ABOUT THE SFA FOUNDATION LEARN PROGRAMME AND FLAGSHIP DELTAS AFRICA INITIATIVE

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a leading pan-African not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to advancing science, supporting scientists, and nurturing science ecosystems that promote high-quality research. With a focus on policy decision-making and Africa's sustainable development goals, the SFA Foundation funds various programmes and initiatives to drive scientific leadership and excellence across the continent. Supporting the broad science area of Science Leadership for Transdisciplinary R&D is of strategic significance and importance to the SFA Foundation for several reasons and is being implemented by the SFA LEARN Programme (Leadership for African Research Networks) to deliver its vision i.e

Innovation and Discovery: Inter and multidisciplinary research R&D in biosciences can lead to new breakthroughs and discoveries. By bringing together experts from various fields, such as biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science, innovative solutions can be developed to address complex challenges in the field of bioscience. This can pave the way for new technologies, treatments, and advancements in various areas like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Collaborative Approach: Health and related challenges are often multifaceted and require a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach that brings the intersection of health, biosciences, climate and related aspects. By encouraging inter and multidisciplinary research and development, the Learn R&D programme enables scientists and experts from different backgrounds to work together and contribute their unique expertise. This collaborative approach enhances problem-solving capabilities and promotes a holistic understanding of complex bioscience challenges.

Science Leadership: The Learn R&D programme aims to develop science leaders who can drive innovation, influence policies, and contribute to the advancement of bioscience. Transdisciplinary R&D that brings biosciences, including biomedical, and broad health R&D and social sciences R&D expertise fosters the development of future science leaders who can effectively collaborate across disciplines, inspire teams, and lead projects that tackle complex societal challenges and problems. These leaders play a crucial role in advancing knowledge, driving progress, and shaping the future of health, climate, and food systems in Africa.

Addressing Real-World Problems: The inter and multidisciplinary approach to science and innovation R&D nurtures a problem-solving mindset and equips participants with the skills needed to address real-world challenges. Many problems solvable by biosciences, and biomedical/medical research require a comprehensive understanding of different scientific domains, as well as the ability to integrate knowledge and methods from various fields. By focusing on transdisciplinary R&D, the LEARN programme prepares established and emerging leaders and their mentees to gain the right skills to develop and deliver practical solutions.

Career Opportunities: Inter and multidisciplinary biosciences R&D is on the rise, and many organizations seek professionals with expertise in multiple areas. By offering training and education in this field, the LEARN R&D programme equips individuals with highly valued skills and opens diverse career opportunities in academia, industry, and research institutes. This can help participants build successful and fulfilling careers in biosciences/health/biomedical and related subject areas, contributing to the growth of scientific knowledge and technological advancements.

Through our LEARN R&D Consortia programme, we facilitate the establishment and growth of robust networks comprising universities, research institutions, and talented individuals at various academic levels – Masters, PhD, and Postdoctoral and established, globally competitive research leaders. By providing financial resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities, we aim to cultivate critical mass in scientific research leadership within Africa. In complementarity, our dedicated efforts also focus on enhancing research environments and fostering a strong research culture within African institutions.

DELTAS Africa is a flagship initiative of the SFA Foundation under the LEARN Programme with support from global partners, Wellcome and the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). DELTAS Africa applies the consortia models and is designed to establish excellent research networks that will recruit, train, and mentor a globally competitive critical mass of researchers by training a cadre of globally competitive African health research scientists.

These DELTAS consortia are leading locally relevant and high-quality research in R&D for infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, ONE-Health/Zoonosis, nexus of Climate and Health and social sciences to generate quality data and knowledge, influence policy and practice, as well as developmental and social-economic outcomes in Africa, The DELTAS Africa programmes are led by Programme Directors based in an African institution, who construct multi-country consortia and there are 14 such consortia working across the continent funded and managed by SFA Foundation with funding support from SFA global funders. 

Research studies supported by DELTAS Africa II are expected to lead to the following outcomes and outputs:

• DELTAS Africa II programmes produce high-quality scientific outputs measured by diverse outputs including publishing, the winning of competitive grants, citations, and translation of research through policy, public, and community engagement.
• Every DELTAS Africa II programme will have a specific influence on health, climate etc and/or social policy or practice at the national/regional level; or have an output directly translated into a tangible health, social or developmental influence.
• A cumulative total of at least 1,500 African researchers will have been trained by 2025 (this includes DELTAS Africa I) with about 50% of DELTAS Africa II trainees being female.
• Institutions hosting a DELTAS Africa initiative commit to greater support, with options including complementary and co-funding support; creation of new posts for researchers and career pathways; infrastructure; and research culture initiatives.

