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 Systems Analyst plays a critical role in aligning business needs with effective technology solutions. Reporting to the Manager – ICT and Digital Transformation, the role serves as a key link between business teams and technical implementation. It involves analysing current systems and workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and designing or recommending scalable, user-centric solutions that enhance operational efficiency. The Systems Analyst works closely with the Business Analyst, IT teams, and external vendors to ensure that systems are secure, well-integrated, and support the organisation’s strategic objectives. Strong collaboration with business units ensures that implemented solutions are relevant, sustainable, and responsive to evolving needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Solution Design & Implementation

• Collaborate with the Manager – ICT and Digital Transformation and the Business Analyst to design and implement scalable technology solutions that are aligned with documented business requirements and strategic objectives.
• Partner with the Business Analyst to analyse existing business processes, identify improvement opportunities, and translate findings into system enhancements that boost efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive system documentation, technical specifications, and user manuals.
• Ensure that all solutions comply with internal policies, industry best practices, and relevant compliance requirements.
• Model data flows, system processes, and integrations.
• Review and assess existing system designs and architectures, and provide recommendations to enhance efficiency.

Systems Customisation & Optimisation

• Customise and configure new and existing systems to improve user experience, functionality, and alignment with organisational workflows.
• Coordinate with internal teams and third-party vendors to ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with user needs.
• Participate in system upgrade planning, testing, and deployment to ensure smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.
• Liaise with external solution providers to oversee implementations, upgrades, issue resolution, and service level compliance.
• Maintain clear records of vendor communications, licensing, and contract deliverables.
• Evaluate and recommend new systems, tools, or technologies based on emerging business needs.

Systems Administration & User Support

• Manage core business applications, including user access, system configurations, and performance monitoring.
• Provide day-to-day support for in-house systems, including configuration, user management, issue resolution, and reporting.
• Co-develop and deliver training and support materials that reflect both system functionality and business process updates to enhance user adoption and proficiency.
• Maintain system integrity, performance, and security by conducting regular audits and updates.
• Work in close partnership with the Business Analyst to continuously translate business requirements into actionable system enhancements and ensure changes are well-communicated to stakeholders. Work in closely with system developers to define system requirements.

Database Management & Performance Tuning

• Assist in the design, administration, and optimisation of relational databases.
• Develop SQL queries, scripts, and reports to support business analysis and decision-making.
• Monitor database health and implement improvements to enhance performance and ensure data integrity.

No/Low-Code Application Development

• Design and maintain low-code applications using platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform or similar tools to automate processes and fill system gaps.
• Collaborate with business units to identify automation opportunities and build lightweight, cost-effective tools to meet their needs.

Data & Reporting Analytics

• Create and maintain customised dashboards, reports, and visualisations to provide stakeholders with actionable insights.
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for operational improvements.
• Support efforts to integrate data from multiple sources for consolidated reporting and analytics.

Project Management

• Take part in project planning, estimation, resource allocation, and project risk management activities.
• Coordinate system testing, user acceptance testing, and validation processes to ensure implemented solutions meet specified requirements and deliver high-quality results.
• Support change management activities throughout the project lifecycle, including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, training coordination, and transition support to ensure smooth adoption of new systems and processes.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• In collaboration with the Business Analyst, identify opportunities to enhance business processes, systems, and services through the adoption of innovative technologies or practices.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback, experimentation, and learning across teams.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends, providing recommendations for adoption where appropriate.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to pilot, evaluate, and scale innovative solutions.
• Develop and implement improvement initiatives in alignment with organisational goals and customer needs.
• Track and report on the outcomes of improvement efforts, using data and metrics to assess impact and inform future strategies.

The Systems Analyst will perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform / Dynamics 365 / Azure

Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years’ relevant experience.
• Extensive documented experience in the successful implementation of ERP systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, and Grant Management Systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Solid understanding of SQL, APIs, and enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in system integration, data flow modelling, and DevOps practices.
• Familiar with project management methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, and SCRUM, as well as the full software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Proficiency in system integrations, data flow modelling, and DevOps.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Must understand and demonstrate the Foundation’s values such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
• Must demonstrate the ability to pay attention to details.
• Must promote knowledge sharing and learning.
• Must have a high level of integrity and flexibility.
• Must embrace continuous learning and improvement.
• Must possess client relations and collaboration with other team members.

Leadership Competencies

• Must have proven and demonstrated Leadership skills such as delegating responsibilities, developing others, facilitating change, and leading through vision and values.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage stakeholders.

HOW TO APPLY

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

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE MONDAY, 23 JUNE 2025

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