Organisation Background

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation that supports strengthens and promotes science innovation in Africa. The goal of the SFA Foundation is to address the continent’s most pressing developmental needs by generating scientific knowledge that solves problems and informs decision-making.

We serve the African research ecosystem by funding excellent research and innovation ideas; enabling interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, building and reinforcing environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive and produce quality research that generates new, locally relevant knowledge.

The SFA Foundation takes a holistic approach to the development of science. Our programmatic initiatives are crafted to cater to the entire science ecosystem and span across the value chain from early discovery sciences to translation sciences and target cross-cutting gaps.

Our commitment to strengthening the entire research ecosystem is reflected in the creation of major science and innovation programmes implemented through a well-established grant-making scheme, advocacy and promotion of scientific excellence, emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policy-making mechanisms.

Position Overview

The Communications Assistant will work under the supervision of the Head of Corporate and Science Communication to assist and complement various roles within the Communications Unit of the SFA Foundation.

This role requires an excellent communicator with strong attention to detail and who has administrative, events management, media engagement, writing and social media marketing experience.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Help implement communications strategy and plan, including that of the SFA Foundation, programmatic communication plans and media engagement strategies
• Provide administrative support to the communications department
• Draft and edit communications copy (e.g. press releases, statements, reports, publications, social media posts)
• Assist in maintaining web content and executing social media toolkits and updating social media channels
• Attend regular departmental and organisational meetings
• Helping to coordinate and to provide communication support at SFA Foundation events
• Contributing creative communications ideas
• Assist with the distribution of communications products
• Assist in the development of multimedia content
• Update databases and media lists
• Track media coverage and compile reports
• Facilitate effective internal communications
• Maintain calendars and appointments
• Prepare presentations and reports

Any other duties assigned by the Head of Corporate and Science Communication

Qualifications and Requirements

1. A minimum of an undergraduate degree in communications, science, journalism or equivalent.
2. Proven experience as a Communications Assistant, internship or similar role
3. Must be able to work independently with little supervision, but also participate as a team member in the accomplishment of duties
4. Strong organisational and administrative skills, willingness to learn and an ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple projects
5. Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet search skills and the ability to learn new applications quickly
6. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred
7. Openness to learning and growing within the organisation
8. Knowledge and experience in science, science journalism and science communication preferred
9. Strong written and verbal communications skills and attention to detail and accuracy
10. An understanding of multiple platforms, including on and offline
11. An understanding of media relations and digital media strategies

HOW TO APPLY

Should you meet the above requirements, please submit a cover letter and a current Curriculum Vitae not exceeding 5 pages including three professional referees to [email protected] with the name of the vacancy as the e-mail subject.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The documents should be saved in MS Word or PDF in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Deus-Wan-CV-092022-SFA Foundation or Deus-Wan-CoverLetter-092022 -SFA Foundation.

All applications should be submitted by Friday, 14^th October 2022.