Network Development Associate-Africa

HelpAge International is a global network dedicated to strengthening engagement, communication, and coordination among its members to amplify their voices and foster collaboration.

The Network Development Associate, based in Africa, will be instrumental in fostering stronger connections, improving information flow, and promoting collaborative work within the HelpAge Global Network. The associate will work closely with the Network Platform Manager, Africa Regional Adviser, and Thematic Advisers to support member engagement, facilitate knowledge exchange, and ensure the effective operation of the HelpAge Digital Portal. This position aims to build robust relationships across the network, enhance visibility, and contribute to more integrated and cooperative approaches, especially within Africa and the broader global network.

1. Strengthen communication and coordination between HelpAge and network members, especially in Africa, in collaboration with Regional and Thematic Advisers.
2. Facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and peer learning across the network.
3. Support the curation, management, and updating of the HelpAge digital portal, including administrative and first-line user support.
4. Assist in organizing thematic sessions, webinars, peer learning events, and cross-network exchanges.
5. Contribute to the development of newsletters and other communication content for network members and stakeholders.
6. Support member application, onboarding, and induction processes.
7. Maintain accurate member information and mailing lists on HelpAge CONNECT and SharePoint.
8. Provide administrative support for Network Development Team meetings and other team needs.
9. Track engagement and participation trends across the membership.
10. Support communication and engagement with potential and existing network members across Africa, ensuring strong information flows.
11. Provide logistical and administrative support for regional meetings, webinars, learning events, and member engagements.
12. Prepare and disseminate agendas, invitations, briefing materials, and meeting notes, maintaining records and documentation.
13. Support communications, member liaison, and event administration for regional initiatives like the Africa Ageing Conference.
14. Collect and maintain member engagement data, feedback, and participation information for reporting and improvement.
15. Coordinate translation and interpretation for regional communications and events.
16. Gather stories, case studies, and learning content from network members and partners in Africa.
17. Develop communication and visibility materials to enhance member engagement and showcase regional network impact, ensuring up-to-date digital and website information.
18. Maintain regional communication channels, including social media pages, and support knowledge sharing within Africa and the wider network.
19. Contribute to strategic planning and reporting for the Africa region, leading on communication and knowledge management plans.

1. 3-5 years of experience in supporting regional/global network coordination, member engagement, event coordination, and administrative functions, preferably in international development, civil society, or humanitarian settings.
2. Experience in logistical planning and coordination of sub-regional, regional, and global meetings, workshops, webinars, and learning events.
3. Proficiency in IT skills and familiarity with digital collaboration, communication, and data visualization tools.
4. Strong written communication skills for producing clear and concise documents, including meeting minutes.
5. Experience supporting online events, webinars, virtual meetings, and knowledge-sharing processes.
6. Basic design and editing skills, with desirable familiarity with Canva, WordPress, and Mailchimp.
7. Experience in producing and supporting newsletters, digital communications, and managing social media channels.
8. Ability to draft and edit news updates, communication content, and articles in English.
9. Capability to troubleshoot basic digital platform, connectivity, or login issues during online meetings.
10. Fluency in written and spoken English; additional African Union or UN languages are desirable.
11. Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
12. Strong organizational and time-management skills.
13. Good interpersonal skills and experience in cross-cultural settings.
14. High level of discretion when handling sensitive information.
15. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
16. Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.