ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

The Science for Africa 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 producing 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, with emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking mechanisms.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position Title	Communications Officer
Department	Corporate and Science Communication
Reporting To	Head of Corporate and Science Communication
Position Location	Nairobi, Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The Communications Officer position is a three-year contract, responsible for executing communication and dissemination activities for Leadership for African Research Networks (LEARN R&D), a programme of the SFA Foundation through which the Foundation fosters scientific leadership and research excellence across the continent. The LEARN R&D Consortia programme facilitates the establishment and growth of robust networks comprising universities, research institutions and talented individuals at various academic levels – master's and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and established, globally competitive research leaders.

This role involves creating and implementing effective communication strategies, developing informative materials, and crafting compelling stories highlighting the programme and the science it funds, strongly emphasising documenting and demonstrating its impact. The Communications Officer will report to the Head of Corporate and Science Communication and work closely with the relevant programme manager and team to ensure they are well-supported in communication-related activities for the initiative. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with a science communication or journalism background who is innovative, energetic, and has a solution-oriented approach to their work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Develop and execute a communication plan and annual work plans that align with the overall goals of the initiative.
• Identify key messages, target audiences, and the most effective channels for dissemination.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust strategies based on performance metrics, feedback, and changing circumstances to ensure the continued effectiveness and relevance of communication efforts.
• Ensure all programmatic content and events are in line with organisational branding guidelines.

Showcasing Impact and Content Development

• Package and promote evidence generated by the initiative and consortia across internal and external channels, including funding partners.
• Ensure a consistent flow of content that provides insights into the outcomes and impact of the initiative and its respective consortia.
• Play a critical role in shaping how the SFA Foundation tells its story and that of the initiative's impact journey.
• Support the development of and develop case studies, thought leadership pieces and blogs from programmatic staff, grantees, and fellows for publication on the website and elsewhere.

Coordinating a Communication Network

• Facilitate collaboration and information sharing within a network of communication professionals across the consortia.
• Ensure consistent and coherent messaging across all channels and stakeholders.

Supporting Events

• Organise and manage communication aspects of events, workshops, and conferences related to the initiative.
• Provide communication support to ensure the success of events and their alignment with broader strategic goals.
• Develop and maintain an annual events calendar for the programmes, ensuring the communications team is kept up to date on upcoming events and can plan accordingly.

Advocacy and Funder Engagement

• Support the implementation of advocacy strategies to raise the profile of the initiative among key stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, and the broader scientific community.
• Support the programme team’s engagement with funders to communicate the impact and success of the initiative, fostering strong relationships and securing ongoing support.
• Support the programmes team in preparing reports by providing editorial oversight and contributing communications content for the funder’s report.

Advocacy for Science Communication and Knowledge Contribution

• Champion the importance of science communication within the consortia and among funders.
• Provide support to ensure that science communication is adequately resourced by both funders and scientists, emphasising its critical role in amplifying the impact of scientific research.
• Develop and promote strategies to integrate science communication into the core activities of scientific projects, ensuring it becomes a standard practice within research initiatives.
• Actively contribute to the advancement of the science communication field by sharing insights, best practices, and innovative approaches. Engage in thought leadership activities such as writing articles, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with other science communication professionals to enhance the visibility and impact of African science globally.

Reporting and Budgeting

• Develop and manage communication budgets and work plans, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Manage relationships with vendors and contractors, which is crucial for the successful execution of communication activities.
• Prepare regular reports on communication activities, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.

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

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. A degree in science communication, journalism, or a relevant discipline is highly desirable from a recognised institution.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 -5 years of professional experience in communications, preferably within the science, research, or non-profit sectors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

• Proven ability to develop and execute communication strategies that align with project or organisational goals and effectively promote scientific initiatives.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to produce high-quality content for various platforms, including web, social media, and print.
• Proficiency in advocacy, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, and the scientific community.
• Experience in managing media relations, including building relationships with journalists and securing media coverage for scientific initiatives.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously.
• Proficient in using digital tools and platforms for communication, including social media management, website content management systems, and multimedia production.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet search skills and ability to learn new applications quickly.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French or other African Union languages is an advantage

Leadership Competencies

• A deep commitment to advancing science communication and supporting the African research ecosystem.
• Awareness and respect for diverse cultural contexts within Africa, and an understanding of how to communicate effectively across different cultural settings.
• Ability to take initiative and lead communication efforts, with a vision for enhancing the impact of science through effective communication.
• Innovative, energetic, and solution-oriented approach to work, with a proactive mindset in addressing challenges.
• Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
• Able to motivate/inspire others with ideas.
• Mentor juniors such as graduate trainees

Key Result Areas 

• Science communication
• Media engagement
• Brand management
• Crisis management
• Event management
• Science communication
• Timely submission of reports

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Should you meet the competencies above, please submit a cover letter and a current Curriculum Vitae not exceeding 5 pages including three professional referees to [email protected]

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., DeusWan-CV-092022-SFA Foundation or Deus-Wan-CoverLetter-092022-SFA Foundation.

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SFA Foundation commits to safeguarding people and our environment, and this forms part of our background checks.