Vacancies at Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA)

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of CECAFA’s commercial, partnerships and strategic communications agenda, with responsibility for strengthening the organisation’s commercial position, generating sustainable revenue, securing and managing strategic partnerships, and enhancing the value and visibility of CECAFA competitions, programmes and institutional brand.

The position reports to the Executive Director.

• Develop and implement CECAFA’s commercial, partnerships and strategic communications strategy, establishing clear revenue targets and priorities aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Identify, develop and secure sustainable revenue opportunities through sponsorships, strategic partnerships, broadcasting, advertising, licensing, digital platforms, content and other commercial assets available to CECAFA.
• Develop compelling commercial propositions, sponsorship packages, partnership concepts, presentations and business cases around CECAFA competitions, programmes, events, digital platforms and institutional assets.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective sponsors and partners and lead commercial negotiations with corporate organisations, broadcasters, agencies, institutions and other strategic stakeholders within delegated authority.
• Manage relationships with existing sponsors and strategic partners, ensuring professional account management and effective delivery, monitoring and reporting of agreed contractual rights, benefits and obligations.
• Lead the strategic positioning and development of the CECAFA brand and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s communications, media and digital functions to strengthen visibility, audience engagement and commercial value.
• Work closely with the Competitions Department and other relevant functions to integrate sponsorship, branding, broadcast, media, digital and partner requirements into CECAFA competitions, programmes and events.
• Identify emerging commercial, media and digital trends and develop innovative opportunities that strengthen CECAFA’s revenue base, audience reach, institutional profile and value proposition to partners.
• Monitor and evaluate commercial performance, sponsorship exposure, media reach, digital engagement and partner value, and provide regular reports, forecasts and recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Prepare and manage annual commercial plans, departmental work plans and budgets, protect CECAFA’s commercial and brand interests, represent CECAFA in relevant engagements when authorised, and carry out any other related duties assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements and Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, Communications, Sports Management, International Business or another relevant field. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience in commercial development, sponsorship, partnerships, marketing, media rights, business development, strategic communications or a related field, including at least three years in a senior or managerial role.
• Demonstrated track record of identifying, developing, negotiating and securing significant commercial partnerships, sponsorships or other revenue generating opportunities.
• Proven ability to translate organisational, sporting, media or digital assets into compelling commercial propositions and measurable revenue opportunities.
• Strong understanding of sponsorship, commercial partnerships, brand management, broadcasting, media, digital platforms and the evolving sports business environment.
• Excellent commercial judgment, negotiation, presentation and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage confidently and professionally with senior executives, partners and other high-level stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to translate strategy into measurable results and manage multiple priorities within demanding deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop high quality commercial proposals, presentations, reports and strategic communications.
• High level of integrity, accountability, discretion and professional judgment. Experience within football, sport, media, entertainment or a regional or international organisation will be an added advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages used within the CECAFA region will be an added advantage.

What CECAFA Offers

• An opportunity to play a senior role in shaping the commercial growth and strategic positioning of football across East and Central Africa.
• Significant responsibility and opportunity to develop new partnerships, commercial opportunities and sustainable revenue streams for CECAFA.
• A dynamic regional and international working environment involving football stakeholders, Member Associations, commercial partners and other institutions.
• Professional exposure through CECAFA competitions, programmes and engagement with football stakeholders across Africa and internationally.
• Employment conditions in accordance with CECAFA policies and the terms applicable to the position.

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Responsibilities

Support the planning, coordination and operational delivery of CECAFA competitions and tournaments, working closely with the Tournaments Manager, Competitions Department, host Member Associations, Local Organising Committees, participating teams and other relevant stakeholders.

The position reports to the Competitions Manager.

• Support the planning, preparation and implementation of CECAFA competitions and tournaments, including operational plans, timelines, schedules, checklists and action trackers.
• Coordinate with host Member Associations and Local Organising Committees on assigned tournament preparations and follow up agreed requirements, deadlines and outstanding actions.
• Support arrangements for team services, accommodation, transport, training facilities, competition venues, accreditation and other tournament operational requirements.
• Collect, verify and maintain participating team and official information, including delegation details, travel itineraries, arrival and departure information and other operational requirements.
• Support team and official arrivals and departures and coordinate operational communication with participating teams and appointed officials as assigned.
• Support the organisation of Team Managers Meetings, coordination meetings and other competition related meetings and ensure relevant information and instructions are communicated accurately and on time.
• Support venue readiness and match day operations and coordinate with relevant functions including refereeing, medical, safeguarding, security, protocol, media and commercial teams.
• Monitor tournament operations and delivery of assigned goods and services, promptly identifying and reporting delays, deficiencies, incidents and operational risks through the appropriate reporting line.
• Support compliance with applicable CECAFA, CAF and FIFA competition requirements and maintain complete and accurate tournament records, operational documentation and competition files.
• Prepare operational updates and post competition reports, contribute to tournament evaluations and carry out any other related duties assigned by the Competitions Manager.

