Job Vacancies at Science for Africa Foundation

Senior Programme Officer – Leadership Development and Training at Science for Africa Foundation

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

Position Title	Senior Programme Officer — Leadership Development and Training
Department	Programmes
Reporting To	Senior Programme Manager
Position Location	Nairobi, Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking to recruit a highly skilled Senior Programme Officer (SPO) to manage a bespoke Leadership Development Programme within the Africa Pandemic Sciences Collaborative, a high-profile, multi-year partnership between the SFA Foundation, the Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI) at the University of Oxford, and the Mastercard Foundation.

The Leadership Development Programme is designed to nurture a new generation of African leaders across the pandemic science ecosystem. It aims to strengthen strategic, scientific, and systems-level leadership to empower African institutions in pandemic preparedness, response, and research at both local and global levels. The SPO will oversee the delivery of two leadership development tracks: (i) a senior leaders track and (ii) an emerging leaders track for young professionals, thus building a robust pipeline of African leaders in pandemic science and policy.

The SPO will be responsible for driving the full programme cycle, from strategy conceptualisation to delivery, while ensuring measurable impact is achieved.

The candidate will provide thought leadership in the design and implementation of the programme, foster strategic partnerships and collaborations, manage extensive networks, and deliver high level programme-related research.

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

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.
Familiarity with different learning approaches and mentorship models.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across countries and disciplines.
Excellent stakeholder management, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

Ability to use their scientific skills and experience in other fields of science.
Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
Ability to interact with and manage multiple stakeholders with diverse interests.
Proficiency in standard office and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint.
Possess well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to network and communicate across different levels of the organisation and with external partners.
Able to perform work independently with minimal supervision and participate as a team member.
Possess strong attention to detail and maintain a timely and efficient workflow.
Have strong planning, organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
Ability to multi-task and prioritise work amidst competing demands.
Have integrity, confidentiality and respect for self and other team members.
Project/programme management skills (essential) and people management.
Risk management, financial management and financial governance.
Proficient in English.

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.
Demonstrates ownership and accountability.
Drives cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Supports a culture of continuous improvement and quality focus.
Upholds integrity and promotes a strong documentation and governance culture.

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

Key Result Areas

All assigned activities delivered within budget, to time and consistent with commitments to funders and agreed targets.
Schemes delivered following best practices in scheme management, steering group secretarial support, and using the Grants Management System effectively.
Strong working relationships with all key stakeholders, including funders, staff, high-level global scientists, other delivery partners, and beneficiaries.
Maintaining an attractive profile of scientific activities throughout the programme cycle.
Strong knowledge of SFA Foundation policies and procedures and their application in grants management.

HOW TO APPLY

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

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE THURSDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2025

Science for Africa Foundation is Hiring a Science Communications Officer

We are seeking a Science Communications Officer to support communication and dissemination activities for our Grand Challenges Africa initiative.

This role will highlight Africa-led research, showcase scientific leaders, and demonstrate the impact of innovation across the continent.

The ideal candidate will have a science background, experience in communications or journalism, and the ability to make science accessible to diverse audiences.

Application Details 🔗 https://bit.ly/3V7N0dx

Manager – Procurement Vacancy at Science for Africa Foundation

Deadline: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position Title	Manager – Procurement
Department	Professional Services (Procurement)
Reporting To	Chief Operating Officer
Position Location	Nairobi, Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The Manager – Procurement is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership of the procurement function at the SFA Foundation. This includes managing procurement processes, supplier relationships, contract administration, cost optimisation opportunities, compliance, and supply risk mitigation throughout the supply chain. The role ensures that procurement and inventory management practices are professional, efficient, and aligned with SFA Foundation’s overall strategy, objectives, and standards.

The Manager is also accountable for ensuring value for money and compliance with SFA Foundation Code of Ethics across all procurement activities, guided by organisational values and principles of efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and cost-effectiveness. The role drives continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to maintain a high-performing, transparent, and ethical procurement environment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Procurement and Operational Support

Lead the development and implementation of a procurement strategy that aligns with the Foundation’s strategic objectives and deliver value to the organisation.
Interpret and respond to operational procurement needs to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality support to programmes and professional services departments.
Ensure procurement decisions adhere to value-for-money principles (efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and economy) and the SFA Foundation’s Code of Ethics.
Coordinate annual procurement planning, consolidating department inputs and monitoring implementation throughout the year.
Advises executive, line management and programme teams on strategic sourcing of goods and services.
Ensure that SFA Foundation procurement management meets international standards and complies with relevant regulations.

