PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific and Technical Leadership


Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of the leadership development programme to ensure it produces strong pandemic science leaders in Africa.
Collaborate closely with the Epidemic and Pandemic Sciences Innovation and Leadership Networks (EPSILONs), Collaborative partners to validate and refine the content, approaches, and learning outcomes of the programme.
Benchmark with peer institutions that run similar programs to identify best practices and identify areas for improvement across course content, teaching approaches, and assessment strategies.
Facilitate and integrate peer coaching, communities of practice and mentorship throughout the program to enhance participant development.
Lead and coordinate participant recruitment, onboarding, and engagement processes to ensure a diverse and well-prepared cohort. This will include maximising participation, retention and learning outcomes throughout the programme.
Ensure that technical outputs throughout the program cycle, including reports, are of high quality and respond to donor guidelines and requirements.
Assist in utilising the outputs, networks, and relationships created through the leadership development program to further the organisation’s strategic objectives.
Serve as the primary liaison between SFA Foundation and external facilitators, mentors, evaluators, and global partners.


Delivering the Science Research & Innovations Strategy


Guide the integration of strategic foresight, science diplomacy, leadership innovation, and systems thinking into all learning components of the leadership development programme.
Coordinate visibility pathways for African science leaders to ensure top-performing participants are highlighted through various events and platforms globally.
Engage African and global institutions, including universities, government departments, think tanks, and intergovernmental organisations, to enhance content delivery, visibility, and the long-term impact of the programme.
Track and analyse programme implementation data to identify challenges and improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Work closely with SFA Foundation communications teams to develop a media and campaign strategy for the program to ensure maximum exposure and coverage on the continent and beyond, and to generate keen interest from potential stakeholders.


Programme Support


Manage all aspects of the program delivery including organizing relevant trainings, workshops, content development, faculty coordination, logistics, and administration.
Coordinate communication flow among participants, trainers, and collaborators to ensure smooth program operations.
Monitoring and evaluating programme outcomes and impact, as well as communicating outcomes and learnings to key stakeholders.
Monitor programme progress, manage budgets, and provide timely technical and financial reports to stakeholders and funders.
Develop and maintain a risk management framework, including maintaining a risk register and a system for timely resolution of issues and challenges.
Organise the awarding of a Certificate of Achievement co-issued with global academic partners upon successful completion of courses.
Provide secretariat support to relevant steering or expert groups as needed.
Represent SFA Foundation programmes at internal and external meetings when required.
Support other SFA Foundation programmes and departments in the delivery of their mandate, especially for cross-cutting programmatic activities when requested.


PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications


A PhD degree in a relevant Science/Biomedical/Biosciences/Health research field obtained over the past 10 years, or an MD or equivalent training with proven research leadership qualities and experience.


Professional Qualifications


A proven record of research capabilities in health/biomedical/biosciences research as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and other quality outputs.
A professional qualification in executive-level leadership development or research administration will be an added advantage.


Experience


At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role within global health, research, academic, or public sector institutions will be an added advantage.
Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering high-impact training or leadership programmes at the continental or global level.
Proven knowledge and experience in health systems leadership, or science-policy interface in African contexts.
Track record of engaging with African and global scientific, policy, and academic institutions to enhance research, innovation, and leadership networks.