Innovation Center Coordinator

Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy; Islamabad; On-site; PKR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy seeks an Innovation Center Coordinator to foster U.S.-Pakistan engagement by planning and delivering programs for startups, researchers, and partners. You will collaborate with senior procurement and public diplomacy teams to ensure strategic impact and smooth operations.

The role focuses on program implementation, strategic planning, and reporting, with a one-year extendable contract and regular events in Islamabad.

Qualifications

• Education: 16 years minimum in social sciences, business, education, program management, international relations or related field.
• Experience: 3+ years in program management, event coordination or related activities.
• Tech: Understanding of emerging technologies, AI, app development, etc.
• Communication: Excellent English and Urdu communication, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage daily operations of the Innovation Center and ensure a welcoming, functional space for entrepreneurs and partners.
• Coordinate in-person programming, including venue prep, technical support, event logistics, and security compliance.
• Maintain and expand the resource library on entrepreneurship, technology, workforce development, and U.S. market resources.
• Develop participant recruitment, registration and engagement for Innovation Center programs.
• Oversee outreach, marketing and promotion to startups, alumni and stakeholders; ensure brand consistency.
• Support procurement, budgeting, and administrative needs in coordination with USEFP staff.
• Track engagement and participation trends; develop strategies to grow involvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with startups, investors, universities, incubators and ecosystem partners.
• Develop mentor and speaker networks to support Innovation Center activities.
• Prepare monthly statistics, databases and reports on program outcomes and impact.
• Ensure compliance with safety, data privacy, ethics and State Department rules.

Skills

Communication

English & Urdu

Project coordination

Event management

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Minimum 16 years of education in related discipline

Job description

Are you a dynamic and engaging professional with a strong understanding of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem? Join us to help create a vibrant and welcoming space where entrepreneurs, innovators, and ideas can connect, collaborate, and grow.

Working Days & Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (8 net working hours per day, excluding a 30-minute break; total 40 working hours per week). Some flexibility for special events may be required.

Contract Type: 1 year (Extendable)

Reports To:

The position reports directly to the USEFP Senior Procurement Officer for all administrative, HR, and operational matters, and maintains a dotted-line reporting to the U.S. Embassy-appointed Emerging Voices Specialist for technical oversight. The role collaborates with the Embassy's Public Diplomacy section to ensure effective planning and program delivery.

Organizational Context:

This role supports USEFP's mission of fostering mutual understanding between the people of Pakistan and the people of the United States through educational and cultural exchange, public diplomacy, and digital and in-person engagement on areas of strategic priority.

Job Purpose:

The role facilitates public engagement between the U.S. Mission to Pakistan and targeted segments of the Pakistani start up ecosystem aligned with U.S. public diplomacy objectives.

The Innovation Center Coordinator works in partnership with the Embassy's Emerging Voices team and other members of the public diplomacy team to plan, organize, and implement programs that strengthen connections between the United States and Pakistan around strategic themes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Implementation (65%)

• Plan and manage the daily operations of the USEFP Innovation Center, ensuring the facility is welcoming, functional, and effectively supports entrepreneurs, innovators, alumni, and partners.
• Coordinate in-person programming in the Innovation Center and other USEFP spaces as necessary including venue preparation, technical support, event logistics, and compliance with USEFP security protocols.
• Maintain and expand the Innovation Center resource library, including entrepreneurship, technology, workforce development, and U.S. market resources.
• Develop and manage participant recruitment, registration, and engagement efforts for Innovation Center programs.
• Oversee outreach, marketing, and promotion for Innovation Center activities with the public, USEFP alumni, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure all public materials and digital content comply with U.S. Embassy and USEFP branding and communications guidelines.
• Support procurement, budgeting, and administrative requirements associated with Innovation Center activities in coordination with USEFP administrative staff.

2. Strategic Planning & Partnership Development (25%)

• Track engagement with Innovation Center users, analyze participation trends, and develop strategies to increase participation and strengthen community engagement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with startups, entrepreneurs, investors, universities, incubators, accelerators, technology companies, and other ecosystem partners to support Innovation Center programming.
• Develop and maintain a network of mentors, subject matter experts, investors, and speakers to support Innovation Center activities.

3. Documentation & Reporting (10%)

• Compile and share monthly statistics on Innovation Center usage, program attendance, participant demographics, partner engagement, and participant satisfaction.
• Maintain organized databases of Innovation Center participants, alumni, partners, mentors, speakers, and ecosystem contacts.
• Design and implement feedback mechanisms to evaluate program effectiveness and measure progress toward strategic objectives.
• Prepare regular reports, success stories, impact assessments, and briefing materials for USEFP leadership and U.S. Embassy stakeholders.

4. Compliance, Safeguarding, & Ethics

• Ensure adherence to safety and security policies, data privacy & protection, professional ethics, and compliance with U.S. State Department rules and expectations.

Job Requirements:

Education: Minimum 16 years of education in social sciences, business, education, program management, international relations, or a related discipline.

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in program management, event coordination, or related activities. Familiarity with incubators, accelerators, and start up fundraising.
• Technical Proficiency: Some understanding of emerging technologies, including AI, application and tool development, etc.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Urdu.
• Accountability: Takes full ownership of technical assets and project deadlines.
• Adaptability: Remains flexible and composed in fast-paced environments, particularly during live events
• Collaboration: Works effectively with USEFP and U.S. Embassy teams to ensure program success. Ability to engage confidently with founders and technology partners.
• Service Orientation: Maintains a professional and helpful approach with all internal teams and external partners.
• Innovation/Problem Solving: Proactively identifies challenges and develops practical, creative solutions to enhance program quality and operational efficiency.

General Provision

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this Job Description are not exhaustive and may evolve over time. The incumbent may be required to perform additional tasks and assume new responsibilities as deemed necessary by management, in alignment with the overall purpose of the position and the organizational requirements.

Security Clearance Requirements

Employment is contingent upon criminal and security background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

This organization provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, or marital status.