Programme Manager, Pandemic Sciences Collaborative - EPSILONS at The Science for Africa Foundation

JOB PURPOSE

• Responsible for the management and implementation of the Pandemic Sciences Collaborative (PSC) programmatic work plan. The PSC is a strategic partnership between the SFA Foundation, Oxford University’s Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI) and the MasterCard Foundation (MCF) that supports the implementation and management of capacity development of African researchers and their hosting and partner institutions. It aims to contribute to measurable, inclusive, and sustained growth in individuals, institutions, and social and economic systems, in Africa and globally. The programme will develop an eco-system comprising programmes of research excellence, continental knowledge exchange networks and a substantial cohort of exceptional leaders, 
• The position manages all aspects of the implementation of the Epidemic Science Leadership and Innovation Networks (EPSILONS) and the associated capacity development support programmes.  The role works closely with the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Programmes and our key collaborators to provide support and guidance where necessary to ensure timely deliverables and adherence to funders’ terms and conditions and will ensure that project milestones are met and adequate resources and appropriate planning and reporting structures are in place. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the SFA Foundation-PSI programme that aims to support the development of an eco-system comprising a collaborative network of research excellence and capacity, a continental knowledge exchange platform and a cohort of exceptional leaders. 
• Be responsible for tracking, monitoring and resource planning for the SFA Foundation-PSI programme.
• Support to the programme’s key strategic partners to ensure information sharing and flow and delivery of planned work or activities. Take the lead on the management of the governance structure for the SFA Foundation-PSI collaboration. Act as secretary for all governance committees and risk management for the programme.
• Develop and manage programmatic activities in consultation with the Chief Scientific Officer or designate and in line with budgetary guidelines to achieve the set programme strategy.
• Work in collaboration with international collaborative partners to ensure equity in the partnership and promote co-creation of the collaborative’s activities and inputs according to its Theory of Change.
• Manage and report on the Programme budget in liaison with the SFA Foundation Finance team to ensure efficient and timely utilisation of funds, smooth operational flow, and maximising the scope of short and long-term Programme goals.
• Contribute to the overall implementation of the SFA Foundation programme strategy, including actively identifying opportunities that add value to other programme areas and participating in proposal development.
• Work as a member of the SFA Foundation Programmes Committee team to share and develop ideas and improve operations, recommend, support and implement continuous improvement activities in processes and procedures to optimise overall organisational results and improve the quality of programme delivery.
• Carry out any other duties as appropriate for the grade and as determined by the Chief Scientific Officer or designate.

Grant Management

• Manage Programme grants and activities as the point person for the Programme; engage with applicants, grantees and partners including providing guidance and feedback on inquiries.
• Manage operations throughout the grant management cycle for the Programme in collaboration with the Grants Officer. Ensure adherence to call standards during application, review, shortlisting and grant awarding process.
• Oversee grant scheme development by ensuring funder and organisational requirements are adhered to during proposal development and ensure awareness and access to this information for grant applicants e.g. through webinars, information sessions, workshops etc.
• Support due diligence of potential applicants and applicant institutions. This involves desktop reviews and site visits, as necessary, to potential applicant institutions and the preparation of reports and recommendations to inform on specific grant terms and conditions for successful grant applicants. 
• Manage the grant award processes by providing and monitoring systems, processes, and procedures to ensure fairness and openness in awarding grants to applicants.
• Manage the post-award processes to ensure proper implementation, monitoring and performance. This will also include ensuring grant close-out according to SFA Foundation policies.

Advocacy and Relationship Management

• Forge collaborations with science-based communities, within the African continent and globally with common and synergistic interests as the SFA Foundation, to explore collaborative and funding opportunities to build sustainability for the Programme.
• Engage in discussions with institutions which can help promote the vision of the Programme through activities that foster added value and future potential initiatives.
• Identify gaps that can be filled by the Foundation’s portfolio of activities that will promote the growth and sustainability of the SFA Foundation and the Programme and ensure the Foundation’s services are made relevant to the continent.
• Provide technical support and expertise to the review panels in other Programmes by participating in the review of the grant application process.
• Participate in occasional cross-functional meetings to support other departments in achieving their mandate including representing SFA Foundation in consortium meetings. 
• Ensure the values of participation, partnership, sustainability, social responsibility, cost-effectiveness, transparency and accountability are reflected in your work.
• Attend external meetings as a representative of the SFA Foundation as assigned.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Manage the performance of the Programme team in partnership with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager by setting measurable performance indicators to ensure projects are executed in line with the contract and within agreed timelines. This includes keeping impact assessment and performance metrics up to date for reporting purposes. 
• Develop monitoring reports for funders developed by the fundraising and programmes teams. Develop and disseminate monthly programme highlight reports for the management, staff and Committees as necessary. 
• Communicate with senior management on programme status, risks and issues in an appropriate and timely manner. 
• Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members.
• Review, implement and update programme records e.g. training matrices, performance reviews, risk assessments.

People Management 

• Mentor and coach direct reports to build their capacity to perform the roles assigned to them. Set performance expectations and conduct performance management evaluations on time to ensure superior levels of performance are maintained.
• Provide career guidance and avail learning opportunities and assignments to enhance engagement and career progression for the programme. Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• A Master’s or PhD degree in a biomedical science research field, obtained over the past 5 years; or an MD/MBChB with proven research leadership qualities and experience in carrying out key research work in epidemiology, global health, medical laboratory science, immunology or other priority health agendas.  

Professional Qualifications

• A professional qualification and relevant experience in large-scale programme/project management or research training will be an added advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience and managerial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes 

• Demonstrate a high level of integrity.
• Understand and embody the Foundation’s values such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Ability to build strategic relationships.
• Readiness to travel across Africa and globally to represent the organization at key scientific and programme meetings.
• Effective communication, team building and problem-solving skills.
• Critical thinking and innovation.
• Ability to make decisions and take responsibility for them, plan, organise and manage work.
• Must have a high level of adaptability, readiness to engage with colleagues and quick thinking to solve problems.
• Capability to initiate action and be keen on quality.
• Attention to detail.
• Must demonstrate the ability to collaborate and build trust with colleagues.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven leadership skills such as delegating responsibilities, developing others, facilitating change and leading through vision and values.
• Ability to build and be part of a successful team.
• Ability to manage stakeholders, both locally and internationally.
• Mentorship and coaching skills.

Key Result Areas 

• Development of long-and short-term objectives.
• Effective programme and grants management.
• Continuous advocacy and relationship management.
• Effective people management. 
• Timely planning and submission of reports.

Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024