The SGAC is Recruiting Volunteers for its NCAC-SGW Organising Team

Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) is looking for motivated and committed volunteers to bring their expertise and knowledge to the 5th African Space Generation Workshop (AF-SGW). The workshop will subsequently take place in November 2021 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. Furthermore, the two-day regional workshop will bring together students, young professionals and industry representatives. Consequently, participants will have the opportunity to interact with experts from academia, businesses and space agencies. In some cases, considering COVID-19, an online version might replace it for general public health and safety.

Therefore, SGAC is looking for qualified and young space enthusiasts to join the organising team to plan this international event.

Role Descriptions

Programme Team (2 positions)

The programme team will be in charge of the creation and organisation of the workshop’s programme.

Responsibilities (Estimated time commitment: 3-5 hours a week on average):

• Developing and preparing the programme and the topics for the event;
• Selecting moderators, speakers and coordinating with them for invitations;
• Coordinating a cloud-based collaboration among team members; and
• Writing related reports and documents. 

Communications Team (2 positions)

This team will support public relations and advertising activities about the workshop, working closely with the SGAC Public Relations (PR), the Communication Team and the Event Manager.

Responsibilities (Estimated time commitment: 3-5 hours a week on average):

• Writing press releases;
• Coordinating media relations and advertising before, during and after the workshop;
• Coordinating social media communication;
• Also, coordinating with the Organising Team and other organisations on promotion; and
• Developing brochures and potential sponsorship packages for the workshop.

Delegate Team (2 positions)

This team will support delegate-related processes throughout the workshop, including application, selection, communication before and after the Workshop.

Responsibilities (Estimated time commitment: 3-5 hours a week on average):

• Coordinating all contacts with delegates, pre and post-selection;
• Supporting the selection of delegates;
• Being the point of contact for delegates on issues/questions; and
• Creating a delegates’ database. 

Logistics Team (2 positions)

This team will support the organisation of the logistics aspects of the workshop: 

Responsibilities (Estimated time commitment: 3-5 hours a week on average):

• Liaising with responsible persons for room booking and set-up for the workshop;
• Organising gatherings/transport for the days of the workshop;
• Elaborating estimated budgets for different organisational phases of the workshop;
• Support with audio/video logistics (especially if online presence); and
• Help managers set up a detailed schedule and responsibilities during the workshop.

Local Organising Committee (LoC) (3-4 Positions)

The LoC will consist of several local volunteers (from South Africa). Therefore, members of the team will support the programme, delegate operations and logistical arrangements for the event (venue, catering, transport, hotels, etc.).

Responsibilities (Estimated time commitment: 3-5 hours a week on average):

• Organising social events (dinners, closing dinner, visits, etc.);
• Finding hotels travel information for the guest speakers;
• Utilize local know-how and language in supporting the overarching AF-SGW team;
• Interact with local supporters and partners for involvement in the programme (seek local sponsors and delegates);
• Assisting, also with the local venue organisation and cultural information/functions (dinners, visits, etc.) for the Delegate Handbook;
• Work closely with the Communications Team for the promotion of the Workshop; and
• Supporting with potential accommodation options.

Necessary Qualifications

• SGAC membership: registration on the SGAC website and below 35 years of age;
• Being of the nationality of one African country or being a resident of one Africa country;
• Interest in space and science sector;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, quick turnaround international environment and meet deadlines without compromising the quality of work;
• Good English skills with a keen eye for details;
• Likewise, good teamwork skills and a high degree of self-organisation; and
• Cross-cultural and communication awareness: ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with people from various international and cultural backgrounds. 

Benefits

• Develop highly desirable leadership skills;
• Opportunity to work with SGAC’s global sponsors and international space partners;
• Similarly, an opportunity to receive discounts from attending SGAC events as an SGAC team member; and
• Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to enhance their management and teamwork skills through working with an international, interdisciplinary, and intercultural team. 

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete SGAC’s Vacancy Application by 25 June 2021  (23:59 UTC) with the following documents as attachments:

• Resume (with the date of birth) (limit 2 pages);
• Letter of Intent, detailing your suitability for the role (limit 1 page);
• List of three past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role; and
• For further information, please contact the Event Manager Ms Leehandi de Witt (leehandi.de-witt@spacegeneration.org). 

SGAC will consider only complete applications. Furthermore, SGAC will announce the results on the 1st of August 2021.

Click here to get real time data and information on every Segments and players in the African space and satellite industry.