Science Communications Manager at The Science for Africa Foundation

• Collaborate with leadership and programme teams to co-develop and/or review the SFA Foundation science communication strategy to maximise the impact of SFA Foundation science programmes and initiatives.
• Lead and own the organisation-wide science communications strategy, ensuring alignment with overall institutional priorities and funding partner objectives.
• Co-develop and execute a comprehensive science communication strategy for the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship aligned with the initiative's goals and objectives.
• Champion a culture of strategic science communication within the organisation.

• Provide technical support and strategic guidance to the Calestous Juma Science Leaders to amplify their voices as global health opinion shapers and influencers.
• Design and deliver a tailored science communication training program for Calestous Juma Science Leaders and SFA Foundation grant partners.
• Develop a framework for telling stories of impact and the difference our work makes.
• Identify, initiate and develop compelling stories and thought leadership pieces on the science we fund and key emerging issues affecting science and innovation on the African continent.
• Ability to art direct or collaborate to create multimedia content.
• Be part of an editorial team for science communication products and corporate communications assets.

• Coordinate science communication initiatives to ensure alignment with the overall organisation's strategy.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the science communications docket in consultation with the Senior Programme Manager and in line with budgetary guidelines to achieve the set mandate.
• Propose long and short-term human capacity development objectives to foster team growth, while mentoring and coaching team members to ensure optimum performance of assigned roles.
• Recommend, support and implement continuous improvement activities, processes and procedures to optimise science communications quality and results.
• Participate in resource mobilisation efforts by co-developing funding proposals.
• Manage operations surrounding the life cycle of grant management for science communications initiatives in collaboration with Grants Officers, ensuring adherence to call standards during the application, review, shortlisting and awarding process.
• Provide visionary leadership to a growing team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Ensure efficient team workflows, professional development, and capacity strengthening aligned with evolving communication needs.
• Oversee communication budgets, timelines, and quality assurance processes.

• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with funding partners to foster mutually beneficial and equitable relationships.
• Forge collaboration with science communication networks and institutions to foster added value, co-create future potential initiatives, and promote the practice as strategic and core to science in Africa.
• Represent the organisation at external forums, conferences, and media engagements to position SFA Foundation as a thought leader in African science communication.

• Manage performance of the science communications team in partnership with the Senior Programme Manager, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager; by setting measurable performance indicators to ensure projects are executed in line with set mandate, workplans and budgets.
• Develop periodic progress reports.
• Develop and periodically update the consolidated science communications risk register.
• Review, implement and update training matrices and performance reviews.

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• 8+ years of progressive experience, including team leadership, preferably in health research.
• Relevant experience in a large-scale, multi-country programme will be highly advantageous. Exceptional storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and crisis comms skills.
• Track record in science-to-policy or science-to-public engagement.

• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific information to a variety of audiences, including storytelling background in science, health, or other related complex fields.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously.
• Experience with various communication channels.
• Creative, critical thinker, with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Collaboration and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and across diverse stakeholders.
• An understanding and appreciation of Africa's diverse cultures, languages, and contexts.
• Track record in science-to-policy or science-to-public engagement.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications and digital literacy.

• 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 stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach juniors.
• Proven experience in leading high-impact science communications initiatives within a scientific or nonprofit context.
• Strong executive presence with ability to manage high-level partnerships and respond confidently in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

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