Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Associate

ABOUT US: African Leadership Academy (ALA) seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing, and connecting a new generation of young leaders who will lead the continent towards lasting peace and shared prosperity for all. Since our inception in 2008, we have worked to lay the foundations of this audacious mission by identifying and developing a group of exceptional young leaders who will work together to shape Africa’s future.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The DEI Associate supports the implementation of African Leadership Academy's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy across Africa Career Networks by embedding inclusive practice into programmes, employer engagement and partnership development. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, the role strengthens equitable access to career opportunities, builds strategic ecosystem partnerships and improves employment outcomes for Persons with Disabilities, Refugees and Displaced Youth, and other underrepresented groups across Africa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Inclusive Programme Implementation* Support programme teams to embed inclusive practices across participant programmes, develop playbooks and practical resources, monitor implementation, and strengthen equitable program participant experiences.

Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

• Build and maintain relationships with disability organisations, refugee-serving organisations, employers, universities, and ecosystem partners to expand inclusive career opportunities.

Inclusive Employer Engagement

• Support employer partners to strengthen inclusive recruitment practices and collaborate with the Employer Engagement & DEI team to increase employment opportunities for underrepresented talent.

Learning, Impact & Representation* Track programme outcomes, analyse data, prepare reports, contribute to organisational learning and represent ACN in relevant forums and partner engagements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, International Development, Education, Human Rights, Psychology, Public Policy, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, workforce development, youth development, social impact, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating programmes and managing multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships with external organisations.
• Strong written communication, facilitation, and project coordination skills.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience working within higher education, youth employment, or international development.
• Experience supporting employer engagement or inclusive recruitment initiatives.
• Experience working across multiple African countries or within Pan-African programmes.
• Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) and impact measurement.

COMPETENCIES:

Technical

• Knowledge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and inclusive programme implementation.
• Understanding of disability inclusion, refugee inclusion, and equitable workforce participation.
• Partnership development and stakeholder engagement.
• Programme coordination and project management.
• Data analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.

Generic

• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good computer skills and an ability to learn new computer programs easily.
• A proactive problem solver, collaborator, and implementer.
• Project Management skills.
• Ability to prioritise and work independently.
• Logical and rational decision-making approach.
• Attention to detail
• Able to work independently.

Attributes

• High levels of integrity and confidentiality, and emotional maturity.
• Good Interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders and staff at all levels, together with the ability to resolve conflict.
• Resilient and possess the ability to defuse confrontation situations.
• Capacity to remain calm and work under pressure of deadlines.
• Patience, diplomacy, empathy, and flexibility when dealing with a range of situations and people.
• Self-confidence and a willingness to accept responsibility and, where required, take initiative.
• Ability and willingness to build a positive relationship with all stakeholders.
• Committed and enthusiastic.

Reports To: Senior Program Manager - Employer Engagement, Partnerships & Inclusion.

Job Location: ALA Campus, Johannesburg

Potential Start Date: 01 September 2026