Tournament Officer

Do you have strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to support the successful delivery of football competitions in a demanding operational environment? CECAFA is looking to recruit a Tournaments Officer.

Responsibilities

Support the planning, coordination and operational delivery of CECAFA competitions and tournaments, working closely with the Tournaments Manager, Competitions Department, host Member Associations, Local Organising Committees, participating teams and other relevant stakeholders.

The position reports to the Competitions Manager.

• Support the planning, preparation and implementation of CECAFA competitions and tournaments, including operational plans, timelines, schedules, checklists and action trackers.
• Coordinate with host Member Associations and Local Organising Committees on assigned tournament preparations and follow up agreed requirements, deadlines and outstanding actions.
• Support arrangements for team services, accommodation, transport, training facilities, competition venues, accreditation and other tournament operational requirements.
• Collect, verify and maintain participating team and official information, including delegation details, travel itineraries, arrival and departure information and other operational requirements.
• Support team and official arrivals and departures and coordinate operational communication with participating teams and appointed officials as assigned.
• Support the organisation of Team Managers Meetings, coordination meetings and other competition related meetings and ensure relevant information and instructions are communicated accurately and on time.
• Support venue readiness and match day operations and coordinate with relevant functions including refereeing, medical, safeguarding, security, protocol, media and commercial teams.
• Monitor tournament operations and delivery of assigned goods and services, promptly identifying and reporting delays, deficiencies, incidents and operational risks through the appropriate reporting line.
• Support compliance with applicable CECAFA, CAF and FIFA competition requirements and maintain complete and accurate tournament records, operational documentation and competition files.
• Prepare operational updates and post competition reports, contribute to tournament evaluations and carry out any other related duties assigned by the Competitions Manager.

Requirements and Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Events Management, Management, Hospitality, Logistics or another relevant field.
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in football competitions, tournament operations, sports events, event management, logistics or a related field.
• Practical experience organising football competitions or major sporting events and working with teams, match officials, Local Organising Committees or Member Associations will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of football competition and tournament operations, with knowledge of CECAFA, CAF or FIFA competition procedures and regulations considered an added advantage.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to coordinate multiple operational requirements within strict deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving ability and capacity to respond calmly, professionally and practically to operational challenges in a fast-moving tournament environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and established reporting structures.
• Strong sense of responsibility, discipline and accountability, together with good written reporting and documentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel and to work extended or irregular hours during competitions and tournaments, together with good command of Microsoft Office and relevant operational planning tools.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages used within the CECAFA region will be an added advantage.

What CECAFA Offers

• An opportunity to contribute directly to the planning and delivery of regional and international football competitions.
• Practical professional exposure to tournament operations across CECAFA Member Associations.
• A dynamic football environment involving teams, officials, host associations and regional and international football stakeholders.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within football competition and tournament management.
• Employment conditions in accordance with CECAFA policies and the terms applicable to the position.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates who meet the requirements of the position are invited to submit their application in English, including a motivation letter, updated Curriculum Vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications, and contact details of professional referees.

Applications should be submitted to careers@cecafaonline.com , with “Tournaments Officer” clearly indicated in the email subject line.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026.

Only applications meeting the required criteria will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CECAFA is committed to fair, professional and merit-based recruitment and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates.