Job Vacancies at The Science for Africa Foundation

The Role

The role of the Programme Officer will entail delivering activities related to Being and other aspects of the mental health research and development programme to ensure that they achieve impact. The incumbent will be a critical member of the SFA team, providing operational and administrative support for a wide range of programme activities. He/She must be a proactive individual who takes initiative and drives projects forward with minimal supervision and is able to make decisions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Goal Setting & Planning

• Assist Programme in implementing the grants management process through topic development/launch stages, triage, review, award selection, due diligence, and grant implementation. 
• Support the Programme Manager with the strategic development and implementation of programme workstreams as required.
• Assist in the provision of secretariat support to relevant steering or expert groups within the programme (e.g., the Being Scientific and Strategy Advisory Board).
• Work with the Programme Manager to develop and implement project work plans. Monitor progress and ensure that deadlines and deliverables are met.
• Support the recruitment of programmatic consultants, including assisting with drafting RFPs, ToRs, MoUs and tracking payments against agreed milestones and budgets.
• Support in the design of various results frameworks (Theory of change, outcome, output, indicators of the programme, reporting tools/schedules).
• National and International travel as required to support the Programme Manager.

Research and Technical Support 

• Work in close collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation 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. 
• Support the writing and editing of grant proposals and reports, ensuring that proposals are clear, concise, and meet the requirements of funders. 
• Prepare reports and presentations during annual grantee meetings and site visits.
• Perform programme-relevant research to inform the development, implementation and delivery of the projects falling within the portfolio. 
• Develop manuscripts and opinion pieces for peer review.
• Track and perform relevant analyses on various aspects of programme implementation to identify and address important challenges to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery.
• Provide technical support to grantees, includes providing guidance on various aspects of the project. 

Programme Tracking, Evaluation and Reporting

• With close partnership with the Programme Manager, monitor, track and control outcomes, facilitating program team meetings to ensure performance progress and address any emerging issues. Maintain accurate and up-to-date online documentation of program milestones. 
• Assist track programme spending vis-à-vis agreed programme milestones and continuously check the budget reports for accurate reporting to the funder’s agreed milestones. 
• Prepare reports, articles and presentations during programme inception meetings, annual grantee meetings, site visits and other meetings as needed.  
• Work in close collaboration with the M&E team to identify, collate, track, assess quality, analyse and validate, and report on programme-related data.
• Track and perform relevant analyses on various aspects of programme implementation to identify and address important challenges to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery. 
• Assist in developing and monitoring programme-specific performance indicators. 

Collaboration and Facilitation  

• Represent SFA Foundation programmes at internal and external meetings when required.
• Work in close collaboration with the SFA Foundation Communications Department to ensure all content (reports, images, videos, social media posts) is relevant and updated on a timely basis according to what is happening in the projects.
• Maintain a risk register for the programme and a system to document, track and ensure programme issues and challenges are resolved promptly.
• Help to manage shared documentation platforms and folders, ensuring adequate version control and confidentiality and offering ideas for improvements where appropriate.
• Support other SFA Foundation programmes and departments in the delivery of their mandate, especially for cross-cutting programmatic activities when requested.
• Identifying potential (research) funding opportunities and assisting with the application process.

Event | Conference Planning and Management 

• Support various networking management activities/ events.
• Plan, organise and coordinate and participate in high-level stakeholder meetings/convenings/round table meetings and taking note of action points and follow up 
• Capture comprehensive stakeholder meeting minutes including action items and deadlines and circulate them promptly to support program implementation.
• Scheduling stakeholder meetings and facilitating communication between the programme manager and stakeholders throughout the programme/ initiative life cycle. 

Programme Governance

• Support the programme in complying with SFA Foundation programme management framework. 
• Follow up on implementation of audit findings / observations from internal & external audits and/or funder due diligence processes and assist with consolidating audit related tasks/documentation.
• Assist in checking programme complies with all its contractual obligations signed with stakeholders and adheres to all applicable standards. 
• Management of programme documents and records as per SFA Foundation policies and procedures.
• Efficient and effective management of programme team meetings, programme structures, etc   
• Provide administrative support to the programme manager including but not limited to managing budgets, scheduling meetings, and preparing reports.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant science field or business management obtained over the past 5 years. A Masters degree is an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications 

• A professional qualification and relevant experience in large-scale programme/programme management or training in research administration, ethics, leadership or related will be an added advantage. 

