Strategic Projects Associate: Johannesburg

Are you highly organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment? We’re looking for a Strategic Projects Associate with strong coordination and problem-solving skills who can help turn strategy into action.

You should be detail-oriented, reliable, and confident, working across teams to ensure projects move forward and commitments are delivered. This role requires strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to stay calm and solution-focused under pressure.

If you’re someone who takes initiative, communicates clearly, and enjoys bringing structure and clarity to complex workstreams, we’d love to hear from you.

About ALX Africa

ALX Africa, a non-profit organisation under the ALX Foundation, is dedicated to unlocking the potential of Africa's digital future. We've embarked on an independent journey to provide world-class tech, creative and entrepreneurship skills training and career acceleration programmes. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide, upskill and re-skill talent, and create a generation of innovative leaders. By 2030, we aim to empower 2 million Africans to secure sustainable careers.

With hubs in 8 cities across Africa and counting, we provide safe access to quality learning and a dedicated network of expert instructors. Our innovative programmes equip learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving tech, creative and entrepreneurship industry. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects, we prepare our learners for in-demand roles.

We achieve this by:

• Providing young professionals with access to the most in-demand tech, creative and entrepreneurship skills that will power the future.
• Empowering the next generation of technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators through challenging, real-world coursework.
• Building a lifelong, impactful community of professionals and entrepreneurs that supports them at all stages of their career journey. 

Our impact thus far:

• 347k learners since 2020
• 257k youth in work
• 31k youth starting own ventures
• 60k youth in jobs created by entrepreneurs

Visit our website www.alxafrica.com to learn more about our digital revolution.

Role Summary

ALX South Africa is looking for a highly organised, proactive Strategic Projects Associate to support the Regional General Manager of Southern Africa. This role will play a key part in ensuring the effective coordination and execution of priorities across the South Africa team, while supporting regional growth across Southern Africa.

The Strategic Projects Associate will translate strategy into action by coordinating initiatives, supporting operational planning, tracking progress across projects, and ensuring follow-through on key priorities. The role sits at the intersection of internal team operations, project delivery, and external engagements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. They are someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex workstreams, strengthening team coordination, and ensuring that ideas and plans are effectively implemented.

Specific Responsibilities

Operations Management & Hub Operations

• Support the day-to-day operational management of the Johannesburg hub, ensuring the space runs efficiently and provides a professional environment for team members, learners, alumni and partners.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, workshops, and events hosted at the hub.
• Monitor operational needs including facilities, vendor coordination, supplies, and space utilization.
• Support the implementation and improvement of operational systems and processes that strengthen team efficiency.
• Track operational budgets, invoices, and administrative processes where needed.
  
  

Project & Initiative Coordination

• Support the coordination and execution of strategic initiatives across the South Africa team and regional expansion markets.
• Maintain visibility across key projects by tracking timelines, deliverables, and responsible owners.
• Ensure follow-through on action items and commitments across internal teams.
• Identify operational gaps or bottlenecks and support the implementation of solutions.
  
  

Leadership & Team Coordination

• Support the Regional General Manager in managing priorities, preparing for meetings, and ensuring alignment across workstreams.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and internal documents to support decision-making.
• Coordinate internal meetings, capture key outcomes, and ensure clear follow-up and accountability.
• Help maintain clear communication and coordination across teams.
  
  

Partnerships & External Engagement Support

• Support preparation for engagements with partners, donors, ecosystem organizations, and government stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of proposals, presentations, and partnership materials.
• Coordinate logistics and follow-ups related to external meetings and engagements.

Regional Expansion Support

• Support operational and coordination work related to expansion efforts in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.
• Conduct ecosystem research to identify potential partners, hubs, and opportunities in new markets.
• Help coordinate early-stage initiatives and engagements related to regional growth.

Skill Requirements - Essential

• 1-3 years of professional experience in operations, project management, administration, or program management.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Operational mindset with the ability to create structure, improve processes, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear documents, presentations, and summaries.
• Attention to detail and strong follow-through, ensuring tasks and commitments are completed to a high standard.
• Problem-solving ability, with a proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing practical solutions.
• Stakeholder coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Emotional intelligence and professionalism, particularly when working with senior leaders, partners, and diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability and comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong digital literacy, including proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools (Google Workspace, project management tools, and presentation software).

Skill Requirements - Preferable

• Experience supporting leadership, managing complex projects, or coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
• Prior experience working in fast-paced, mission-driven organisations focused on youth empowerment, skills development, or entrepreneurship is an advantage.
• Exposure to education, youth development, or regional ecosystem work in Southern Africa is advantageous but not required.

Person Specification/Attributes

• Courage: Willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo, and embrace new challenges.
• Humility: Openness to learning, seeking help when needed, and a focus on serving others.
• Adventure: A passion for setting ambitious goals, tackling difficult tasks, and finding joy in the journey.
• Initiative: Proactive problem-solving, a sense of ownership, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and emerge stronger.
• Proactive and self-motivated: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and acts without waiting for direction.
• Detail-oriented and meticulous: Ensures accuracy in operational, administrative, and project-related tasks.
• Reliable and accountable: Follows through on commitments and takes ownership of outcomes.
• Adaptable and flexible: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented: Works well across teams, fosters positive working relationships, and supports collective success.
• Professional and composed: Maintains a calm, confident, and diplomatic demeanour in all interactions.
• Solution-focused: Identifies challenges and actively proposes practical, actionable solutions.
• Culturally aware and empathetic: Demonstrates sensitivity when working with diverse teams, partners, and communities.
• High learning agility: Quick to learn new systems, processes, and regional ecosystem dynamics.

Employment Type

This role is a full-time position.