Project Associate - TheNextHub

Job Overview

Department: Projects

Reports to: Project Manager

Location: Mwanza

Salary: 1,000,000 TZS

Job Summary

The Project Associate will support the coordination, implementation, documentation, and operational delivery of projects and programmes under TheNextHub. The role requires strong organizational and coordination skills, stakeholder engagement, reporting, field execution, and the ability to manage multiple activities in a dynamic innovation ecosystem environment.

The Project Associate will work closely with the Project Manager to ensure smooth day-to-day implementation of programme activities, timely follow-up on action points, proper documentation, and effective engagement with startups, MSMEs, partners, communities, and other ecosystem stakeholders.

The role requires a proactive, detail-oriented, and adaptable individual capable of working independently and collaboratively in both office and field settings.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Coordination & Implementation

• Support planning, coordination, and implementation of project and programme activities.
• Coordinate day-to-day execution of assigned project tasks and timelines.
• Ensure timely follow-up and completion of action points from meetings and field activities.
• Support implementation of workshops, training, bootcamps, outreach activities, and community engagements.
• Assist in coordinating field visits and programme implementation activities in Mwanza and other assigned locations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Support communication and coordination with startups, MSMEs, beneficiaries, partners, service providers, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Assist in stakeholder mapping, participant mobilization, and beneficiary engagement activities.
• Support preparation of presentations, briefs, activity updates, and communication materials.
• Maintain professional relationships with project stakeholders and support effective information flow.

Documentation, Reporting & MEL Support

• Collect programme data and maintain accurate project records and databases.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and activity reports as required.
• Support documentation of lessons learned, success stories, beneficiary feedback, and programme impact.
• Maintain accurate attendance lists, photos, meeting minutes, beneficiary records, and activity documentation.
• Support Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) activities including data collection, indicator tracking, and reporting.

Logistics & Operational Support

• Support logistical arrangements for meetings, training, workshops, and field activities.
• Assist in tracking project expenditures and maintaining supporting documentation where required.
• Ensure proper filing and organization of project documents and operational records.
• Support procurement and coordination of materials required for programme activities.

Research & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct basic research and data collection to support project implementation and reporting.
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• Identify operational gaps and recommend practical improvements to project implementation processes.
• Contribute to strengthening documentation, reporting systems, and programme coordination practices.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Manager or management.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Community Development, Business Administration, Development Studies, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• At least 2-3 years of relevant experience in project coordination, programme implementation, community engagement, or related work is an added advantage.
• Experience working with NGOs, innovation hubs, entrepreneurship programmes, MSMEs, startups, or community development initiatives is an added advantage.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and administrative skills.
• Good report writing, documentation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with data collection and reporting tools is an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel and participate in field activities where required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Key Competencies

• Project coordination and follow-through
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Time management and organization
• Documentation and reporting
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Accountability and ownership
• Professionalism and integrity
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance for this role shall be assessed based on:

• Timely completion of assigned project activities.
• Quality and timeliness of reports and documentation.
• Effectiveness of stakeholder and beneficiary coordination.
• Accuracy and completeness of project records.
• Contribution to successful implementation of programme activities.
• Responsiveness and follow-up on assigned action points.
• Compliance with organizational and donor requirements.
• Contribution to Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) processes.

Working Relationships

Internal

• Project Manager
• Project Team
• Hub Manager
• Marketing Team
• Finance & Administration Team
• Management Team

External

• Startups and SMEs
• Community beneficiaries
• Partners and donors
• Service providers
• Ecosystem stakeholders

Work Environment

The role involves both office-based and field-based work and may require travel within Mwanza and other project locations. The Project Associate should be comfortable working in dynamic environments with multiple ongoing priorities and tight deadlines.