Senior Programme Officer - Cohorts and Stakeholder Engagement at The Science for Africa Foundation

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with the APCC and SFA Foundation’s strategic objectives.
• Champion a stakeholder-centred approach across APCC workstreams to enhance engagement value and collective impact.
• Collaborate with APCC leadership and the SFA Foundation to strategically leverage existing networks and partnerships to expand APCC’s reach and influence.
• Define annual workplans, timelines, and budgets for cohort and stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring efficient delivery and alignment with APCC goals.
• Stakeholder Mapping, Analysis, and Initiative Design
• Conduct stakeholder analysis, mapping, and gap assessments to identify key partners, including scientists, funders, government bodies, and NGOs across Africa and globally.
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder and cohort database, including updating membership and capability matrices.
• Work closely with the website and cohort database team
• Conceptualise and design initiatives that leverage stakeholder insights and align with the APCC strategic plan.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange among cohorts and research institutions.

Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement Framework

• Develop and operationalise a stakeholder engagement framework and plan to guide all APCC engagements in alignment with strategic blueprints.
• Tailor engagement approaches based on stakeholder priorities and cohort needs to maximise value and participation.
• Coordinate engagement with government agencies and international organisations in line with best liaison practices.

Relationship Management and Communication

• Cultivate and manage relationships with cohorts, partners, and funders to strengthen collaboration and ensure a consistent, coordinated approach.
• Serve as the primary liaison between APCC and external stakeholders, ensuring timely communication and issue resolution.
• Support access to strategic partners through introductions, invitations, and official communications.
• Manage communication and visibility efforts, including APCC’s website, newsletters, policy briefs, and digital content.
• Lead the dissemination of APCC activities through virtual workshops, newsletters, and scientific forums.

Programme Coordination and Event Management

• Coordinate and facilitate high-level meetings, workshops, and APCC scientific conferences.
• Support planning and logistics for visits and official engagements with dignitaries and strategic partners.
• Ensure smooth operations of the Partner’s Group (PG) and other funder forums, fostering effective dialogue and collaboration.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Track engagement activities, monitor outcomes, and analyse stakeholder feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Maintain oversight of engagement metrics, partnership performance, and collaboration effectiveness.
• Monitor global and regional trends impacting cohort research and stakeholder relations, providing strategic insights to leadership.
• Prepare regular reports on stakeholder activities and strategic partnerships to support decision-making and institutional learning.

Advisory and Secretariat Support

• Provide strategic and operational advice to the Programme Manager and Secretariat leadership on stakeholder engagement issues.
• Support cross-departmental coordination to ensure alignment between cohort engagement, communications, and partnership development.
• Work closely with legal and partnership teams to guide the full partnership cycle — from identification and negotiation to implementation and review.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• Five (5) years’ experience in science communications, public health, public relations, stakeholder relations /diplomacy.

Professional Qualifications

• Good standing with a professional body.

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, public relations, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of government development policies.
• Broad and in-depth knowledge of project management cycles as related to the development sector.
• Track record of successfully brokering/negotiating collaborations.
• Exposure to multiple stakeholder management processes such as NGO’s, government, business partners and communities.
• Familiarity with partnerships in a non-profit environment is preferred.