The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in South Africa is seeking applications for the role of Falling Walls Lab Events Coordinator based in Cape Town, South Africa. This will be a short-term consultancy contract from 01 April to 30 September 2026.
- Background
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is dedicated to promoting liberal values, innovation, and democratic dialogue globally. In South Africa, the Foundation supports initiatives that connect academia, entrepreneurship, and public discourse to advance open societies and forward-looking solutions.
- About Falling Walls
Falling Walls Foundation hosts the annual Falling Walls Science Summit, bringing together leading researchers, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Falling Walls initiative asks an important question each year: “Which walls will fall next?” The platform highlights breakthrough ideas that have the potential to overcome global challenges.
The Falling Walls Lab is one of the initiative’s flagship formats. It is a global competition where students, early-career researchers, and entrepreneurs present innovative ideas in three minutes to an interdisciplinary jury.
Winners from local Labs around the world are invited to present their ideas at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin, joining a global network of innovators and thought leaders.
- Scope of Work:
The Falling Walls Coordinator will play a pivotal role in organising and facilitating Falling Walls events in South Africa.
The Coordinator will be responsible for:
- Event Coordination
- Identifying and securing a suitable venue
- Coordinating suppliers and service providers
- Managing venue setup and event logistics
- Supporting jury coordination and participant management
- Preparing a post-event report and documentation
- Communication
- Assisting in efforts to enlist the support of tertiary institutions to promote Falling Walls Lab
- Liaising with applicants and0 finalists
- Maintaining communication with stakeholders, partners, and collaborators
- Support Marketing efforts
- Assisting with digital promotion of the Lab
- Creating designs and content for marketing on social media platforms
- Supporting outreach campaigns targeting students, researchers, and innovators
The coordinator will work closely with the FNF Project offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
- Application Submission:
Interested individuals or organisations are invited to submit the following:
- A proposal outlining their approach to coordinating the Falling Walls Lab Cape Town
- A CV highlighting relevant experience
- A short motivational letter outlining their experience in event or project management
- A brief statement describing their approach and vision for the Falling Walls Coordinator role
Submission Deadline:
Proposals must be submitted by 16 March 2026 to Kwezi Sogoni – kwezi.sogoni@freiheit.org
For enquiries or to request further information, please contact kwezi.sogoni@freiheit.org