The Food Indaba is accepting applications for a Production Manager to join our team from April to August 2025. This is a five-month contract role based in Cape Town, requiring an individual with strong event production experience and communication skills to help coordinate the 2025 edition of the annual Food Indaba.
About Food Indaba
With over 500 in-person attendees, more than 500,000 online engagements, and a media audience reach of over 58 million, Food Indaba is a major platform for food systems awareness and transformation. This annual programme of talks and events, held in Cape Town, South Africa, brings together food growers, academics, activists, policymakers, and food lovers to engage in key issues shaping our food system.
Food Indaba 2025 (7–20 July) will feature 20 events over 14 days across Cape Town and online, exploring the theme: Artificial Intelligence and the Food System. Beyond AI’s role in improving efficiencies, the programme will examine its untapped potential in addressing systemic injustices and inequalities in African food systems.
Food Indaba is a project of the South African Urban Food and Farming Trust, a registered non-profit public benefit organisation.
Role Overview
The Production Manager will play a key role in the planning, coordination, and execution of Food Indaba 2025. The role requires exceptional organisational skills, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced event environment, including weekends and evenings for certain parts of the contract period.
Additionally, the Production Manager will assist with Food Indaba communications—including social media—before, during, and after the event.
Key Responsibilities
Event Production & Logistics:
– Oversee pre-production planning, including scheduling, site assessments, and logistics.
– Coordinate with venues, vendors, and event partners.
– Ensure speakers, hosts, and personnel are well-supported.
– Supervise event setup, execution, and breakdown.
– Manage production timelines, ensuring all elements align smoothly.
Communications & Social Media Support:
– Assist in developing content for Food Indaba’s digital platforms.
– Support live event coverage on social media.
– Coordinate post-event communications, including impact reporting and content wrap-ups.
Required Skills & Experience
– Event Production & Management:
– Previous experience managing events, preferably in cultural, educational, or food-related sectors.
– Strong organisational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
– Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems quickly in high-pressure situations.
Communication & Digital Skills:
– Experience with social media content creation and scheduling.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Personal Attributes:
– Strong time management—punctuality is essential.
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team.
– Comfortable working across diverse socio-cultural contexts.
– Availability to work evenings and weekends when required.
Work Environment
Work will take place from:
– The Food Indaba production office (location in Cape Town to be confirmed).
– The SAUFFT office in Langa.
– Various event venues during production.
– Remote work when appropriate.
A valid driving licence and own transport are required.
Application Details
Deadline:17h00 on 14 March 2025
To apply, send your CV and a Letter of Motivation to events@foodindaba.org
The total package for this six month position is in the range of R18 000 – R20 000 per month depending on experience and skill level.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you do not hear back within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.