Project Coordinator @African Centre for Cities

The African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced an exciting opportunity for a full-time Project Coordinator (City Hall Fellowship) to join the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI) Data Programme. This position offers professionals passionate about urban development, city governance, leadership, research, and programme management the opportunity to contribute to one of Africa’s most innovative city leadership initiatives.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in coordinating the City Hall Fellowship Programme while simultaneously providing administrative and operational support to the AMALI Data Programme. The position is offered on a 12-month contract from approximately June 2026 to June 2027, with the possibility of renewal.

Applications close on 26 June 2026.

About the African Centre for Cities (ACC)

Established in 2007, the African Centre for Cities is a leading urban research institute based at the University of Cape Town. The centre is housed within the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.

ACC is recognized across Africa and internationally for its interdisciplinary approach to urban research, policy development, city leadership, and sustainable urban transformation. Drawing expertise from across the University of Cape Town, the centre addresses some of the most pressing urban challenges facing African cities today.

The institution works across several thematic areas including:

• Urban Governance, Politics and the State
• Urban Health
• Urban Food Systems
• Sustainable Infrastructure Transitions
• Inclusive and Circular Economies
• Culture, Technology and Society
• Teaching and Learning the City
• Other Urban Development Themes

About the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI)

The African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI) is a flagship programme housed within the African Centre for Cities. The initiative focuses on supporting African mayors and city leaders in achieving their long-term development goals and creating lasting legacies within their cities.

AMALI provides mayors with ongoing technical assistance, leadership support, skills development, and strategic advisory services throughout the course of a calendar year.

A major component of the programme is the AMALI Data Programme, which supports city executives and municipal data teams in:

• Collecting high-quality city-level data
• Conducting data analysis
• Using evidence-based decision-making tools
• Improving city-scale reporting systems
• Strengthening urban governance through data-driven leadership

The AMALI Data Programme currently consists of:

• A Data Programme Lead
• Four City Data Advisors

The Project Coordinator will become an integral member of this growing and impactful team.

About the City Hall Fellowship Programme

One of the most exciting aspects of this position is the opportunity to oversee the City Hall Fellowship Programme.

Through this initiative, Master’s and PhD students are embedded in participating AMALI cities across Africa for up to ten weeks. These placements provide students with practical experience while helping city leaders address key urban challenges and advance their legacy projects.

The fellowship programme creates a bridge between academic research and real-world city governance by placing talented postgraduate students directly within municipal environments.

The Project Coordinator will ensure that these placements are strategically designed, effectively managed, and deliver meaningful outcomes for both students and participating cities.

Key Responsibilities of the Project Coordinator

1. Coordinating the City Hall Fellowship Programme

The Project Coordinator will oversee all aspects of the fellowship programme.

Responsibilities include:

Establishing and Managing Advisory Structures

• Set up an advisory group consisting of conveners from relevant Master’s programmes at UCT.
• Coordinate regular advisory meetings.
• Facilitate expert guidance on programme development and implementation.

Programme Alignment and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with AMALI team members and external partners.
• Ensure the fellowship programme supports the broader objectives of the AMALI initiative.
• Strengthen partnerships with participating cities and academic institutions.

Student Recruitment and Selection

• Design and manage recruitment processes.
• Advertise fellowship opportunities.
• Coordinate application reviews.
• Establish selection committees where necessary.
• Support transparent and competitive selection processes.

Placement Coordination

• Engage with participating AMALI cities to identify placement opportunities.
• Match students with appropriate city placements.
• Connect students with suitable advisors and mentors.
• Facilitate productive relationships between fellows and city stakeholders.

Logistics and Operational Management

• Coordinate travel arrangements.
• Organize accommodation and placement logistics.
• Ensure students are effectively integrated into host city environments.
• Manage administrative requirements throughout the fellowship period.

Monitoring and Quality Assurance

• Support supervisors and mentors throughout student placements.
• Monitor fellowship progress.
• Ensure fellows produce high-quality outputs that directly support city leaders’ legacy goals.
• Facilitate continuous improvement of programme delivery.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive programme records.
• Document successes, lessons learned, and programme outcomes.
• Promote the fellowship programme through communication and outreach activities.
• Prepare reports for ACC leadership and programme funders.

Administrative Support for the AMALI Data Programme

The second major responsibility of the role involves supporting the operational effectiveness of the AMALI Data Programme.

The successful candidate will help ensure that programme milestones are achieved efficiently and on schedule.

Responsibilities include:

Programme Administration

• Provide administrative support to the Data Programme Lead.
• Support City Data Advisors in their activities.
• Maintain effective programme coordination systems.
• Assist with scheduling and programme management.

Travel Coordination

• Organize domestic and international travel logistics.
• Coordinate meetings and events.
• Manage travel-related documentation and arrangements.

Office Management

• Support the management of the AMALI Data Programme office.
• Ensure operational systems run efficiently.
• Assist in maintaining a productive working environment.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Project Coordinator role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to urban transformation across Africa.

Successful candidates will:

• Work with influential African mayors and city leaders.
• Help shape data-driven governance across African cities.
• Support future urban leaders through postgraduate fellowships.
• Engage with international urban development networks.
• Gain experience within one of Africa’s leading urban research institutions.
• Contribute to evidence-based policy and city development initiatives.

Working Environment

The role is based within the University of Cape Town, one of Africa’s highest-ranked universities and a globally respected research institution.

The African Centre for Cities provides an intellectually stimulating and collaborative environment that combines academic excellence with practical impact.

Professionals joining the team will work at the intersection of:

• Research
• Urban governance
• Public policy
• Leadership development
• Data-driven decision-making
• Capacity building

Employment Equity and Diversity

The University of Cape Town is committed to excellence, diversity, inclusion, and transformation.

As a designated employer, UCT seeks to achieve its Employment Equity goals and targets and will give preference to candidates from under-represented designated groups in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan.

The university actively promotes equal opportunity and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Project Coordinator (City Hall Fellowship) position close on:

26 June 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the official job advert and submit their applications before the closing date.

Apply Here 

Final Thoughts

The Project Coordinator (City Hall Fellowship) vacancy at the African Centre for Cities represents an exceptional opportunity for professionals passionate about urban transformation, city leadership, programme management, and higher education engagement.

By coordinating fellowship placements across African cities and supporting the AMALI Data Programme, the successful candidate will play a direct role in strengthening city governance, advancing data-driven decision-making, and empowering the next generation of urban leaders across the continent.

For professionals seeking a meaningful career at the intersection of urban development, research, leadership, and public impact, this role offers an outstanding platform to contribute to Africa’s urban future.

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