Job Description : Chief of Staff

Job Department:         Strategy Office

Job Type:                 Permanent

Location:                 Remote

Start Date:                    July 15 - August 31

About The Afara Initiative

The Afara Initiative is a non-profit organisation aiming to empower 1 Million university students, setting them on a path to economic independence and supporting them in emerging as entrepreneurs, business leaders, and public leaders who will envision and build a thriving Nigeria. Our mission is to provide African youth with the mindset, skillsets, resources and global networks to thrive and become industry and nation builders and leaders.

Since 2014, The Afara Initiative has impacted 730+ students through its programs and aims to scale to 55,000+ students by 2029 and 1M+ by 2034. In 2025 itself, we have an ambitious goal of impacting 7,000 students through our programs.

Our students span across all 36 states in Nigeria and our alumni work across 10+ countries across the globe. We have scaled our impact through two major interventions: The Bridge Fellowship (A hyper-selective leadership accelerator for high potential university students with a dedication towards creating systemic change) and The Pathway Career Accelerator (Career accelerators run in partnership with universities offering career development and advancement programs and services).

Position Summary

As we gear up for this exponential growth, Afara is looking to recruit its next Chief of Staff who will work directly with the Founder & CEO to execute on our 5-year strategic plan. The CoS is the right-hand person, leverage, and force-multiplier to the CEO and must remain flexible to expand capacity to deliver on our ever-evolving strategic priorities. A typical day for the CoS might begin with developing an operating financial model for the organization, followed by a working lunch session with donors, a session with product development team to drive the product roadmap based on market feedback and concluding with Advisory Council meetings to seek advice on longer-term initiatives of the organization.

​​If you have an entrepreneurial mind-set, love thriving in dynamic environments with a strong ability to solve problems, this opportunity will enable you to put that into practice by assuming responsibility for bringing strategic projects to life.

Areas of responsibility may include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Planning & Execution

  • Serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, supporting strategy development and execution.
  • Lead and drive cross-functional initiatives that align with the organisation’s goals and strategic priorities.
  • Track key performance metrics, ensuring accountability and progress across teams.
  • Support the CEO in making data-driven decision-making by conducting research, synthesizing insights, and providing well established recommendations.

Organizational Leadership & Operations

  • Act as an extension of the CEO, ensuring strategic priorities are effectively implemented across departments.
  • Foster internal alignment in executing on priorities, breaking down silos and improving operational efficiency.
  • Lead special projects, pilots, and process improvements to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Support fundraising and partnership efforts, ensuring timely execution of commitments and follow-ups

Board & Governance Support

  • Prepare board meeting agendas, reports, and materials in collaboration with leadership.
  • Ensure timely follow-up on board directives and governance requirements.
  • Serve as a key liaison between the board, executive team, and staff, facilitating seamless communication and coordination.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Draft presentations, speeches, and reports for internal and external audiences.
  • Manage executive-level communications and act as a strategic liaison between the CEO and stakeholders.
  • Represent the CEO in key meetings, ensuring effective engagement and follow-through on action items.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners, and board members.

Please note that this job description is a guide to the work you will be required to undertake, but does not cover all of the duties that you may have to perform. Responsibilities will evolve over time, in discussion with the CEO.

Personal Attributes and Skills

  • At least 3 years of work experience in corporate strategy, investment banking or similar generalist roles in a highly result-oriented environment and span non-profit or for-profit backgrounds.
  • Proven track record of managing cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational impact.
  • Strong strategic thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation abilities.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and drive results.
  • High emotional intelligence (EQ) and ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Eager to learn from adversity and setbacks and constantly challenging limitations

Why Join Us?

  • Be at the heart of a mission-driven organization making a real impact.
  • Work closely with a dynamic and visionary CEO.
  • Lead high-impact projects and shape the future of the organization.

Application

Interested? Please, click on the link below to apply.
Apply here