Current Opportunities at The African Academy of Sciences (AAS)

Position Overview

• The Programme Officer – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (PO - MEL) is expected to contribute to the set-up and implementation of a system to support evidence-based programming and continuous and adaptive learning for AAS programmes, with a focus on ARISE. This includes developing, updating, and coordinating monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities and events for the ARISE grant, and promoting MEL knowledge transfer internally and externally. The incumbent will ensure that MEL systems and capacity building effectively serve ARISE and other AAS programmes in contribution to the achievement of the AAS’ strategy.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Learning

• Participate in a multidisciplinary team to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans to improve learning approaches in ARISE and other programmes
• Lead the ARISE team in developing strategies that enhance programmatic learning based on data collected and experiences noted during the implementation activities
• Lead the ARISE team in reviewing and revising theories of change, where necessary
• Oversee and ensure proper documentation of innovative approaches and best practices for dissemination across ARISE and other programmes
• Develop analyses on evaluation matrices and lead in providing feedback to ARISE and other programmes on progress in achieving goals.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Support the development of MEL plans and implementation of a MEL strategy for data collection, targeting and tracking indicators, knowledge management, impact assessments, learning activities and effective reporting frameworks to facilitate the acquisition and aggregation of knowledge and impact stories
• Collaborate with the Finance, Operations, and Compliance departments to co-develop systems to track and report cost-related data for ARISE grant and other programmes activities according to financial reporting periods
• Facilitate the use of data and information from the M&E system for real-time decision-making to improve project implementation in collaboration with programme and M&E teams and contribute to reporting ARISE progress and key lessons
• Lead on the design and implementation of baseline, mid-term and end-term surveys as necessary
• Coordinate the review of grantee survey reports and prepare reports

Training and Coaching

• Develop and implement relevant training and coaching materials to build the capacity of ARISE and other programmes.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of an effective system for archiving M&E guidelines, tools, data files, analysis files, reports and presentations for major activities undertaken.

Research and programme support

• Participate in programme relevant research to inform the development, implementation and delivery of the AAS programs
• Prepare reports, articles and presentations for communication and dissemination of AAS work
• Track and perform relevant analyses on various aspects of programme implementation to identify and address important challenges to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery
• 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
• 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
• Plan and organise relevant workshops and other activities in furtherance of the objectives of the programme
• Develop 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
• Support other AAS programmes and departments in the delivery of their mandate especially for cross-cutting programmatic activities when requested.

Competencies (Core and Managerial)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience

• A Master’s degree in a Project Management or related field, obtained from a recognized institution. A PhD qualification would be an added advantage
• Demonstrable strong understanding of MEL and applied research with at least seven (7) years of relevant experience in the fields of sustainability reporting, sustainable development, science, and innovation
• Proven track record in leading teams in the initiation, set-up, operationalization, assessment, and close-out stages of programmes
• Demonstrable expertise in managing MEL database systems and in analysing data using statistical software. This includes being conversant with innovative MEL tools that have been adopted by global entities to evaluate outcomes and impacts
• Experience in managing M&E database systems
• Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software
• Experience resources and partnership mobilization and dissemination of results
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook express including financial and statistical packages
• Membership in professional M&E bodies is an added advantage

Skills Specifications

• Demonstrated capabilities of translating knowledge and evidence from research and M&E into programmatic and policy decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills in English is required, including the ability to tailor communications to programme and policy audiences at multiple levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft computer applications including financial and statistical packages.
• Proven competence in data visualization, including the ability to work with unstructured data such as videos, blog posts, social media posts, video feeds and audio.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills coupled with an ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Strong training and facilitation skills with an ability to initiate and manage change and to recognize and adjust to rapidly changing conditions.
• Strong communication, presentation and writing skills,
• High-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to build alliances and collaborative relationships with sensitivity to diversity.

Attributes

• Ability to work in an international and multi-cultural setting.
• Goal and deadline-driven; proven track record of delivering at the highest possible quality and within set timeframes.
• Highly organized with an ability to balance working independently with engaging teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to represent the AAS at all levels and in different cultural settings.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• High moral standing and impeccable integrity

Languages

• Excellent in English (Oral and written)
• Knowledge of other African Union languages (e.g., Arabic, French, and Portuguese) will be an advantage.

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Scope of Work

• The AAS shall engage a Science Communication Consultant (SCC) to provide branding, visibility, and science communication services for the ARISE programme and the AAS in general. The SCC shall work closely with the Communications Officer and other AAS Programmes staff to deliver the following:

