The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is Calling for Applications for the Role of Programme Officer: Apply by 21 April 2025
Join the Science for Africa Foundation: Programme Officer – Mental Health Research & Development
Application Deadline: Monday, 21 April 2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is calling for applications for the role of Programme Officer within its Mental Health Research and Development (R&D) Programme.
This exciting opportunity offers a chance to play a vital part in advancing mental health research capacity across Africa while working in a dynamic, mission-driven organization committed to science, innovation, and development.
About the Science for Africa Foundation
The SFA Foundation is a pan-African, non-profit public charity organization that supports, strengthens, and promotes science and innovation across the continent.
Its work is grounded in the belief that science and evidence-based research are essential for Africa’s sustainable development and wellbeing.By enabling interdisciplinary collaboration, funding high-impact research, and fostering inclusive scientific environments, SFA aims to address Africa’s most urgent development challenges.
Through a portfolio of strategic programmes and initiatives, it supports the entire research ecosystem — from early discovery and innovation to policy engagement and application.
Position Overview:
Programme Officer – Mental Health R&D The Programme Officer will support the implementation of the Mental Health Research and Development Programme, contributing to a vision of improved mental wellbeing across the continent.
The programme is designed to nurture future leaders in mental health research, raise public awareness on mental health issues, and drive youth-led approaches that generate meaningful change in communities.
A major focus area of this programme is the Being Mental Health Initiative, a global collaboration launched in 2022. Being is coordinated by Grand Challenges Canada in partnership with SFA Foundation and several other international organizations, and it focuses on exploring youth mental health from a grassroots, contextually relevant perspective—especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Planning and Implementation:
- Assist in the end-to-end implementation of the grants management process.
- Collaborate with the Programme Manager on work plans, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.
- Provide secretariat support to advisory boards and programme-related working groups.
- Support the recruitment and onboarding of consultants and experts.
Research and Technical Support:
- Liaise with the Monitoring & Evaluation team to analyze and validate programme data.
- Engage with universities and research institutions to build strategic partnerships.
- Draft proposals, reports, and research outputs including manuscripts and presentations.
- Conduct programme-relevant research and policy analysis to inform decision-making.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
- Track programme outcomes, budgets, and milestones to ensure alignment with funder requirements.
- Prepare detailed reports and analyses during inception meetings, grantee gatherings, and stakeholder engagements.
- Collaborate with the M&E team on designing performance indicators and evaluation tools.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Represent the SFA Foundation at both internal and external meetings and conferences.
- Coordinate with the Communications team to produce and disseminate content that promotes programme achievements.
- Maintain a programme risk register and contribute to issue resolution frameworks.
- Manage digital documentation systems, ensuring version control and data security.
Event and Conference Coordination:
- Plan and manage high-level stakeholder meetings, roundtable discussions, and workshops.
- Record and disseminate actionable meeting minutes and ensure follow-up on commitments.
- Facilitate smooth communication between stakeholders and programme leadership.
Governance and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with the SFA Foundation’s programme management frameworks and funder agreements.
- Support the implementation of audit recommendations and the documentation of compliance processes.
- Assist with the administrative aspects of budget management and team coordination.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, business management, or relevant discipline (earned in the past 5 years)
- a master’s degree is advantageous.
- Professional certification or training in research administration, ethics, or leadership is a plus.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing or supporting research or capacity-building programmes in Africa.
- Proven track record in coordinating research activities and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience supporting or managing mental health or related public health initiatives is an asset.
Skills and Attributes
- High integrity, excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Strategic thinker with a solutions-oriented approach.
- Team player who demonstrates leadership, innovation, and attention to detail.
- Proficient in stakeholder management, programme planning, and budget tracking.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the requirements.
- A curriculum vitae (max 5 pages) including three professional referees.
Send applications to: [email protected]
Deadline: Monday, 21 April 2025
Please save documents as PDF or Word files in the format: Firstname-Lastname-DocumentType-MMYY (e.g., Amina-Kariuki-CV-0425-SFAFoundation)
The SFA Foundation is committed to safeguarding both people and the environment, and all appointments will be subject to relevant background checks.
For more about the Foundation and its initiatives, visit here
