Programme Manager at The Science for Africa Foundation

Broad Role Perspective

The position will manage and oversee the effective and efficient implementation of the DELTAS Africa Initiative. He/she will be responsible for designing, managing, and implementing the SFA Foundation programmatic work plan to support DELTAS Africa research and research communication, including strategic management and implementation of capacity development, R&D priorities for the Initiative, and to support research fellows and partner institutions to deliver the milestones outlined in the SFA institutional and programmatic level strategies for optimum delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the programme portfolio assigned by overseeing the planning and implementation of impactful programmes, working closely across teams to ensure set requirements are met.
• Develop and manage programmatic activities for the Programme in consultation with the Head of Programmes and Chief Scientific Officer and in line with budgetary guidelines to achieve the set mandate.
• Propose long and short-term objectives for the initiative aligned to building human capacity, infrastructure, and lasting research networks on the continent.
• Manage the Programme budget in liaison with the Finance team to ensure efficient utilization of funds, smooth operational flow, and maximizing the scope and magnitude of the short and long-term Programme goals.
• Contribute to the overall development of the SFA Foundation LEARN R&D Programme strategy and initiatives, including actively identifying opportunities for collaboration with other programme areas.
• Work as part of the Management team to share ideas and improve operations, recommending, supporting, and implementing continuous improvement activities and process and procedure improvements to optimise results and improve the quality of programme delivery.
• Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity to perform their assigned roles. Set performance expectations and conduct performance management evaluations in a timely manner to ensure superior levels of performance are maintained.
• Provide career guidance and avail learning opportunities and assignments to enhance engagement and career progression for programme staff.

Grants Management

• Manage Programme grants and activities as the point person for the Programme and Initiative, engaging with applicants, grantees, and partners including providing guidance and feedback on inquiries.
• Manage operations surrounding the entire process of grant management for the Programme in collaboration with the Grants Officer. Ensure adherence to the call standards during the application, review, shortlisting, and grant awarding process.
• Oversee the grant scheme development by highlighting key funder requirements at the proposal development stage and aim to improve knowledge and access to this information for grant applicants. This is through webinars, information sessions, workshops etc.
• Conduct due diligence of potential applicants and applicant institutions. This involves desktop reviews and physical site visits to potential applicant institutions and the preparation of reports or recommendations that inform 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.

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.
• 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 appropriately and timely.
• Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members.
• Review, implement and update programme records e.g. training matrices, performance reviews, risk assessments.

Advocacy and Relationship Management

• Forge collaborations with science-based communities that share the same vision as the Programme and the SFA Foundation at large within the African continent and globally to build a sustainable Programme.
• Engage in discussions with institutions of similar elements 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.

Academic Qualifications

• A PhD degree in a relevant discipline related to health research obtained over the past 7 years with a good track record that bridges health R&D with Policy and practice e.g., PhD in areas of biosciences and biomedical areas such as Immunology, Genomics, Epidemiology, global health, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields such as health challenges driven by climate change, nutrition and health etc. A strong track record of accomplishments is required with demonstrable scientific leadership and achievements in R&D environments including published scientific articles, policy briefs, mentorship, managing R&D teams etc
• Or a Medical Doctor with proven research leadership qualities in Biomedical health R&D and/or experience in carrying out key research work for health R&D agendas and strong areas of research such as clinical research, Public health and related R&D priorities.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

• The person should also demonstrate experience in programme/project level experience and expertise in large scientific or related programmes.
• Understanding the health challenges that bedevil and debilitate all people in Africa and in global settings – and for Africa.
• Expertise and knowledge specifically for Africa and other LIMCs, an understanding of the health research infrastructure (status and lack of), that is hindering progress towards addressing comprehensively health challenges, and the role of policymakers and communities in delivering this vision.
• Experience in managing multi-country health research and health research capacity development programmes. This includes managing programme teams, coordinating activities, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements and other regulations.
• A track record of successful grant applications and an understanding of the funding process, including knowledge of the research funding landscape including familiarity with national and international funding agencies.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, including excellent written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.