Yes, you can clean, wash and chop the figs ahead of time and they will last in the fridge for a week. If you plan to make jam place the figs, sugar, and lemon juice in a glass or stainless steel bowl (Never use aluminum for marinades or macerating). Leave it in the fridge until you are ready to cook the jam. The advantage of the added time in the fridge works in favor of the jam by softening the fruit skins and making for a tender fruit jam.