Careers at The Science for Africa Foundation

We are an experienced team of scientists, professionals, and African and global partners.

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• Contents
• Open Jobs
  1. Programme Officer - Clinical Research and Trials Community
  2. Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability
• Method of Application

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
• Experience3 years
• LocationNairobi
• Job FieldProject Management&nbsp , Research&nbsp

JOB PURPOSE

Responsible for high-level programme technical support and coordination, working in a dynamic environment while managing the needs of numerous stakeholders globally while keeping a finger on the pulse of numerous programmes. The Programme Officer works closely with the Programme Manager, programme team members and other SFA Foundation staff to ensure efficient implementation of the programme and effective collaboration with all role players within the programme. The PO will facilitate smooth flow of knowledge reports, financial reports, procurement processes, grants processes, technical presentations, and proposals, including ensuring partnerships database management, updating, and timely submissions of deliverables and reports.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Goal Setting & Planning

• Work closely with the Programme Manager and other stakeholders to set programme goals and objectives.
• Work closely with the Programme Manager in the development of various concept notes and proposals for funding, including the development of annual budgets; ToRs, annual objectives; procurement plans, and risk registers.
• Assist Programme in implementing the grants management process through stages of topic development/launch, triage, review, award selection, due diligence, and grant implementation.
• Assist in developing and monitoring programme-specific performance indicators.
• Provide quality controls checks to team members on various workflows to ensure compliance and good practice.
• 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).
• Support the writing and editing of grant proposals and reports, ensuring that proposals are clear, concise, and meet the requirements of funders.
• Support team members when implementing risk management strategies, including various institutional policies and procedures.
• Support the development of new initiatives and programmes.

Research and Technical Support

• Assist the programme manager in gathering and analysing data to develop evidence-based positions on research and innovation policy issues linked to the core work.
• Assist in utilising the outputs, networks, and relationships created through the Programme to further the organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Perform programme-relevant research to inform the development, implementation, and delivery of the projects falling within the portfolio.
• 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.

Communications and Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Provide support in developing and executing a programme communication strategy for all programme stakeholders to ensure timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Capture comprehensive stakeholder meeting minutes including action items and deadlines and circulate them promptly to support program implementation.

Collaboration and Facilitation

• Represent SFA Foundation programmes at internal and external meetings when required.
• Work in close collaboration with SFA Foundation communications team 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 programme/programmes.
• Deliver administrative team duties in support of the programmes within the portfolio e.g. work with SFA Foundation Procurement team to monitor deliverables (including supplies), and being the administrative contact person for programmes within the programme.
• Support in planning and organise relevant workshops and other activities in furtherance of the objectives of the programmes
• Maintain a risk register for the programme and a system to document, track and ensure programme issues and challenges are resolved in a timely manner.
• Liaise with other programmes to enhance collaboration, exchange of information and optimal use of resources.

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 thereafter to ensure stakeholder views are managed towards the best solutions – this entails high-level programme coordination skills in managing various competing priorities with various stakeholders through co-ordinating various meetings such as teleconferences, round table meetings, high-level annual meetings, review meetings that often times run in parallel.
• 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.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant science field or business management obtained over the past 5 years.

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.
• 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 exceptional presentation and public speaking skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability to collaborate and build trust with others.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WEDNESDAY, 21 MAY 2025

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND
• Experience10 years
• LocationNairobi
• Job FieldMedia / Advertising / Branding&nbsp

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.

Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025

Method of Application

Use the link(s) below to apply on company website.