Introduction

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a pan-African, non-profit, and public charity organisation that supports, strengthens, and promotes science and innovation in Africa. The SFA Foundation is committed to improving African people's quality of life and promoting research uptake in communities, industry, and the public sector. We serve the African research ecosystem by designing, funding, and managing programmes that support excellent science and innovation and that build and reinforce environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive and produce quality research that impacts development. SFA Foundation is distinctive in that it focuses on the ecosystem surrounding research and the production of research itself. It also supports initiatives that directly influence the quantity, quality, and impact of research. SFA Foundation operations are hosted within the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) as a programme in the Republic of Kenya.

Background

The Leadership for Pandemic Sciences in Africa course is a flagship initiative of the Africa Pandemic Sciences Collaborative under the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), designed to nurture a new generation of African leadership across the pandemic sciences ecosystem. The Leadership Programme seeks to strengthen leadership capabilities among African researchers and practitioners working in epidemic and pandemic preparedness, response, and research.

Through a tiered, experiential learning approach, the programme will equip 70 participants drawn from seven Epidemic and Pandemic Sciences Innovation and Leadership Networks (EPSILONs) with the strategic, scientific, and systems leadership competencies required to navigate complex health emergencies, influence policy, foster collaboration, and drive innovation across institutions and borders. The programme comprises two complementary tracks: an Executive Track for senior leaders focused on strategic foresight, governance, and science diplomacy; and an Associates Track for emerging leaders and young professionals focused on innovation, science communication, and foundational research leadership.

By developing leadership skills such as systems thinking, crisis communication, stakeholder management, and collaboration, the programme aims to build a sustainable pipeline of leaders capable of shaping Africa’s pandemic science agenda while fostering communities of practice that promote peer learning, collaboration, and long-term ecosystem growth.

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Objectives of the Assignment

To design, develop, and deliver a high-quality blended leadership development programme for emerging and executive leaders in the pandemic science ecosystem that strengthens leadership competencies, supports behavioural change, promotes peer learning, and enhances participants’ ability to lead complex pandemic preparedness and response initiatives.

The consultant will:

1. Design a competency-based leadership curriculum aligned with programme objectives and target audience.
2. Develop engaging learning content and convert approved materials into interactive e-learning modules compatible with the selected learning management system (LMS).
3. Deliver structured virtual leadership learning sessions throughout the programme period.
4. Provide individual and group coaching to support leadership growth, application of learning, and behavioural change.
5. Design and facilitate intensive in-person leadership bootcamps (two at the start and end of the programme).
6. Establish mechanisms for participant engagement, reflection, peer learning, mentorship, and continuous improvement.
7. Support programme monitoring, learning, evaluation, and reporting throughout implementation.

Instructions on the Proposal Submission Process

1. Proposal to be sent by email to [email protected] on or before 11 August 2026 at 5.00 pm (EAT)
2. Protect your proposal with a password and share the password on August 2026 by 8.00 am (EAT)
3. The proposal to be marked as follows on the subject line:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING IN PANDEMIC SCIENCE PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE - RFP/017/2026

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