Careers at The Science for Africa Foundation

JOB PURPOSE

• The Senior Programme Officer has as his/her primary responsibility to deliver project activities within the Climate, Health, Agriculture and Biodiversity (C-HAB) Programme portfolio, support research networks and consortia, liaise with comparative research networks, as well as special initiatives and projects. The SPO C-HAB supports in designing, planning, implementing and supporting activities of C-HAB.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific and Technical 

• Leverage sector-specific knowledge and skills in the effective design and implementation of the C-HAB programme and the development of new initiatives.
• Support the line manager by organising and participating in environment scanning and scientific meetings related to the initiatives being implemented and foster strategic contacts with relevant researchers, professional associations and regional organisations. Assist in developing evidence-based positions on climate, health, agriculture and bio-diversity research and innovation policy issues linked to the core work. 
• Support the preparation of research and funding proposals on themes connected to their areas of expertise as may be requested by the line manager. 
• Assist in utilising the outputs, networks and relationships created through the Programme to further the organisation’s strategic objectives. 
• Provide secretariat support to the programme and relevant steering or expert group meetings.
• Liaise with funding organisations under the direction of the line manager and any other senior executive management team member as required.
• Lead activities within the C-HAB programme strategy through the full programme cycle while ensuring their desired impact. 
• Deliver - through matrix reporting and work culture with colleagues - financial and programmatic reporting, impact measurement and reporting, and due diligence reviews on budget-holding institutions. 
• Work in close collaboration with other SFA Foundation-managed programmes through the provision of operational and research support to achieve the overall strategic goals. 

Research Support

• Perform programme-relevant research to inform the development, implementation and delivery of the projects falling within the portfolio. 
• Work in close collaboration with the M&E team to identify, collate, track, assess quality, analyse, validate, and report on programme-related data. 
• Identify and build relationships with relevant stakeholders involved in relevant areas of research and research leadership, capacity development but not limited to universities and other research institutions. This may include relevant African government departments and policymakers, Africa-based and international Think Tanks, and intergovernmental organisations etc. 
• Prepare reports, articles and presentations during programme inception meetings, annual grantee meetings and site visits.  
• 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 

• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned projects, etc.; monitor and analyse project development and implementation.
• Review relevant documents and reports; identify issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with the line manager; identify and track follow-up actions.
• Assist in the review, analysis and evaluation of relevant key issues and trends
• Prepare draft reports such as literature reviews, inputs into publications, analyses and make presentations on assigned activities.
• Support training workshops and seminars and may lead these as necessary.
• Be prepared to travel across Africa and globally to represent the programme and the organization at national and international scientific and programme meetings as required.
• Work in collaboration with the SFA Foundation Communications Manager to ensure all content (reports, images, videos, social media posts) is relevant and updated on a timely basis. 
• Deliver administrative team duties in support of the projects within the portfolio e.g. work with the SFA Foundation procurement team to monitor deliverables (including supplies), and being the contact person for projects within the programme.
• Maintain a risk register for the programme and a system to document, track and ensure programme issues and challenges are resolved promptly.
• Enable programming across cross-cutting organizational initiatives including gender, equity, diversity and inclusion; monitoring, evaluation and learning; risk assessment and management; good financial grant practice; budget control and review, open access publishing; institutional strengthening and public engagement in science.

Support to Grant Management 

• Coordinate budget and funding-related activities, including project plan preparation, progress reports, and financial reports; and prepare related documentation such as work plans and project budget budgets.
• Work with the Programme Support Office to manage calls for proposals and co-ordinate project activities throughout the grant cycles: prepare RFPs, issue calls, receive applications, screen applications, assess results, convene meetings for proposal review committees, assist to identify and invite members for the committees, develop SOPs and criteria for selection and award and arrange pitching sessions as needed.
• Provide post-award support to grantees: Grantee follow-up & engagement; track and address issues arising. 
• Grantee capacity building: Inception meetings, recruitment, and management of capacity-building service providers. 
• Grant monitoring: Site visits, QA & QM, evaluation (Baseline studies, mid & end term evaluations/reports,) knowledge management  
• Manage grant closeout procedures. 

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or PhD in natural, climate or social sciences or other relevant Climate Science research field obtained over the past 5 years; or equivalent proven research experience in a field of climate change e.g. adaptation or resilience.  
• Training in research administration, ethics, leadership or related filed will be an added advantage; or equivalent proven research experience in a field of climate change e.g. adaptation or resilience. Leadership qualities and experience in carrying out key research work for priority health agendas.  

Professional Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in project or programme implementation, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement one of the following: climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, environment, One Health.
• Excellent oral and writing skills in English and proficiency in French or Portuguese are an added advantage.

Experience

• Experience in implementing projects related to climate change and agriculture, biodiversity or health. 
• Experience in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement and working with multidisciplinary teams and multi-partner projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Must have a high level of integrity.
• Must understand and demonstrate the Foundation’s values such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity and inclusion. 
• Must demonstrate the ability to build strategic relationships.
• Must be an effective communicator and have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must be a critical thinker and innovative.
• Must demonstrate the ability to make decisions, plan, organise and manage work.
• Must have a high level of adaptability, engagement readiness and fast thinking.
• Must have the capability to initiate action and be keen on quality.
• Must be attentive to details and be results-focused.
• Must demonstrate the ability to collaborate and build trust with others.

