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 African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) Secretariat, hosted by the SFA Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya, brings together African cohort leaders and researchers to network, share best practices, adopt new technologies, and harmonise data and analysis approaches.

The APCC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of populations across Africa through robust and innovative research methods and strengthened health and social systems.

We are seeking a Senior Operations Manager to join the APCC Secretariat team. This position is responsible for the operational management and implementation of the GEN-IMPACT programmatic workplan.

By leveraging the scale and infrastructure of APCC, the analytic leadership of the African Bioinformatics Institute (ABI), and the convening and catalytic power of the SFA Foundation, GEN-IMPACT will pioneer a continent-led model for genomics discovery. It aims to unlock novel insights into the genetic drivers of disease, inform regional and global health policy and precision medicine, and catalyse systemic changes in how genomics is conducted, governed, and translated in Africa.

GEN-IMPACT will be conducted over three phases:

Year 1: Landscaping Phase. An African genomics priorities and gaps will be conducted and a call for expressions of interest will be made to APCC member cohorts interested in hosting a GEN-IMPACT sub-study. This will serve as input into a prioritisation process

that will balance the need to discover actionable genomic insights with the urgent need to improve genomic data coverage of African populations. These activities will feed into the development of a high-level genomic analysis plan, a core study protocol and a call for proposals (which will include a requirement to adhere to the core protocol) and conclude with the award of the sub-studies.

Year 2-4: During this phase the Senior Operations Manager (SOM) will work closely with the sub-study leads to prepare for and implement the core protocol at the sub-study sites.

Following implementation, the SOM will conduct regular onsite operational audits to assess progress and adherence to the core protocol. Together with the biobanking lead the SOM will coordinate sample transfer to the sequencing facilities and coordinate quality assurance.

Year 5: During the consolidation phase of the project the SOM will participate in transferring the operational learnings and experience to other APCC cohorts that wishes to conduct similar studies.

SFA Foundation is committed to fostering a culture grounded in Respect, Accountability, Diversity, Inclusion & Equity (DIE), and Excellence. We seek individuals who embody these values in their work and interactions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme 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 programme lead and co-applicants 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 programme strategy, including actively identifying opportunities for collaboration with other programme areas.
• Work as part of the Management team to share ideas and improve operation, recommending, supporting and implementing continuous improvement activities and process and procedure improvements to optimise results and improve quality of programmes delivery.
• Lead and manage the Programme team, including setting performance expectations, conducting timely evaluations, workload allocation, and resolving team issues to maintain high levels of productivity and engagement.
• Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity to perform the roles assigned to them. Set performance expectations and conduct performance management evaluations in a timely manner to ensure superior levels of performance are maintained.

Grants Management

• Manage Programme activities as the point person for the Programme, engaging with sub-studies 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 highlights key funder requirements at proposal development stage and aim to improve knowledge and access to this information for grant applicants.
• Conduct due diligence of potential applicants and applicant institutions. This involves desktop reviews and physical site visits to potential applicant institutions, and preparation of reports or recommendations which 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.
• Manage the post-award processes to ensure proper implementation, monitoring and performance. This will also include ensuring proper grant close out.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Manage 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 in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members.
• Review, implement and update programme records e.g. training matrices, performance reviews, risk assessments.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks within Programme implementation.

Advocacy and Relationship Management

• Forge collaborations with science-based communities which share the same vision as the Programme and other genomics projects within the African continent and globally to build a sustainable Programme.
• Engage in discussions with institutions of similar element, which can help promote the vision of the Programme through activities that foster added value and future potential initiatives.
• 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 SFA Foundation as assigned.

The duties and responsibilities described are not exhaustive. The role may evolve in line with organisational needs, and the postholder may be required to undertake tasks that are consistent with the overall purpose of the position.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s/PhD degree in a relevant Science research field/international development/Social Sciences/ Public Administration or an MD with proven research leadership qualities and experience carrying out key research work for priority health agendas.

Experience

• At least seven (7) years of managerial experience relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Must have a high level of integrity.
• Must understand and demonstrate the Foundation’s values such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity and inclusion.
• Must demonstrate the ability to build strategic relationships.
• Must be an effective communicator and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must be a critical thinker and innovative.
• Must demonstrate the ability to make decisions, plan, organise and manage work.
• Must have a high level of adaptability, engagement readiness and fast thinking.
• Must have the capability to initiate action and keen on quality.
• Must be attentive to details.
• Must demonstrate the ability to collaborate and build trust with others.

Leadership Competencies

• 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 stakeholder.
• Mentor and coach juniors.

Organisational Values

All SFA Foundation staff are expected to uphold and demonstrate the organisation’s core values in the execution of their duties:

• Respect: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and professionalism in all interactions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE): Committed to inclusive practices and equitable decision-making.
• Excellence: Strives for continuous improvement and consistently delivers high-quality outputs.

HOW TO APPLY

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

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE TUESDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 2026

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