Procurement Policies, Procedures, and Process Management

Oversee end-to-end procurement and inventory processes using professional standards and ethical practices.
Ensure all procurement activities comply with SFA Foundation’s procurement policy, funder regulations, and applicable laws.
Lead the development, review, and implementation of procurement policies, SOPs, and workflows.
Identify and recommend policy amendments in line with the SFA Foundation and funder changes.
Monitor policy adherence, implement internal controls, and support audit readiness.

Sourcing and Supply Management

Lead all tender and sourcing processes, including preparation, advertising, evaluation, negotiation and supplier debriefing, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Develop and implement cost-effective sourcing strategies and maintain a robust, up-to-date supplier database through equitable, open, and ethical prequalification processes.
Oversee vendor identification, registration, performance review and supplier relationship management frameworks to strengthen strategic partnerships and ensure service level expectations are met.
Conduct market analysis to benchmark supplier costs and secure value for money on all purchases.
Conduct market analyses to benchmark supply costs and secure value for money on all purchases.
Address and resolve supplier and user issues to support effective and efficient service delivery.
Implement risk-based procure-to-pay systems meeting international standards, such as three-way matching.

Contract and Compliance Oversight

Manage the full lifecycle of contracts, including drafting, negotiation, execution, renewal, and close-out.
Ensure contracts align with the SFA Foundation's policies, legal standards, and risk management practices.
Maintain an updated contract tracker and monitor deliverables and deadlines.
Ensure an effective and efficient procurement requisition process, with adequate supporting documentation.

Risk Management and Controls

Assess, evaluate and maintain a procurement risk register and implement mitigation measures.
Ensure segregation of duties and compliance with SFA Foundation's Approval Framework.
Support internal and external audits, implement audit recommendations and promote audit readiness. Ensure timely and effective implementation of corrective and preventive action.
Ensure adherence to quality assurance mechanisms and compliance with organisational policies and standards, including the creation of effective governance structures to enhance integrity, transparency, openness, and fairness in SFA Foundation procurement processes.
Ensure that SFA Foundation procurement strategy and practices adhere to good corporate governance standards, including global sustainability initiatives.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

Lead, coach and mentor the procurement team and key staff engaged in procurement activities within SFA Foundation,
Assign duties as per key procurement departmental objectives and performance indicators, develop performance initiatives and conduct performance reviews.
Lead internal training, policy interpretation, and sensitisation sessions within staff and SFA Foundation grantees.
Ensure adequate internal procurement capacity exists within the SFA Foundation to support the delivery of its programmes, compliance and operational requirements.

Systems, Filing, and Reporting

Ensure adequate procurement systems exist to support efficient procurement and supply activities within the SFA Foundation.
Champion business process automation and adoption of digital procurement systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and reporting.
Ensure proper filing of procurement documentation in the SFA Foundation Document Management System (DMS).
Prepare quarterly and ad hoc procurement reports with strategic insights for Executive Management and contribute to organisational reports submitted to the Board.

Asset Disposal

In consultation with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), ensure asset disposal processes are in line with policies and regulations.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
A master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Economics and/or other related fields is an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications

Holders of CPSP-K certification (Certified Procurement and Supplies Professional – Kenya) and valid registration with the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), or internationally recognised qualifications such as MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management).

Experience

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
Strong understanding of procurement law, compliance, and ERP systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

Procurement Expertise: Demonstrates deep understanding of end-to-end procurement processes, vendor management, and tendering procedures.
Contract and Compliance Management: Skilled in drafting, negotiating, and overseeing contracts while ensuring adherence to internal policies and funder regulations.
Financial Acumen: Applies cost control strategies and financial analysis to drive value for money and informed procurement decisions.
ERP and Digital Systems Proficiency: Proficient in procurement and finance systems (e.g. E-Procure-to-Pay Systems, Oracle NetSuite, SeamlessHR) to streamline processes and reporting.
Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates procurement risks, ensuring strong internal controls and audit readiness.
Stakeholder Engagement: Builds effective relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and oversight bodies to support service delivery.
Communication and Negotiation: Communicates clearly, negotiates effectively, and presents procurement insights to leadership.
Leadership and Team Development: Leads, coaches, and motivates a high-performing procurement team aligned with organisational goals.
Strategic Thinking: Aligns procurement strategy with institutional objectives and anticipates future sourcing needs.
Policy and Process Improvement: Contributes to the development and refinement of procurement policies, SOPs, and workflows.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic and analytical mindset.
Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration, and relationship building.
High integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct.
Result-oriented with excellent organisational skills.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.
Ability to coach and mentor colleagues and the procurement team.
Change leadership: Ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
Executive communication: Ability to distil complex procurement data into insights.

HOW TO APPLY