Requirements and Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Events Management, Management, Hospitality, Logistics or another relevant field.
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in football competitions, tournament operations, sports events, event management, logistics or a related field.
• Practical experience organising football competitions or major sporting events and working with teams, match officials, Local Organising Committees or Member Associations will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of football competition and tournament operations, with knowledge of CECAFA, CAF or FIFA competition procedures and regulations considered an added advantage.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to coordinate multiple operational requirements within strict deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving ability and capacity to respond calmly, professionally and practically to operational challenges in a fast-moving tournament environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and established reporting structures.
• Strong sense of responsibility, discipline and accountability, together with good written reporting and documentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel and to work extended or irregular hours during competitions and tournaments, together with good command of Microsoft Office and relevant operational planning tools.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages used within the CECAFA region will be an added advantage.

What CECAFA Offers

• An opportunity to contribute directly to the planning and delivery of regional and international football competitions.
• Practical professional exposure to tournament operations across CECAFA Member Associations.
• A dynamic football environment involving teams, officials, host associations and regional and international football stakeholders.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within football competition and tournament management.
• Employment conditions in accordance with CECAFA policies and the terms applicable to the position.

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Responsibilities

Support the planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring of CECAFA’s women’s and girls’ football development programmes, working with the Women’s Football Development Department, Member Associations and relevant stakeholders to increase participation, strengthen development pathways and contribute to the sustainable growth of women’s football across the CECAFA region.

The position works within the Women’s Football Development Department.

• Support the implementation of CECAFA’s women’s football strategy, programmes and annual activities and contribute to initiatives aimed at increasing participation and opportunities for women and girls in football.
• Support CECAFA Member Associations in implementing women’s and girls’ football development programmes and maintain effective coordination with their respective women’s football contacts.
• Assist in identifying development needs, challenges and opportunities across the region and support initiatives that strengthen pathways for female players, coaches, referees, administrators and football leaders.
• Coordinate assigned women’s football programmes, workshops, seminars and capacity building activities, including relevant CAF and FIFA programmes implemented through or in collaboration with CECAFA.
• Coordinate Member Association participation, nominations, submissions, programme documentation and follow up relating to assigned women’s football activities.
• Work with the Competitions Department and other relevant CECAFA functions to support the development objectives associated with women’s and girls’ competitions and strengthen pathways between grassroots, youth and senior football.
• Support education, capacity building and knowledge sharing initiatives and promote the exchange of good practices in women’s football among CECAFA Member Associations.
• Collect, maintain and analyse women’s football participation and programme data, monitor agreed performance indicators and support evaluation of programme outcomes and impact.
• Prepare activity plans, reports, programme summaries, presentations and budget inputs and promote safeguarding and safe participation across all assigned women’s and girls’ football activities.
• Coordinate with relevant CECAFA departments, represent the Women’s Football Development Department when assigned and carry out any other related duties assigned through the departmental reporting structure or by the Executive Director.

Requirements and Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Sports Science, Physical Education, Business Administration, Development Studies, Management or another relevant field.
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in women’s football, football development, sports administration, programme management or a related field.
• Practical experience working in women’s or girls’ football and experience within a football association, club, sports organisation or development programme will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of women’s and girls’ football development, including participation, player pathways, capacity building and the challenges and opportunities affecting the growth of the game.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, implement and monitor football development programmes, workshops or capacity building activities.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities, maintain accurate records and deliver within agreed deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with Member Associations and diverse football stakeholders in a multicultural environment.
• Good written communication, reporting, presentation and data management skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and safe participation principles, a high level of integrity and professionalism, and willingness to travel as required. Knowledge of CAF and FIFA women’s football development programmes will be an added advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages used within the CECAFA region will be an added advantage.

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Responsibilities

Support the Executive Director’s Office in ensuring effective coordination, communication and follow up with CECAFA Member Associations and across the Secretariat, while providing high quality executive and institutional support on matters requiring the attention of the Executive Director.

The position reports to the Executive Director.

• Serve as a key coordination point between the Executive Director’s Office and CECAFA Member Associations, ensuring effective and timely communication and follow up.
• Coordinate official correspondence, circulars, requests, submissions and other communication involving Member Associations, while maintaining accurate and up to date institutional contact records.
• Maintain an effective system for tracking decisions, instructions, commitments, deadlines and outstanding actions arising from the Executive Director’s Office and Member Association engagements.
• Prepare briefing notes, meeting files, background information, presentations, correspondence and other documentation required by the Executive Director.
• Support the coordination and preparation of the Executive Director’s official meetings, ensuring that relevant information, documentation and action points are properly managed.
• Coordinate information and submissions required from Member Associations for CECAFA programmes, meetings and institutional activities and ensure timely follow up on outstanding matters.
• Liaise with CECAFA departments to ensure matters involving Member Associations are properly coordinated, communicated and followed through without unnecessary duplication.
• Identify urgent, sensitive or outstanding matters requiring management attention and provide regular updates to the Executive Director on progress and required action.
• Maintain organised and confidential records and carry out any other related responsibilities assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements and Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, International Relations, Sports Management, Public Administration, Communications or another relevant field.
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in executive coordination, administration, stakeholder relations, sports administration, institutional affairs or a related field.
• Experience supporting senior management or working within an executive office, football association, sports organisation, regional or international organisation will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate correspondence, meetings, deadlines, action points and multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain consistent follow up.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional correspondence, briefing notes, reports and meeting documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to engage professionally and confidently with senior football administrators and other stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, discretion and professional judgment, including the ability to identify and appropriately escalate urgent or sensitive matters.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office and relevant administrative and communication tools. Knowledge of football administration and the CECAFA region will be an added advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages used within the CECAFA region will be an added advantage.