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

ABOUT THE CRTC PROGRAMME

The Clinical Research & Trials Community (CRTC) programme works in partnership with other programme teams to achieve their objectives by:

• Designing and Implementing programme initiatives that lead to increased investments in clinical research and trials in the African continent.
• Convene and leverage existing R&D partners to create synergistic and sustainable partnerships focused on improving clinical research and clinical trial initiatives on the continent.
• Building strategic partnerships and networks that seek to empower and provide capacity-strengthening initiatives for African trialists, researchers, regulators, and research institutions.
• Using digital tools, data, and technology to inform appropriate interventions aimed at reducing Africa’s disease burden and improving the quality of health care delivery for African patients.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Programme Officer (CRTC) is responsible for executing programmatic responsibilities within the Clinical Research and Trials Community (CRTC) programme. This involves a subtle approach of connecting the program’s strategy to the implementation of initiatives, with a focus on ensuring that the results achieved are aligned with producing meaningful outcomes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific and technical leadership

Participate in the implementation of program management cycle by:

• Planning and budgeting
• Ensuring effective technical and financial management for Value for Money (VFM)
• Ensuring high-quality technical outputs that meet donor guidelines.
• Promoting and marketing the program in collaboration with the SFA Foundation communications team
• Supporting in identifying, tracking, and mitigating program management risks and issues
• Support in Monitoring and evaluation activities of program outcomes and impacts
• Preparing consolidated technical and financial reports from delivered initiatives under the programme.
• Liaising and managing relationships with key CRTC stakeholders.
• Contribute, as required, to the development of evidence-based positions on research and innovation policy issues linked to the core programme work.
• Make recommendations of strategic areas of investment under the CRTC programme in time, within budget and at the required quality
• Assist in the provision of secretariat support to relevant steering or expert groups.
• Assist in utilising the outputs, networks and relationships created through the CRTC programme to further the organization’s strategic objectives.

Research

• Perform programme-relevant research to inform the development, implementation and delivery of the projects falling within the portfolio.
• Work in close collaboration with the M&E team to identify, collate, track, assess quality, analyse and validate, and report on programme-related data.
• Identify and build relationships with relevant stakeholders involved in relevant areas of research and research leadership, capacity development but not limited to R&D institutions, universities, and other research institutions. This may include relevant African government departments and policymakers, Africa-based and international Think Tanks, intergovernmental organisations etc
• Prepare reports, articles and presentations during programme meetings, off-site visits and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Track and perform relevant analyses on various aspects of programme implementation to identify and address important challenges to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery.

Programme Support

• Represent SFA Foundation programmes at internal and external meetings when required.
• Work in close collaboration with SFA Foundation Communications Manager to develop a media and campaign Strategy for initiatives within the portfolio to ensure maximum exposure and coverage on the continent and beyond and to generate keen interest from potential stakeholders.
• Plan and organise relevant workshops and other activities in furtherance of the objectives of the projects within the portfolio.
• Develop a risk management framework for initiatives under the programme, including developing and maintaining a risk register for the programme and a system to document, track and ensure programme issues and challenges are resolved in a timely manner.
• Support other SFA Foundation programmes and departments in the delivery of their mandate especially for cross-cutting programmatic activities when requested.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

• Experience in clinical research and trials, preferably having worked in a clinical trial setup and a deep understanding of the clinical trials landscape in Africa.
• Proven history of leading/working in initiatives that aim at contributing to increased investments in clinical research and trials in Africa.
• Experience in building strategic partnerships and networks to empower and provide capacity-strengthening initiatives for African trialists, researchers, regulators, and institutions.
• Deep understanding of the challenges facing clinical research and trials in the African context
• Ability to develop and implement effective interventions aimed at reducing Africa’s disease burden and improving the quality of healthcare delivery for African patients.
• Familiarity with digital health tools, data initiatives, and technology interventions to inform appropriate initiatives in the clinical research and trials space.
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to advancing health and development goals in the African continent.

Other Required Attributes

• Demonstrated capability to effectively lead and influence others in a positive manner and establish and maintain collaborative relationships.
• Proficiency in delivering public presentations in meetings, advocating for diverse strategies or approaches, and providing regular updates to stakeholders on the progress and impact of the work.
• Exhibits exceptional personal integrity and possesses the ability to adapt to various cultural, geographic, and operational contexts.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and is comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Direct experience in managing and leading teams.
• Project/Programme management skills (essential)

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A PhD, MD, or MSc degree in a relevant Science/Biomedical/Biosciences/Health research field obtained over the past 10 years; or an MD with proven research leadership qualities and experience in conducting key research work for priority health agendas.
• A proven record of research capabilities in health/biomedical/biosciences research as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and other quality outputs.
• At least 3 - 5 years of experience working in research/research leadership capacity development programme design and implementation on the African continent.
• A professional qualification and/or relevant experience in large-scale programme/project management
• Knowledge of innovative ways of implementing digital health and digital health data initiatives for health
• Training in research administration, ethics, leadership or related will be an added advantage.
• Experience in implementing data solutions within the health space will be an added advantage.

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 26 MAY 2023

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

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