Experience 

• At least 3 years’ experience working in research/research leadership capacity development programme design and implementation on the African continent. 
• Leadership qualities and experience of carrying out key research work for priority mental health agendas.
• Experience in carrying out or coordinating programme management work.

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 be a team player. 
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage strategic relationships.
• Must be an effective communicator and 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 keen on quality.
• Must be attentive to details.
• Must have excellent presentation and public speaking skills. 
• 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 demonstrate the ability to manage stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach grantees

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PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in gathering, cleaning, and organising data from various sources to ensure it is ready for analysis and use in AI models.
• Perform basic data analysis and create visualisations (e.g., charts, dashboards) to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the team to design, test, and refine AI-driven tools for knowledge organisation, retrieval, and recommendation systems.
• Help populate, update, and manage the digital knowledge repository, ensuring it is user-friendly and accessible.
• Conduct research on best practices in data and AI for knowledge management and document processes, findings, and lessons learned.
• Work closely with team members and programme stakeholders to understand their data and knowledge needs and provide technical support as required.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• In the final year of or have just completed your master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics or a related field.

Experience

• No work experience is needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Experience of using techniques and frameworks for artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualisation and data analytics.
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks is desirable.
• Experience in conducting research and writing reports.
• Familiarity with programming languages (preferably Python and R).
• Must demonstrate ability to pay attention to details.
• Inter-personal skills and experience working within teams.
• Excellent communication skills to deal with a variety of people at different levels of seniority.

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JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability will serve as the strategic architect of the SFA Foundation's communications ecosystem, to enhance visibility, reputation and impact across multiple stakeholders. The role holder is expected to develop and execute a comprehensive corporate communications strategy that aligns with the Foundation's mission to advance scientific development across the African continent, design narrative frameworks that effectively communicate the Foundation's impact to funders, partners, grantees, and the broader scientific community. Develop a cohesive digital strategy and demonstrate the transformative impact of the Foundation's corporate sustainability initiatives and catalysing sustainable funding partnerships essential for continued growth and impact.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the Foundation's mission to advance scientific development across the African continent.
• Lead the Foundation’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives. 
• Closely work with Science Communications to design narrative frameworks that effectively communicate the Foundation's impact to funders, partners, beneficiaries, and the broader scientific community.
• Craft compelling messaging positions the SFA Foundation as a catalyst for scientific innovation and sustainable development.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the corporate communications department, including providing leadership and managing the corporate communication staff. 
• Develop and manage corporate communications and corporate social initiatives (CSI) activities for the Foundation in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and in line with budgetary guidelines. 
• Work as part of the Management team to share ideas and improve operations, recommending, supporting, and implementing continuous improvement activities and process and procedure improvements to optimise results and improve the quality of internal communications. 
• Develop annual departmental operations plans, budget, staffing and infrastructure, performance targets and monitoring and evaluation in line with organisational strategy, plan and budget.

Corporate Communications 

• Lead the creation of a compelling SFA Foundation brand narrative that resonates with diverse audiences across Africa and globally.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to design and execute a pan-African communication and marketing strategy that showcases SFA Foundation's strengths in advancing research and innovation across the continent.
• Support resource mobilisation efforts by developing targeted communication materials for potential funding partners, including government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other continental-level income streams.
• Create and implement a comprehensive media relations strategy, cultivating strong relationships with relevant journalists across both traditional and digital platforms.
• Establish, document, and enforce clear communications policies, editorial guidelines, and brand standards.
• Contribute to the organisation's sustainability initiatives through strategic communication support and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate the production of impactful annual reports that effectively communicate the Foundation's achievements, impact and financial performance.

