ABOUT THE COMPANY
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 produce 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.
JOB SUMMARY
Role purposeThe Head of Communications is a senior strategic role that will lead Science for Africa (SFA) Foundation’s integrated communications function. This role serves as the Foundation’s principal communications advisor, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and senior management to strengthen SFA Foundation’s reputation, visibility, influence, and impact by bringing together corporate communications, science communications, executive visibility, media engagement, digital presence, and strategic campaigns under one coherent institutional voice.As the Foundation’s communications steward, the role will advise senior leadership, shape institutional positioning, uphold communications governance and quality, and ensure that SFA Foundation’s scientific, programmatic, and ecosystem contributions are communicated with clarity and strategic purpose. The role will translate scientific progress, investment priorities, programme outcomes, and institutional ambitions into compelling narratives that build trust, strengthen partnerships, inform decision-making, and elevate SFA Foundation’s leadership in Africa’s science and innovation ecosystem.The ideal candidate is a strategic communication leader with the judgement, creativity, and discipline needed to protect and grow the Foundation’s reputation, amplify its thought leadership, and position SFA Foundation as a credible, influential voice in advancing African science for global impact.Academic QualificationsMaster’s degree in Communications, Strategic Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Science Communications, Development Communications, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field.Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related discipline.A qualification, formal training, or substantial professional experience in science communication, research communication, health communication, innovation, technology, or research-for-development contexts would be strongly preferred.Additional training or certification in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, leadership, or executive communications will be an added advantagProfessional QualificationsMemberof a relevant reputable professional institution.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Project monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Project implementation, Data collection, Data analysis, Quality management
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree