, with a proven track record of successfully designing and implementing events programs.
• Experience working as a consultant or in a similar capacity, providing advisory services and developing solutions for organizations.
• Strong understanding of event management best practices, trends, and technologies.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs.

Functional Competencies:

• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with organizational goals.
• Process Design and Improvement: Expertise in designing and implementing efficient and effective processes.
• Event Management Expertise: Deep understanding of event planning, coordination, and execution best practices.
• Hospitality Management: Strong knowledge of hospitality principles and guest service standards.
• Training and Development: Experience in developing and delivering training programs.

. Core Competencies:

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.  
• Leadership and Influence: Ability to influence and guide others without direct authority.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and address challenges effectively.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and individuals.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in dynamic environments.

Please note this is a one year fixed term contract