Job Title: Technical Coordinator

Department: Africa Wikimedia Technical Community

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Ghana

Employment Type: Full-Time

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to hr@ofwafrica.org by 20th January 2025. Please include “Technical Coordinator Application” in the subject line.

Job Summary

The Technical Coordinator will play a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing technical projects and initiatives within the Africa Wikimedia Technical Community (AWTC) of Open Foundation West Africa (OFWA). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computer science, project management, and community engagement. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills to foster collaboration and innovation across Wikimedia projects in Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Project Management

• Lead and coordinate technical projects and initiatives aligned with AWTC’s strategic goals.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Monitor project progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and provide regular updates and reports.

Community Engagement and Support

• Engage with the Wikimedia technical community to gather feedback, assess needs, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to community members, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, hackathons, and training sessions to build technical capacity within the community.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, and influencers to enhance the technical capabilities of the community.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align technical projects with broader organizational goals.
• Represent AWTC at meetings, conferences, and forums to promote technical initiatives and foster collaboration.

Research and Innovation

• Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging trends, best practices, and technological advancements relevant to Wikimedia projects.
• Develop and test hypotheses to understand technology trends, online behavior, and extend the reach of Wikimedia content.
• Experiment with new tools, technologies, and methodologies to improve OFWA and Wikimedia’s technical infrastructure.

Documentation and Reporting

• Ensure all technical documentation is up-to-date, comprehensive, and accessible to the community.
• Prepare detailed reports on project outcomes, impact, and lessons learned.
• Maintain transparency and accountability through regular communication with stakeholders.

Grant Writing and Fundraising

• Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications to support technical projects and initiatives.
• Manage relationships with funders and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Develop long-term sustainability plans for technical projects.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field. 

Skills

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or PHP.
• Experience with MediaWiki software and Wikimedia’s technical infrastructure is an added advantage
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising is a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about the mission and values of Wikimedia and OFWA.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Creative thinker with a willingness to innovate and experiment.
• Strong commitment to community development and knowledge equity.