Senior Programme Officer – CJF

Job Summary

Senior Programme Officer to lead the implementation and growth of the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship (CJF), a flagship leadership development programme that nurtures and empowers accomplished African scientists to become influential leaders capable of shaping science, policy, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent. The Senior Programme Officer – CJ Fellows will support the implementation and visibility of the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship (CJF), with primary responsibility for science communication, knowledge dissemination and Fellow visibility. The role will translate complex scientific, leadership and programme content into clear, engaging and accessible communications for diverse audiences, while supporting effective delivery of Fellowship activities. The role will work closely with Fellows, faculty, programme teams, Science Communications, funding partners and other stakeholders to develop high-quality communication products, strengthen Fellow thought leadership and visibility, document programme outcomes and support communication across the Fellowship lifecycle. It will also contribute to programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, reporting and learning as required. The position requires strong science communication and storytelling capability, excellent writing and editing skills, an understanding of scientific and research environments, ideally grounded in academic or professional training in a scientific or public health discipline and the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholders and African contexts. SFA Foundation is committed to fostering a culture grounded in Respect, Accountability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), and Excellence. We seek individuals who embody these values in their work and interactions.

Job Details

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Science Communication Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the development and implementation of communication plans for the CJ Fellowship in alignment with programme and organisational priorities.
• Identify key audiences, messages and appropriate communication channels for Fellowship activities, research, leadership outcomes and impact.
• Translate scientific, technical and leadership content into clear, accessible and compelling communications for diverse audiences.
• Contribute to content calendars, communication workplans and campaign planning for Fellowship activities and milestones.
• Provide technical communication input to programme teams and advise on effective approaches to communicating scientific and programme outcomes.

Content Development, Storytelling and Knowledge Products

• Develop and coordinate high-quality Fellowship content, including impact stories, profiles, case studies, blogs, articles, briefs, newsletters, presentations and other knowledge products.
• Develop compelling stories that demonstrate the achievements, leadership journeys, research contributions and impact of Fellows and alumni.
• Support the packaging of programme evidence, learning and results into accessible content for internal and external audiences.
• Lead or support editorial processes, ensuring accuracy, clarity, tone and alignment with SFA Foundation standards and approved messaging.
• Work with Fellows and faculty to identify and develop opportunities for publications, speaking engagements, thought leadership and other visibility opportunities.

Fellow Visibility, Thought Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support Fellows to strengthen their professional and scientific visibility through appropriate media, speaking, publication and digital opportunities.
• Build effective working relationships with Fellows, alumni, faculty, programme teams, grantees, funders, media and other relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate communication engagement with Fellowship partners and contribute to positioning the Fellowship as a platform for African scientific leadership.
• Support advocacy, outreach and thought leadership activities that amplify the Fellowship’s contribution to science, policy, innovation and development.
• Represent the Fellowship at relevant communication, programme and stakeholder engagements when required.

Digital, Media and Event Communications

• Coordinate with Science and Corporate Communications teams to support timely publication of approved Fellowship content across relevant digital platforms.
• Support website, social media and other digital content related to Fellowship activities, achievements and milestones.
• Support media engagement and identify appropriate opportunities to generate accurate and positive coverage of the Fellowship and its Fellows.
• Develop and coordinate pre-, during- and post-event communication materials for workshops, conferences, learning sessions and other Fellowship events.
• Coordinate photography, media, social media amplification and other communication logistics for key Fellowship activities.

Programme Coordination, Reporting and Learning

• Contribute to planning and implementation of Fellowship activities and workplans, ensuring communication requirements are integrated into programme delivery.
• Support preparation of programme, partner and funder reports, including communication, visibility, outcomes and impact sections.
• Track communication outputs, reach, engagement and outcomes and provide periodic updates to inform programme learning and decision-making.
• Document lessons, success stories and good practices arising from the Fellowship and support knowledge sharing across Fellows, alumni and partners.
• Maintain organised records and archives of communication products, media coverage, publications and relevant programme documentation.

Quality Assurance, Capacity Building and Collaboration

• Review communication outputs for quality, accuracy, accessibility and consistency with SFA Foundation brand and editorial guidelines.
• Provide technical guidance to programme colleagues and relevant partners on science communication and knowledge dissemination.
• Share good practice and support learning on effective science communication approaches across the Fellowship and wider Foundation.
• Work collaboratively with Communications, Programmes, M&E and other professional services teams to deliver high-quality outputs.

Budget and Operational Support

• Contribute to communication planning and resource requirements for Fellowship activities.
• Support monitoring of communication-related expenditure and deliverables within approved plans and budgets.
• Support coordination of external communication vendors and consultants, where required.

Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Science, Public Health, Science Communication, Communications, Journalism or a related discipline from a recognised institution. 
• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred. Candidates with a science or public health background combined with demonstrated science communication experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Professional Qualifications

• Relevant professional certification or membership of a recognised professional body in communications, journalism, public relations, science communication, science, public health or a related field would be an added advantage.

Experience

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in science communication, strategic communications, science journalism, research communication or a related field, preferably within science, health, research, innovation or the non-profit sector. Applicants who trained or practised in a scientific or public health field and have since built science communication expertise are equally welcome.
• Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific or technical information into clear and compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with scientists, researchers, research institutions, policymakers, funders or other stakeholders in a research or development environment.
• Experience supporting programmes, fellowships, leadership initiatives or multi-stakeholder projects would be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience developing communication products and supporting media, digital, event and stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Excellent writing, editing, storytelling and scientific communication skills.
• Strong understanding of science, research and innovation communication, underpinned by scientific or public health literacy, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to develop communication approaches and content for different audiences and channels.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, social media platforms, website content management systems and multimedia production.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with scientists, Fellows, partners, media and diverse teams.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines and competing priorities.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively across teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French or another African Union language is an advantage.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrates ownership and accountability.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage and influence stakeholders.
• Drives cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Supports a culture of continuous improvement and quality focus.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to colleagues and partners where required.
• 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

About Company

Science for Africa Foundation

https://www.scienceforafrica.foundation

Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a pan-African, non-profit, public charitable organisation created to support, strengthen, and promote science and innovation in Africa.