The Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF) is looking for a Head of External Relations, Apply!!
The Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF) was established in September 2019 to forge partnerships and mobilize resources for the Africa CDC, to support critical public health activities across the continent. The Foundation aims to identify, build, and strengthen partnerships and leverage resources from diverse sectors in support of Africa CDC’s strategic priorities.
The Foundation has a vibrant governing council comprising seasoned professionals. The Council’s mandate is to provide strategic direction and oversight on all activities as ambassadors of APHF to critical stakeholders and custodians of APHF’s assets.
About the role
The Head of External Relations will lead APHF’s external communications and resource mobilisation efforts, working with the Communications and Resource Mobilisation leads. As a member of APHF’s senior leadership, the Head of External Relations will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategies to mobilise resources from individuals, foundations, and the private sector, as well as identify new opportunities to expand APHF’s income base. The Head of External Relations will supervise communications initiatives that support APHF’s mission, enhance the organisation’s visibility, and cultivate our brand.
The Head of External Relations will be a trusted advisor and will report directly to the CEO, participating in long-term strategic planning and ensuring that fundraising strategies are aligned with APHF’s growth plans. The Head of External Relations will manage all day-to-day fundraising efforts, including supervision of the Communications and Resource Mobilisation Leads. The ideal candidate is passionate about building a great organisation and comfortable with a fluid role in a dynamic environment.
The Head of External Relations will be expected to build close relationships and work closely with Africa CDC’s Partnerships
As a new organization, staff are empowered to start new programs, institute best practices, and develop traditions that will define their experiences and those of their colleagues in the years to come. Innovation and entrepreneurship are valued and will be essential to the Foundation’s success. In addition to providing training, management-level advice, and mentoring, staff are supported to learn by positioning them as core members of the APHF team to drive public health impact.
Key dimensions of the role
- Advise and support the CEO and Council on long-term strategic planning and align resource mobilisation efforts to support the foundation’s growth plans.
- Identify, develop, and maintain long-term and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and funders.
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic fundraising, communications, and advocacy strategies.
- Solicit support for APHF and manage a portfolio of individuals, foundations, and private sector funders.
- Actively seek new opportunities for investment, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships.
- Provide guidance and best practices on structures and innovative funding approaches.
- Achieve stated fundraising targets, as determined in collaboration with the CEO and team.
- In collaboration with the communications lead:
- Manage the development and implementation of APHF’s communications plan, ensuring messages are aligned with APHF’s mission, values, and strategies.
- Support the development of compelling narratives on the success stories of the Foundation for external use.
- Represent APHF in external engagements, including any media and speaking opportunities and events.
- Coach and retain high-performance team members, providing regular feedback that empowers staff to elevate their level of responsibility.
- Manage staff performance by setting staff goals, monitoring work, and evaluating results.
- Work with staff to develop systems to ensure consistent, high-quality project management.
- Prepare departmental reports with timely information and key metrics to measure progress.
- Develop annual external relations budget.
- Any other tasks as directed by the CEO.
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Skills and experience
- A master’s degree or higher required.
- Minimum eight years of experience in fundraising and/or communications in complex institutions or as a grantmaker or funder.
- Experience and track record in relationship building and securing funds of $1M+ from a variety of donors, such as foundations, the private sector, and government agencies.
- Strong regional and global networks.
- Strong interpersonal skills with experience working with senior leaders & and funders in the region.
- Experience in developing marketing and communications strategies that leverage the power of online media and audience engagement.
- Excellent written and personal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex public health issues in a straightforward and non-technical manner.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, and working with flexibility in a collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, including the ability to build a team of highly motivated and well-qualified staff, and to foster the integration of diverse, multi-disciplinary actors into focused initiatives addressing clear targets.
- Demonstrated fluency in English speaking and writing skills, proficiency in other AU official languages is a plus.
Desirable
- Experience in resource mobilisation and partnership development specifically for public health initiatives.
- Experience developing and supporting multi-stakeholder platforms for collaboration, including supporting events and high-level meetings.
- Experience working in different national and regional contexts in Africa.
