Executive Assistant to Founder

About Us

The Republic is an award-winning digital media startup committed to telling compelling, insightful, and in-depth stories that showcase African excellence and inform critical thought on global issues from an African perspective. We pride ourselves on bringing the highest standards of journalism to the African continent. We are based in Lagos, Nigeria.

About the Role

We are currently hiring a highly organized and detail-oriented Executive Assistant to support the Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Wale Lawal. In this role, you will manage day-to-day operations, coordinate communications, handle scheduling, and provide a range of research, administrative and organizational support to ensure the smooth running of the office. The ideal candidate will have interests/experience cutting across the cultural/creative and corporate sectors, excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently, and a passion for supporting the growth and success of The Republic.

This opportunity is only open to candidates based in Lagos, Nigeria.

What You'll Do:

Calendar & Schedule Management:

• Manage Wale Lawal’s daily schedule, including organizing meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements.
• Ensure all commitments are met, prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively.

Communication:

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications on behalf of the Founder.
• Draft, review, and edit emails, reports, and other documents.
• Coordinate and liaise with The Republic’s team and external stakeholders as required.

Administrative Support:

• Handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• Manage and maintain filing systems, both physical and digital.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documents for meetings.

Project Coordination:

• Assist in tracking and coordinating key projects or initiatives involving the Founder.
• Follow up with team members and stakeholders on deadlines and deliverables.

Event Planning & Coordination:

• Plan, organize, and execute events, both internal and external, ensuring all logistics are handled smoothly.
• Support the Founder in preparing for public speaking engagements, conferences, and other public appearances.

Travel Arrangements:

• Organize travel itineraries, accommodations, and transport logistics for both domestic and international trips.

Research & Analysis:

• Conduct research as requested, compiling data and insights for reports, presentations, or articles.

The Skills We're Looking For:

• Exceptional bachelor’s degree in business administration, social sciences, communications, or a related field. (The Republic team members have typically graduated among the top of their class; graduate degrees—MA/MBA/MSc/PhD—strongly encouraged.)
• 3+ years of experience in an executive support role, preferably in media, journalism, or a similar fast-paced environment. Consulting and/or fundraising experience is a big plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in research/referencing tools such as Mendeley; office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Notion and project management tools.
• High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and handle multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with the media/journalism industry is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary. For this role, our offer is N700,000 (net) per month.
• Hybrid working arrangement with 2-3 office days only.
• Pension plan and healthcare coverage.
• Office equipment and remote work allowance (laptop, phone; monthly phone airtime up to N20,000; monthly internet subscription up to N20,000).
• Lunch provision on office days and transportation coverage on office days via professional commuting service.
• 15 annual leave days.

About Wale

Wale Lawal is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic. Previously, he led research at Harvard Business School's Africa Research Center, producing research on companies and business environments across sub-Saharan Africa as well as case studies taught at HBS and business schools around the world. Wale is also an ex-KPMG management consultant and a graduated top of his class from the University of Oxford, where his research covered economic uncertainty and tech startups in Nigeria. In 2019, Wale was selected by Quartz as one of Africa’s top 30 innovators. In 2021, he was selected by Reuters as a global thought leader and by Forbes as one of Africa’s 30 Under 30. Wale has published short fiction and has exhibited artwork at several venues including the Venice Biennale. Wale has also written the Future Yoruba exhibit for the forthcoming John Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History.

Over the next year, Wale is focused on transitioning The Republic from a student journal to a media company. As an EA, you will support him on this mission through activities cutting across fundraising, streamlining The Republic's business and operating models as well as general/day-to-day project management.