POSITION OVERVIEW

BROAD ROLE PERSPECTIVE

The position will manage and oversee the effective and efficient implementation of the DELTAS Africa Initiative. He/she will be responsible for designing, managing, and implementing the SFA Foundation programmatic work plan to support DELTAS Africa research and research communication, including strategic management and implementation of capacity development, R&D priorities for the Initiative, and to support research fellows and partner institutions to deliver the milestones outlined in the SFA institutional and programmatic level strategies for optimum delivery.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities 

Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the programme portfolio assigned by overseeing the planning and implementation of impactful programmes, working closely across teams to ensure set requirements are met.
• Develop and manage programmatic activities for the Programme in consultation with the Head of Programmes and Chief Scientific Officer and in line with budgetary guidelines to achieve the set mandate.
• Propose long and short-term objectives for the initiative aligned to building human capacity, infrastructure, and lasting research networks on the continent.
• Manage the Programme budget in liaison with the Finance team to ensure efficient utilization of funds, smooth operational flow, and maximizing the scope and magnitude of the short and long-term Programme goals.
• Contribute to the overall development of the SFA Foundation LEARN R&D Programme strategy and initiatives, including actively identifying opportunities for collaboration with other programme areas.
• 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 programme delivery.
• Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity to perform their assigned roles. Set performance expectations and conduct performance management evaluations in a timely manner to ensure superior levels of performance are maintained.
• Provide career guidance and avail learning opportunities and assignments to enhance engagement and career progression for programme staff.

Grants Management

• Manage Programme grants and activities as the point person for the Programme and Initiative, engaging with applicants, grantees, and partners including providing guidance and feedback on inquiries.
• Manage operations surrounding the entire process of grant management for the Programme in collaboration with the Grants Officer. Ensure adherence to the call standards during the application, review, shortlisting, and grant awarding process.
• Oversee the grant scheme development by highlighting key funder requirements at the proposal development stage and aim to improve knowledge and access to this information for grant applicants. This is through webinars, information sessions, workshops etc.
• Conduct due diligence of potential applicants and applicant institutions. This involves desktop reviews and physical site visits to potential applicant institutions and the preparation of reports or recommendations that inform specific grant terms and conditions for successful grant applicants. Manage the grant award processes by providing and monitoring systems, processes and procedures to ensure fairness and openness in awarding grants to applicants.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Manage the performance of the Programme team in partnership with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager by setting measurable performance indicators to ensure projects are executed in line with the contract and within agreed timelines.
• Develop monitoring reports for funders developed by the fundraising and programmes teams. Develop and disseminate monthly programme highlight reports for the management, staff and Committees as necessary. 
• Communicate with senior management on programme status, risks and issues appropriately and timely. 
• Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members.
• Review, implement and update programme records e.g. training matrices, performance reviews, risk assessments.

Advocacy and Relationship Management

• Forge collaborations with science-based communities that share the same vision as the Programme and the SFA Foundation at large within the African continent and globally to build a sustainable Programme.
• Engage in discussions with institutions of similar elements which can help promote the vision of the Programme through activities that foster added value and future potential initiatives.
• Identify gaps that can be filled by the Foundation’s portfolio of activities that will promote the growth and sustainability of the SFA Foundation and the Programme and ensure the Foundation’s services are made relevant to the continent.
• Provide technical support and expertise to the review panels in other programmes by participating in the review of the grant application process.
• Participate in occasional cross-functional meetings to support other departments in achieving their mandate including representing SFA Foundation in consortium meetings. 
• Ensure the values of participation, partnership, sustainability, social responsibility, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and accountability are reflected in your work.
• Attend external meetings as a representative of the SFA Foundation as assigned.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

•  A PhD degree in a relevant discipline related to health research obtained over the past 7 years with a good track record that bridges health R&D with Policy and practice e.g., PhD in areas of biosciences and biomedical areas such as Immunology, Genomics, Epidemiology, global health, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields such as health challenges driven by climate change, nutrition and health etc. A strong track record of accomplishments is required with demonstrable scientific leadership and achievements in R&D environments including published scientific articles, policy briefs, mentorship, managing R&D teams etc 
• Or a Medical Doctor with proven research leadership qualities in Biomedical health R&D and/or experience in carrying out key research work for health R&D agendas and strong areas of research such as clinical research, Public health and related R&D priorities.  

Professional Qualifications and Experience 

• The person should also demonstrate experience in programme/project level experience and expertise in large scientific or related programmes. 
• Understanding the health challenges that bedevil and debilitate all people in Africa and in global settings - and for Africa. 
• Expertise and knowledge specifically for Africa and other LIMCs, an understanding of the health research infrastructure (status and lack of), that is hindering progress towards addressing comprehensively health challenges, and the role of policymakers and communities in delivering this vision. 
• Experience in managing multi-country health research and health research capacity development programmes. This includes managing programme teams, coordinating activities, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements and other regulations.
• A track record of successful grant applications and an understanding of the funding process, including knowledge of the research funding landscape including familiarity with national and international funding agencies.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, including excellent written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

HOW TO APPLY

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.

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS TUESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2023

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