Network Development Associate – Africa

Job Details

Position: Network Development Associate – Africa Location: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, subject to HelpAge International holding registration in the respective country Department: Global Impact – Network Development Reports To: Network Platform Manager Line Management: N/A Grade: Grade A or equivalent based on country of hire Contract Type: Open-ended contract

About HelpAge International

HelpAge International works with a global network of around 200 organisations across 99 countries to promote the rights of older people to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives.

Through partnerships and collaboration, HelpAge works to ensure the inclusion of older people across society and strives to contribute to a just and fair world for everyone as they age.

About the Job

The Network Development Associate based in Africa will play a key role in strengthening engagement, communication, and coordination across the HelpAge Global Network.

The role supports a growing and strategically important area of work that connects members, amplifies their voices, and enables collaboration across regions.

The postholder will work closely with the Network Platform Manager, Africa Regional Adviser and Thematic Advisers to support member engagement, knowledge sharing, and the effective functioning of the HelpAge Digital Portal. The role will also help strengthen relationships across the network, improve information flows, and promote connected, visible, and collaborative ways of working across Africa and the wider global network.

Key Areas for Impact and Responsibilities

1. Network Engagement and Support to the Network Platform – 50%

• Work with the Network Platform Team to strengthen communication and coordination between HelpAge and network members, particularly across Africa, alongside Regional Advisers and Thematic Advisers.
• Support and facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and peer learning across the network.
• Support the curation, management, and updating of the HelpAge digital portal, including administrative backend support and first-line user support.
• Help organize thematic sessions, webinars, peer-learning events, and cross-network exchanges.
• Support the development of newsletters and other communications content for network members and stakeholders.
• Support member applications, onboarding, and induction processes.
• Maintain accurate member information and mailing lists on HelpAge CONNECT (hosted by Salesforce) and SharePoint.
• Support coordination of Network Development Team meetings and provide other administrative support as required.
• Support tracking of engagement and participation trends across the membership.

2. Regional Network Engagement, Communications and Administrative Support for the Regional Adviser, Africa – 50%

• Support communication and engagement with potential and existing network members across Africa.
• Help maintain effective information flows between members, the Regional Adviser, cross-organizational teams, and the wider network.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for regional meetings, webinars, learning events, and member engagements.
• Prepare and disseminate agendas, invitations, briefing materials, and meeting notes, and maintain agreed records and documentation.
• Support communications, member liaison, and event administration for regional initiatives, including the Africa Ageing Conference, Africa Coordination Mechanism, and resource mobilization where required.
• Collect and maintain member engagement data, feedback, and participation information to support reporting, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate translation and interpretation arrangements for regional communications and events where needed.
• Gather stories, case studies, and learning content from network members and partners across Africa.
• Develop communications and visibility materials that strengthen member engagement and showcase network impact across the region.
• Ensure up-to-date information on digital and website platforms.
• Maintain regional communications channels, including social media pages.
• Support knowledge sharing within Africa and across the wider HelpAge network.
• Contribute to strategic planning and reporting processes for the Africa region, including leading the communication and knowledge management plan for Africa.

Skills and Experience Required

Applicants should have:

• At least 3–5 years of experience supporting regional and global network coordination processes, member engagement, event coordination, and administrative functions, ideally within international development, civil society, humanitarian settings, or multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience supporting logistical planning and coordination of sub-regional, regional, and global meetings, workshops, webinars, learning events, and strategic convenings.
• Good IT skills and familiarity with digital collaboration, communication, and data visualization tools.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and concise documents, meeting minutes, and action points.
• Experience supporting online events, webinars, virtual meetings, and knowledge-sharing processes.
• Basic design and editing skills.
• Familiarity with Canva, WordPress, and Mailchimp is desirable.
• Experience producing and supporting newsletters and digital communications and managing social media channels.
• Ability to draft and edit news updates, communication content, and articles in English.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic digital platform, connectivity, or login issues during online meetings and events.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Additional African Union or UN language skills are desirable.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and experience working in cross-cultural settings.
• High level of discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Key Behavioural Competencies

Working Collaboratively with Others

Work collaboratively with external organizations and partners, building mutual trust and respect to achieve strategic aims and objectives.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Adapt to new directions and opportunities, remain flexible, and use feedback to learn and improve.

Supporting and Facilitating Change

Support behavioural and cultural change by promoting a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Extend HelpAge’s Reach and Impact

Identify new business development opportunities and build relationships with new partners.

Diversity and Inclusion

Promote the inclusion of the voices of older people across HelpAge’s support, convening, and thought leadership activities.

Leading Others

For managers, demonstrate strong leadership, create an atmosphere of trust, and provide an enabling environment where staff can contribute and develop their potential.

Policies and Code of Conduct

HelpAge International employees are expected to comply with organizational policies and standards and conduct themselves consistently with the organization’s values.

These include:

• Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding Policy and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
• Anti-Fraud and Bribery Policy
• Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy
• Raising a Concern (Whistleblowing) Policy
• Social Media Policy

Staff are required to familiarize themselves with these policies, complete mandatory training, and comply with them throughout their employment.

Safeguarding

HelpAge International is committed to safeguarding the communities it works with, as well as its partners, staff, and others who come into contact with its work.

The postholder will be responsible for:

• Preventing harm and abuse arising from people, operations, and programmes.
• Reporting safeguarding incidents through the internal reporting mechanism.
• Complying with safeguarding framework policies and practices.
• Completing mandatory safeguarding training and complying with HR vetting procedures.

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit:

• CV
• Cover Letter

Applications should be sent to:

[email protected]

Application Deadline

5 October 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is successfully filled.

Important: Candidates must have the legal right to work and live in one of the countries identified in the location section: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, or Zimbabwe. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.