POSITION OVERVIEW

A learning and development opportunity for a bright young, innovative university graduate with a degree Mental Health field. The position seeks to provide the successful candidate with invaluable exposure and experience in terms of global mental health within a uniquely placed pan-African organization.

You will gain practical knowledge in relation to mental health related aspects as well as develop key analytical, research and problem-solving skills that will help contribute to meaningful programmes that impact Science for Africa Foundation success.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the implementation of a funding call focused on cross-national collaboration on youth mental health in low- and middle-income countries – viz., the Being mental health initiative.
• Help shape the Mental Health Research and Development Programme by providing support on the evidence-based and cost-effective best practices for promoting mental health and brain health and strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental health.
• Attend conferences, workshops and seminars focused on mental health, neurological conditions and substance use disorders to improve service delivery, promotion and prevention.
• Assist the Programme Manager with the development of grant applications.
• Support in identification of gaps, specification of needs for developing mental health workforce, capacity building for in-service health workers on the African continent
• Support in the development of opinion pieces, reports and manuscripts for peer review.
• Assisting in developing the social media profile of the Mental Health Research and Development Programme.
• Attend team meetings and actively participate in discussions.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.

Experience

• Experience of working within the mental health domain and an understanding of engaging with people with lived experience of mental health challenges.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Must have a high level of integrity.
• Research capability and experience in developing research grants.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS-Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a professional environment.

Key Result Areas

• Media engagement
• Science communication
• Timely submission of reports and manuscripts

Submit a cover letter no more than one (1) page long explaining why you are interested in this programme, and an updated CV not exceeding 3 pages. The subject of the email should include the position you are applying for, e.g. GT — Mental Health Research and Development. Send your application to [email protected] by 13 October 2024.

The application 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-112024-SFA Foundation and Deus-Wan-GTLetter-112024 -SFA Foundation.

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