Leadership Competencies

• Must have proven and demonstrated leadership skills such as delegating responsibilities, developing others, facilitating change and leading through vision and values.
• Must possess the ability to build a successful team.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach juniors.

Key Results Areas

• Benefits of all assigned activities delivered within budget, to time and consistent with commitments to funders and agreed-upon targets. 
• Schemes delivered following best practices in scheme management, steering group secretarial support, and effective use of the Agaseke electronic Grants Management System.
• Strong working relationships with all key stakeholders including staff, other delivery partners, and beneficiaries. 
• Maintaining an attractive and accurate outward profile of activities through the website and other materials. 
• Strong knowledge of SFA Foundation policies and procedures, and their application in grants management. 

Deadline: Friday, February 9, 20241

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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

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JOB PURPOSE

• The Business Analyst plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and enhancing operational efficiency. Through effective collaboration with various departments and stakeholders, they identify, document, and analyse business requirements, processes, and workflows. This deep understanding then translates into functional specifications for technology teams, laying the foundation for integrated solutions that support the SFA Foundation's growth.
• Beyond technical expertise, the Business Analyst is a proactive driver of process improvement. By evaluating progressive systems solutions, they recommend optimisations that boost operational efficiency and productivity at all levels of the organisation. This involves providing thought leadership on technical business processes, ensuring successful development and/or acquisition of systems, and guiding the organisation towards technology-driven efficiencies and increased productivity.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Needs Analysis and Solution Design

• Collaborate with SFA Foundation senior management, departments, and stakeholders to gain comprehensive insights into their goals, challenges, and workflows to formulate innovative and practical solutions that optimise efficiency, streamline operations, and empower the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives.
• Demonstrate expertise in managing ambiguity and facilitating consensus to define clear, actionable solutions aligned with organisational objectives.

Bridging the Technology Gap

• Partner with technology teams to design innovative and practical solutions that seamlessly integrate with our mission, strategic goals, and technological capabilities to drive operational efficiencies and productivity.
• Champion informed decision-making by conducting in-depth feasibility analyses, assessing cost-benefit tradeoffs, and proposing effective risk mitigation strategies, all while overseeing the organisation’s dynamic project portfolio.

Championing Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify opportunities for process optimisation and efficiency enhancement, driving continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
• Recommend practical process improvements and lead in their implementation, ensuring smooth adoption and impactful outcomes.

Quality Assurance and Delivery Management

• Take part in project planning, estimation, resource allocation, and project risk management activities.
• Monitor project progress closely, proactively identify potential deviations, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Participate in system testing, user acceptance testing, and validation processes to ensure implemented solutions meet specified requirements and deliver high-quality results.

Comprehensive Requirements Management

• Lead the analysis, documentation, testing, and implementation of business and technical requirements for new and enhanced functionality.
• Develop compelling business cases for the introduction of innovative technology solutions and systems to secure executive buy-in and drive rapid adoption, unlocking transformative improvements in efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage.
• Provide comprehensive analysis and support for the implementation of both new and existing solutions, maximising their value.
• Develop user documentation, organisational process maps, procedures, guidelines, and frameworks to promote a shared understanding of systems, processes, and best practices across the organisation.
• Uncover potential disconnects between current and desired states through insightful gap analyses, then perform and document impact studies and feasibility assessments to inform strategic decision-making.

Integration and Implementation Optimisation

• Integrate and implement new and existing systems effectively to unlock their full potential and achieve optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Continuously identify opportunities for further integration and optimisation to maximise organisational performance.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Information Science, Computer Science, Business Administration, Business IT, or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

• A professional qualification in Business Analysis, Project Management

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience.
• Demonstrate 5+ years of proven experience as a Business Analyst
• Demonstrate 5+ years of experience driving requirement elicitation for diverse ERP systems such as Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, etc., ensuring successful integration with organisational needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent skills in communication, interpersonal relations, and presentation, encompassing the capability to effectively convey intricate technical and business ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences at various management levels, peers, and business units.
• Demonstrated expertise in employing requirement-gathering techniques, process modelling, and adhering to documentation best practices.
• Proven capability to document both functional and non-functional requirements utilising industry standards.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Scrum) and software development lifecycles.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of relevant tools like Microsoft Visio, Jira, and Confluence.
• Must understand and demonstrate the Foundation’s values, such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
• Must demonstrate the ability to pay attention to details.
• Must promote knowledge sharing and learning.
• Must have a high level of integrity and flexibility.
• Must embrace continuous learning and improvement.
• Must possess client relations and collaboration with other team members.

Leadership Competencies

• Must have proven and demonstrated Leadership skills such as delegating responsibilities, developing others, facilitating change, and leading through vision and values.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage stakeholders.

Key Result Areas 

• Business needs analysis and solution design
• Quality assurance and delivery management
• Business requirements management
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Risk management
• Continuous process improvement
• Timely submission of reports.