Join the CiTi Team as Innovation Programme Manager

The Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative is looking for a curious, confident multi-tasker who is passionate about tech and innovation for social impact. Join Africa’s oldest tech hub and get hands-on experience in bringing cutting edge trends to life through programmes, events and publications.

Your first two projects will see you take on serious games research and knowledge-sharing from our Woodstock Bandwidth Barn and digital township economy ecosystem building at our Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn. From there, the sky’s the limit!

Responsibilities

The role covers all aspects of the projects and their management, specifically:

  • Design relevant and effective programmes, events, interventions etc. that will increase knowledge generation and sharing in the areas of (serious) games and tech entrepreneurship in townships.
  • Commissioning and supplier management
  • Together with the marketing team, manage communications and relevant databases
  • Stakeholder management of funders, partners and ecosystem members
  • Managing line budgets
  • Reporting

What will make you stand out

  • Creativity: Imaginative thinking coupled with quality execution
  • Demonstrated interest in social impact and technology
  • Experience in commissioning content and/or running events
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in a startup, social impact org, studio or similar

Benefits of working at CiTi

  • A workplace with high levels of accountability and flexibility
  • Opportunities for self-directed growth in a stimulating, dynamic environment
  • Direct exposure to South Africa’s startup and innovation ecosystem
  • Work for a purpose-driven organisation and get a competitive pay package

To apply, please provide a max 2-page CV, and a cover letter telling us about why this opportunity excites you. We may request references and writing samples, and require you to complete a short assignment if you are shortlisted. Email michelle@citi.org.za. Deadline for applications: Wednesday 10 October.

FULL JOB SPECIFICATION

During the first 6-12 months, the main requirement of the role will be delivering outputs on two specific projects. However, the role will evolve over time in consultation with the team.

Design and general research:

  • With the support of the Head of Innovation, the Games Ecosystem Partner and the Khayelitsha Business Development Manager, drive the development of relevant and effective programmes, events, interventions etc. that will increase knowledge generation and sharing in the areas of (serious) games and tech entrepreneurship in townships.
  • Identify areas for additional research into serious games and/or digital township economy, conduct or commission research (desktop or market), and work with marketing to distribute findings via website and/or other channels as appropriate.

Commissioning and supplier management – Serious About Games v.2 and Digital Township Economy dialogue series:

  • Manage volunteer students writing up three case studies of game dev/client relationships to articulate the serious games value proposition, and highlight best practice and lessons learned.
  • Develop briefs, and identify the correct suppliers for a series of game-dev relevant business development modules and a series of game-dev events (3-5 over 12 months) at the Bandwidth Barn/s.
  • Develop briefs and identify expert and exciting speakers for a series of 10 talks / short workshops at Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn, on topics highly relevant to the integration of the township economy, inclusive tech opportunities and black entrepreneurial excellence.
  • Maintain project schedule on the modules, and assign and communicate deadlines and deliverables to responsible parties.
  • Manage suppliers to deliver on agreed outputs to standard and on time.

Stakeholder management:

  • Liaise with Western Cape Provincial Government DEDAT and City of Cape Town on project deliverables.
  • Support the Reblok team in their marketing strategy, together with Head of Innovation.
  • Stay alert to opportunities to collaborate to grow impact with “good-fit” members of the ecosystem.

Marketing and communication:

  • Work closely with the marketing team to promote events and share newsworthy wins and information.
  • Where necessary, develop communications for sign-off by marketing, and implement these through agreed channels.
  • With support from marketing, ensure website is up-to-date.
  • Develop and send invite and info mailers via email and/or MailChimp.
  • Maintain serious games database and establish one for the digital township economy events.

Budgeting:

  • Develop and manage line budgets for events (within a high-level budget already determined), incl. sourcing quotes and liaising with the finance department on queries.

Reporting:

  • Collect and supply data and evidence as needed for reporting related to tasks outlined above.
  • Write up and timeously submit reports on the Serious About Games and Digital Township Economy projects.
  • Maintain accessible folders of documents and information relating to work.

Fiona Tabraham

Fiona Tabraham is a strategic workforce development expert with a career founded on a resolute commitment to inclusivity, talent nurturing, and societal impact. Chief Executive of CAPACITI Digital Career Accelerator, Fiona’s passion for equity has charted pathways across numerous organisations, guiding bespoke Talent Initiatives, Future Leadership Development Programs, and transformative Career Pathway Development. Her tenure at Network Rail bore inclusive talent strategies, STEM advocacy, and innovative Graduate, Apprentice, and Internship initiatives. A trusted partner to a number of governmental, corporate and impact driven entities, Fiona empowers individuals and organisations, fostering diverse recruitment practices and innovative talent strategies. Fiona’s impact transcends the tech sector, positioning her as a leading voice for inclusive digital career initiatives.