Communication & Public Relations Strategy

• Develop and continuously refine an overall Communication Strategy for the AAS as well as its implementation tools including annual plans and monitoring, evaluation, and learning templates.
• Develop and continuously refine a Communication Plan for ARISE and other programmes of the AAS, based on the overall AAS Communication Strategy.
• Maintain a monthly editorial calendar for events and online communications.
• Science Communication
• Develop key messages for AAS's tripartite mandate, its programmes and promotional items.
• Adapt technical content such as reports and presentations into accessible digital content including blogs and social media posts.
• Lead the development of technical briefs, knowledge products, blogs, and other content for science communication and dissemination.
• Lead the conceptualization of any other commissioned science communication content, when required.
• Plan, draft, and schedule social media content for the AAS’ social media channels, ensuring consistent and appropriate voice depending on the audience/channel.
• Commission, write, edit, schedule, and publishe a pipeline of blogs, including managing relationships with interna and external blog authors and editing their work
• Monitor the AAS’ social media channels, amplify appropriate partner content, flag sensitive content, and respond to questions and messages when needed.
• Track key events such as relevant global and regional events and international days to time publications and maximize visibility of relevant content for the AAS.
• Lead on an overhaul, and subsequent regular updating, of the AAS website content
• Lead on the design and development of new webpages as needed, ensuring posting of accurate and regularly updated content on the webpages
• Lead on the generation of content, design, drafting, editing, and publishing AAS’ monthly newsletters as well as other products including flyers, digital postcards, presentations, and other visual assets as needed.
• Co-conceptualize and coordinate the production of infographics and multimedia assets
• Maintain a set of PowerPoint templates with a consistent style and branding.
• Support ARISE and other AAS events, including editing and distributing the summary reports, presentations, and any press releases.
• Compile and report quarterly communications metrics from AAS’ website and social media channels, applying insights from the metrics to improve online content and engagement.
• Ensures all communications products comply with AAS’ communication policy as well as donor and/or partner guidelines and standards.

Media Engagement

• Organize and facilitate strategic interviews on relevant media platforms such as print, TV, Radio and Online. Media interviews on major African and international TV, Radio and print outlets.
• Spokesperson training: prepare the Academy’s Management, Executive Director and Governing Council for media interviews and who can serve as media spokesperson(s) as necessary or as may be guided. Provide a media briefing document based on key messages. Do’s and don’ts.
• Organize and facilitate the Academy’s Management to meet Journal Editors and Senior Reporters to enable AAS build a strong rapport with various local and international media. Develop Thought-leadership articles and Opinion Editorials (OpEds).
• Run digital campaigns periodically to articulate the Academy’s goals for each of its programmes and respond to issues raised through various digital platforms relating to the AAS.
• Isolate and address any contentious issues that revolve around the AAS operations; provide regular progress reports indicating activities implemented, their outcomes and the way forward for the organization.
• Capacity Building

Develop and conduct media training for the AAS’ spokesperson /people: Managers, the Executive Director, and the Governing Council on media handling and related issues. This shall guide ways of capacity enhancement to journalists reporting on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

• Perform any other tasks that may be requested for by senior management/supervisor.

Necessary Skills and Experience

The lead consultant should have the following education, experience, and competencies:

• At least a master’s degree in communications, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, or other related disciplines.
• 10 years of work experience in the field of media relations, journalism or/and science communication.
• Demonstrable strong writing and editing skills, and an ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, and lively style, evidenced through publications.
• Ability to collect web and social media analytics, interpret trends in data, and understand implications for intended audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills. Ability to prioritize, work well under pressure and capably juggle multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
• Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and team skills; demonstrated client orientation; sensitized in working in a diverse and multicultural environment; ability to work effectively and respectfully with writers of different skill levels, from writers who simply need a copy edit to writers who struggle with message and structure.
• Experience working in an international development and/or research and innovation for development space is preferred.
• English is the primary working language for the AAS. Knowledge of other African Union languages, especially French, Arabic, or Portuguese will be an added advantage.

Evaluation criteria

Evaluation Criteria

The communication consultant must meet the mandatory requirements/constraints, if any, as set out in The AAS specifications. The requirements include the following:

Technical Evaluation Criteria -60%

• The Communication Consultant should outline previous experience with media relations, content creation, event branding and video productions, attach evidence-10%
• At least two of the Communication Consultant’s media projects must have won national and/or international excellence awards from reputable institutions, attach evidence- 10%
• Three references for large scope projects, attach evidence -5%
• The Communications Consultant must demonstrate having fundraised or mobilised resources from at least two major donors or commercial sponsors for the media programs undertaken, attach evidence-10%
• The Communications Consultant must have attended at least two PR and crisis management trainings offered by renowned organizations, attach evidence -5%
• The Communications Consultant must have taken part in major media projects in at least two African countries, attach evidence-10%
• The Communications Consultant’s media projects must have featured in major media outlets in at least two African countries, attach evidence -5% CV of the communication consultant to be engaged relevant to the task, Attach CV-5%
• Bidders who pass technical evaluation stage shall be invited for presentation. This constitutes 30% of the rating.

Commercial Evaluation-10%

• The cost estimate should be provided according to the set-out tasks and objectives. This will be discussed in more detail with the selected Communications Consultant. The Consultant has to provide their standard rate structure, including hourly rates for staff roles required to service the scope described by The AAS. The Request for Proposal (RFP) submissions without this information will be automatically disqualified.
• The lowest in price will get higher rating and vice versa.

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

• Combined Scoring method – where the technical evaluation will be weighted 60%, presentations 30% combined with price offer which will be weighted a max of 10%.
• The highest scoring bidder will be recommended for award.