Programme officer at The African Academy of Sciences (AAS)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leveraging sector-specific knowledge and skills in the effective implementation of programmes and the development of new initiatives
• Support the development and implementation of pre-award, award, and post-award processes
• Mainstreaming gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies within the programmes work
• Designing and implementing risks assessment and management strategies for the programmes
• Work with GFGP (Good Financial Grant Practises) team to ensure integration and update of good finance grant practice by programme beneficiaries, budget control and reviews, management and scientific meetings, open-access publishing, capacity development interventions, community and public engagement, research management, impact measurement and reporting Financial and programmatic reporting, initiate, develop and support the management of new projects and programmes for the realisation of other scientific activities of the AAS Financial and programmatic reporting, initiate, develop and, support the management of new projects and programmes for the realisation of other scientific activities of the AAS
• Promote contacts with researchers, professional associations and regional organisations
• Develop research and funding proposals on themes connected to the incumbent’s areas of expertise as may be requested by the line manager
• and where appropriate, liaise with funding organisations under the direction of both the line and senior managers of the AAS

The incumbent will also be expected to work in close collaboration with other AAS programmes through the provision of operational and research support for the achievement of the AAS’ overall strategic goals.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist in the provision of secretariat support to relevant steering groups
2. Assist the Programme Managers in utilising the outputs, networks and relationships created through the AAS programmes to support the Academy’s strategic objectives.
3. Contribute, as required, to the development of evidence-based positions on research and innovation policy issues linked to the scheme
4. Support the establishment of systems to enable the Academy to maintain and derive value from contact with past beneficiaries or alumni, and to manage these relationships where appropriate
5. Contribute to the effective use of the AAS information management systems
6. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement at the AAS and to support line manager in achieving other teams, departmental and organisational objectives, as required

Research support

1. Work in close collaboration with the AAS M&E team to identify, collate, track, assess quality, analyse and validate, and report on programme-related data
2. Prepare reports, articles and presentations during programme inception meetings, annual grantee meetings and site visits
3. Track and perform relevant analyses on various aspects of programme implementation to identify and address important challenges to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery

Programme Support

1. Represent the AAS at internal and external meetings when required
2. Work in close collaboration with the AAS Communications Team to develop a media and campaign strategy for work to ensure maximum exposure and coverage on the continent and beyond and to generate keen interest from potential stakeholders
3. Work in close collaboration with the AAS Communications Team to ensure all content (reports, images, videos, social media posts) is relevant and updated on a timely basis
4. Supervise relevant administrative team duties in support of the project work
5. Work with the AAS Procurement Team to monitor deliverables (including supplies), and being the contact person for clients on project components of programmes work
6. Plan and organise relevant workshops and other activities in furtherance of the objectives of the programme
7. Work with the AAS M&E team to develop and implement an M&E framework for the programme
8. Support the development a risk management framework for the programme, including developing and maintaining a risk register for the programme and a system to document, track and ensure programme issues and challenges are resolved in a timely manner
9. Support other AAS programmes and departments in the delivery of their mandate especially for cross-cutting programmatic activities when requested

Required Qualifications

• Higher degree, Masters or PhD in a relevant related research field in Natural or applied science or Engineering Sciences, or Health Sciences or obtained from a recognized institution.
• Demonstrable research leadership qualities and experience in the implementation of key research work for priority programme agendas
• A proven record of research capabilities in research as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and other quality knowledge products
• At least 5 years’ experience working in university teaching and research/research leadership capacity development programme design and implementation in Africa
• Knowledge of funding/how research is funded/grants or research management
• A professional qualification and relevant experience in large scale programme/project management or training in research administration, ethics, leadership or related will be an added advantage
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills
• Proficiency in standard office and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint
• Project/ Programme management skills (essential)

Language

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) and working language in French or Portuguese of Arabic (written and/or spoken).