ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

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 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, emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking mechanisms.

POSITION OVERVIEW

JOB PURPOSE

The incumbent will be responsible for the execution of the organisation-wide science communications strategy. He/She will work with seasoned and early career scientists to showcase cutting edge, African-led science and initiatives funded by the SFA Foundation.

The role will also include support for the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship (CJF). The CJF is an initiative of the Gates Foundation aimed at bringing together accomplished scientists permanently based in Africa to cultivate a community of global health leaders, opinion shapers, and influencers. They drive science and advocate to affect national, regional, continental, and global change to advance public health.

The successful candidate must be a proactive individual, takes initiative, requires minimal supervision, can make decisions, and is able to work in fast paced environments.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Collaborate with leadership and programme teams to co-develop and/or review the SFA Foundation science communication strategy to maximise the impact of SFA Foundation science programmes and initiatives.
• Lead and own the organisation-wide science communications strategy, ensuring alignment with overall institutional priorities and funding partner objectives.
• Co-develop and execute a comprehensive science communication strategy for the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship aligned with the initiative’s goals and objectives.
• Champion a culture of strategic science communication within the organisation.

Showcase and Promote African-led Science and Scientists

• Provide technical support and strategic guidance to the Calestous Juma Science Leaders to amplify their voices as global health opinion shapers and influencers.
• Design and deliver a tailored science communication training program for Calestous Juma Science Leaders and SFA Foundation grant partners.
• Develop a framework for telling stories of impact and the difference our work makes.
• Identify, initiate and develop compelling stories and thought leadership pieces on the science we fund and key emerging issues affecting science and innovation on the African continent.
• Ability to art direct or collaborate to create multimedia content.
• Be part of an editorial team for science communication products and corporate communications assets.

Management

• Coordinate science communication initiatives to ensure alignment with the overall organisation’s strategy.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the science communications docket in consultation with the Senior Programme Manager and in line with budgetary guidelines to achieve the set mandate.
• Propose long and short-term human capacity development objectives to foster team growth, while mentoring and coaching team members to ensure optimum performance of assigned roles.
• Recommend, support and implement continuous improvement activities, processes and procedures to optimise science communications quality and results.
• Participate in resource mobilisation efforts by co-developing funding proposals.
• Manage operations surrounding the life cycle of grant management for science communications initiatives in collaboration with Grants Officers, ensuring adherence to call standards during the application, review, shortlisting and awarding process.
• Provide visionary leadership to a growing team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Ensure efficient team workflows, professional development, and capacity strengthening aligned with evolving communication needs.
• Oversee communication budgets, timelines, and quality assurance processes.

Relationship Management

• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with funding partners to foster mutually beneficial and equitable relationships.
• Forge collaboration with science communication networks and institutions to foster added value, co-create future potential initiatives, and promote the practice as strategic and core to science in Africa.
• Represent the organisation at external forums, conferences, and media engagements to position SFA Foundation as a thought leader in African science communication.

Monitoring, Reporting and Learning

• Manage performance of the science communications team in partnership with the Senior Programme Manager, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager; by setting measurable performance indicators to ensure projects are executed in line with set mandate, workplans and budgets.
• Develop periodic progress reports.
• Develop and periodically update the consolidated science communications risk register.
• Review, implement and update training matrices and performance reviews.

Occasional Duties

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

An advanced degree in Science Communication, Public Health, or related discipline.

Experience

• 8+ years of progressive experience, including team leadership, preferably in health research.
• Relevant experience in a large-scale, multi-country programme will be highly advantageous. Exceptional storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and crisis comms skills.
• Track record in science-to-policy or science-to-public engagement.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific information to a variety of audiences, including storytelling background in science, health, or other related complex fields.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously.
• Experience with various communication channels.
• Creative, critical thinker, with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Collaboration and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and across diverse stakeholders.
• An understanding and appreciation of Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and contexts.
• Track record in science-to-policy or science-to-public engagement.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications and digital literacy.

Leadership Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Must have proven and demonstrated leadership skills such as delegating responsibilities, developing others, facilitating change and leading through vision and values.
• Must possess the ability to build a successful team.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach juniors.
• Proven experience in leading high-impact science communications initiatives within a scientific or nonprofit context.
• Strong executive presence with ability to manage high-level partnerships and respond confidently in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

HOW TO APPLY

Should you meet the competencies above, please submit your application by clicking the APPLY button below.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE THURSDAY, 19 JUNE 2025

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