Innovation Co-Lab Coordinator

About the position

JOB ADVERTISEMENT: INNOVATION CO-LAB COORDINATOR

A vacancy exists within Innovate Durban, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting innovators and building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in KwaZulu-Natal. The organisation delivers high-impact programmes and initiatives through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. This is a permanent position for Innovation Co-Lab Coordinator.

The Innovation Co-Lab is a community-based innovation centre that offers support through prototype development, co-creation opportunities, and co-working spaces for local innovators and entrepreneurs.

Purpose of Role:
The Innovation Co-Lab Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of Innovation Lab activities. Key responsibilities include:

• Implementing and managing lab projects, skills programmes, and innovation activities
• Monitoring and tracking lab usage and reporting on impact
• Providing direct support to lab users and programme beneficiaries
• Promoting and facilitating the effective use of the makerspace and specialised equipment
• Supporting efforts to attract new users and generate revenue for the Lab
• Ensuring high-quality service delivery aligned with the organisation's innovation objectives
• Coordinating logistics, resources, and partnerships related to lab activities

Minimum Criteria:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant or related field
• Minimum 3 years' experience in project coordination
• Minimum 2 years' experience in facilitation
• At least 1 year experience in Monitoring and Evaluation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Experience using online project management tools
• Valid driver's licence
• Fluent in English

Preferential Criteria:
The following will be considered advantageous:

• Zulu-speaking
• Previous experience working in a similar innovation or makerspace facility
• Experience working with youth
• Basic understanding of product design and the use of specialised machinery

Essential competence:
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong work ethic and integrity
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Proactive and able to work independently
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a team environment
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced setting

Salary:
The salary is market-related and will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. A retirement annuity contribution is included as part of the benefits package.

Kindly submit your CV by no later than 16 May 2025.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Desired Skills:

• planning and organisational
• interpersonal communication
• Attention to detail
• Multitask
• proactive
• work independently
• collaboration
• team work
• problem solving
• decision making
• time management

Desired Work Experience:

• 2 to 5 years

Desired Qualification Level:

• Diploma

About The Employer:

A non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting innovators and building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in KwaZulu-Natal. The organisation delivers high-impact programmes and initiatives through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.

Employer & Job Benefits:

• Retirement Annuity