Job Openings at African Academy of Sciences

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Programmes 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 Grants in consultation with the Executive Director 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 AAS programme strategy, including actively identifying opportunities for collaboration with other programme areas.
• Work as part of the Management team to share ideas and improve operation, recommending, supporting and implementing continuous improvement activities and process and procedure improvements to optimise results and improve quality of programmes delivery

• Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity to perform the roles assigned to them. 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 AAS grants and activities as the point person for the Programme; engaging with applicants, grantees and partners including providing guidance and feedback on inquiries;
• Manage operations surrounding the entire process of grant management for the AAS Programmes 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 highlights key funder requirements at proposal development stage, and aim to improve knowledge and access to this information for grant applicants. This is through webinars, information sessions, workshops etc
• Manage the pre-award processes to ensure appropriate conditions including systems, processes, policies, and capacity are available to support the implementation of the grant by applicants.
• Conduct due diligence of potential applicants and applicant institutions. This involves desktop reviews and physical site visits to potential applicant institutions and preparation of reports or recommendations which 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
• Manage the post-award processes to ensure proper implementation, monitoring and performance. This will also include ensuring proper grant close out

Monitoring and Reporting

• Manage performance of the Programmes 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 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

Advocacy and Relationship Management

• Forge collaborations with Science-based communities which share the same vision as the Programme and the Academy at large within the African continent and globally to build sustainable Programmes;
• Engage in discussions with institutions of similar element 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 Academy’s portfolio of activities that will promote the growth and sustainability of AESA and the AAS Programmes and ensure the Academy’s services are made relevant to the continent.
• Provide technical support and expertise to the review panels in other AESA Programmes by participating in the review of grant application process; and
• Participate in occasional cross-functional meetings to support other departments in achieving their mandate including representing AESA 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 AAS as assigned.

Person Specifications Academic qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant science research field with proven research leadership qualities and experience of carrying out key research work for priority research agendas.

Professional qualifications

• 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

Experience and Knowledge

• At least 8 years’ relevant experience in project management, 3 years of which should have been at senior management;
• Significant knowledge and understanding of the scientific landscape and grants funding environment in/for Africa;
• Proven experience in leading a team and of direct line management;
• Experience in research commercialization and technology transfer skills converting research into policy, products and services
• Knowledge of Science Technology and Innovation landscape on the African continent
• Strong presentational skills and ability to address public audiences;
• Good financial and budgeting capability
• Ability to work effectively within and between teams to achieve common objectives
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
• Excellent reading and research skills, planning and organization skills
• Familiarity with legal procedures and matters that the ED’s office may need to deal with such as litigation, staff issues and AAS clients
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office and office management software (ERP etc.)

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Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Management and Leadership

Under the supervision of the Governing council, the ED shall:

• Lead the development and implementation of the overall AAS strategy. Develop the annual business plans and performance targets that are aligned to AAS goals;
• Work with the President and the Governing Council to develop sustainable strategies and policies for the AAS, anc co-Lead the engagement with all stakeholders to sustain the AAS vision. Lead the management team in realising the AAS vision for the overall programmes agenda.
• Implement policy direction by capacitating the AAS to become Africa's strategic advisory body and think tank.  
• Shape strategies and policies by implementing key science, technology and innovation programmes.  Provide oversight to all finance and administrative services to ensure compliance with organisation financial, grants, contracts and donor requirements.
• Lead the team in designing policies that contribute to creating an environment where partnerships can thrive and ensure AAS has an effective framework for creating and maintaining relationships.

Programmatic Management:

Under the oversight of the Governing Council, the ED shall:

• Provide management and financial oversight of all programmes activities, training and technical assistance.
• Supervise the implementation of all Programme activities; ensuring that performance schedules are observed, and outputs are completed and delivered according to schedule and within budget.
• Present requests for the approval of new programmes and report regularly on the progress of on-going programmes to the Governing Council;
• Work in liaison with the various stakeholders to ensure that programmes and activities approved by the Governing Council are appropriately implemented;
• Mobilise funds for the Academy. This includes engaging with African governments, International governments, philanthropists and donors through AAS's fundraising efforts to drive the agenda of the Academy.
• Keep abreast of the trends within the donor environment to ensure funding diversification initiatives both locally and internationally to strengthen program funding and organisation stability
• Provide regular reports to the Governing Council on programmes, funding, operations and activities.
• Foster a learning environment among the team members to encourage innovation and sharing of ideas.
• Ensure appropriate training and capacity building activities for program staff members to support high-quality program implementation.

Sustainability and Membership Recruitment:

Under the oversight of the Governing Council, the ED shall:

• Coordinate AAS Fellows and affiliates' recruitment, nomination, evaluation, and induction procedures.
• Build a strong global advocacy strategy for the Academy to ensure its visibility and credibility.
• Work to secure long-term commitments from our global partners.
• Participate in international meetings, make strategic visits (as required and in consultation with the President and GC) to key stakeholders and show continued interest in those that contact the Academy;
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key policy decision-makers within donors, partners, governments, and other relevant regional and international bodies to secure AAS's ability to influence policy decisions favouring its strategic agenda.
• Serve as the principal liaison officer for the Academy and keep in contact with the scientific community and donor agencies.

Academy Administration

• Ensure that the academy accounts are audited annually;
• Oversee the management of human resources within the AAS.
• Maintain oversight on developing and implementing management information systems.
• Develop a risk management framework that must be adhered to when approved by the Governing Council.
• Provide management leadership in staff supervision, performance appraisals, hiring and mentoring employees to ensure quality and retention of core program staff.

Qualifications And Attributes

• The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and attributes:
• Degree from a recognised university.
• A relevant PhD earned from a recognized University with a record of scholarship.
• Clear demonstration of the attraction of research project grants.
• An established record and history of leading, building and managing a successful organisation or institution.
• The ability to raise funds and build sustainably beneficial networks with governments, major scientific communities, the private sector, institutions of higher learning and relevant NGO/Foundation.
• Ability to build a self-sustaining Academy.
• Excellent managerial and leadership skills.
• At least 7 years’ experience in a senior leadership role.