Engagement and Outreach

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on matters relating to brand reputation, crisis response, and executive visibility.
• Support the office of the CEO in executive communication and public engagements, not limited to preparing speeches, talking points, and ensuring the messages are clear and impactful.
• Lead the strategic use of a broad range of communications tools, including events, media engagement, digital media, multimedia etc. to ensure sustained brand visibility.
• Lead the development and implementation of communications plans for the Foundation’s involvement in major regional and global events as required.
• Lead internal communication strategies, plans, and tactics in support of the other departments and teams.
• Translate SFA Foundation’s mission and programme matrix into concrete, tangible storylines with high human interest and impact.
• Represent the Foundation in key regional and global forums, conferences, and high-level panels to promote its mission and impact.
• Facilitate internal capacity building through skills development programs focused on communication techniques.

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Cultivate strategic relationships with journalists, industry publications, and mainstream media outlets.
• Position the Foundation leadership as thought leaders through targeted placements, interviews, and speaking opportunities.
• Develop crisis communications protocols to safeguard organisational reputation. 
• Manage crisis communications to protect organisational reputation and maintain stakeholder trust through prepared statements, media response coordination, and transparent communication practices.

Editorial, Digital Presence & Platform Management

• Orchestrate a cohesive digital strategy spanning the Foundation's website, social media channels, and emerging platforms.
• In liaison with Science Communications, convert the Foundation's digital assets into powerful storytelling tools that showcase research breakthroughs and programme outcomes.
• Implement data-driven approaches to optimise digital engagement and conversion metrics.
• Direct all editorial workflows and digital content publication across platforms, maintaining brand voice consistency and strategic alignment.
• Produce compelling, authoritative content across diverse formats (articles, white papers, reports, multimedia) while applying rigorous editorial standards to ensure exceptional quality, accuracy, and relevance to target audiences.
• Create and implement a comprehensive digital roadmap connecting all SFA Foundation communication assets. Regularly refine this strategy to maximise cross-platform synergy, audience growth, and content engagement.
• Lead data-driven decision making through robust monitoring and evaluation systems. Conduct regular analysis of key performance indicators and deliver actionable insights to continuously optimise digital presence.
• Harness sophisticated digital intelligence tools including audience segmentation analytics, social listening technologies, and engagement metrics to enhance content targeting, relevance, and overall impact.
• Pioneer adoption of cutting-edge digital formats and technologies—including podcast production, short-form video content, and AI-augmented publishing tools—specifically designed to resonate with African audiences both on the continent and throughout the diaspora.

Impact Communication & Funding Acceleration

• In collaboration with Science Communications, translate complex scientific achievements into accessible narratives that resonate with potential funders.
• Create compelling case studies, impact reports, and visual assets that demonstrate the Foundation's value proposition.
• Collaborate with development teams to produce persuasive materials for grant applications and funder pitches.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communication, Public Health or any Science related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Additional qualifications or certification in science communication, public policy, or sustainability is an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications

• Member of a relevant reputable professional institution. 

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in corporate communications/public relations and at least seven years in a leadership role. 
• Hands on experience in strategic communications, advocacy, or public diplomacy, preferably in international development programs.
• A proven track record of leading successful communication campaigns on a global scale.
• Strong media engagement and management skills.
• Proven experience supporting C-suite executives, especially in shaping strategic communications, preparing executive-level content, and advising on public engagements.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• A proven track record of applying innovative thinking and strategic approaches
• Sensitivity to the regional, international and multicultural environments in which the SFA Foundation operates.
• Demonstrated experience working with or within research, scientific, academic, or innovation-driven institutions in Africa.
• Experience communicating science to diverse stakeholders, including non-technical audiences.
• Proven experience in managing brand reputation and crisis communications.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• An excellent communicator, with fluency in English coupled with digital fluency and working knowledge of French is desirable.
• 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 keen on quality.
• Must be attentive to detail.
• Must demonstrate the ability to collaborate and build trust with others.
• Ability to translate high-level strategic vision into clear, impactful communication that resonates with both internal stakeholders and external audiences, including policymakers, media, and funders.

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.