JOB PURPOSE

The Science Communications Officer position is responsible for executing communication and dissemination activities for multiple grantee cohorts and projects led by Africa-based scientists to amplify Africa-led development of world-class research and scientific leaders on the continent. This role involves creating and implementing effective communication strategies, developing informative materials, and crafting compelling stories that highlight the initiative and the science it funds, with a strong emphasis on documenting and demonstrating its impact.

The incumbent will report to the Science Communication Manager and work closely with the Programme Manager, Grand Challenges Africa, and the relevant team to ensure they are well-supported in communication-related activities for the initiative. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with a background in a science field, and communications or journalism experience; and is innovative, energetic, committed to making science accessible to all audiences, and inspiring the next generation of innovators in Africa.

The overall aim of the Communications Officer (Grand Challenges Africa) role is to deliver work within the Science, Innovation, Translation and Entrepreneurship (SITE) programme under the Grand Challenges (GC) Africa Initiative. The SFA Foundation hosts GC Africa as part of the Grand Challenges partner family in collaboration with the Gates Foundation. The GC Africa initiative seeks to promote Africa-led scientific innovations to help countries better achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by awarding seed and scale up grants to the continent’s most impressive solutions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Develop and execute a communication plan and annual work plans that align with the overall goals of the initiative.
• Identify key messages, target audiences, and the most effective channels for dissemination.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust strategies based on performance metrics, feedback, and changing circumstances to ensure the continued effectiveness and relevance of communication efforts.
• Ensure all programmatic content and events are in line with organisational branding guidelines.

Showcasing Impact and Content Development

• Package and promote evidence generated by the initiative and cohorts across internal and external channels, including funding partners.
• Ensure a consistent flow of content that provides insights into the outcomes and impact of the initiative and its respective cohorts.
• Play a critical role in shaping how the SFA Foundation tells its story and that of the initiative’s impact journey.
• Support the development of and develop case studies, thought leadership pieces and blogs from programmatic staff, grantees and fellows for publication on the website and elsewhere.

Coordinating a Communication Network

• Facilitate collaboration and information sharing within a network of communication professionals across the cohorts.
• Ensure consistent and coherent messaging across all channels and stakeholders.

Event Support

• Organise and manage communication aspects of events, workshops, and conferences related to the initiative.
• Provide communication support to ensure the success of events and their alignment with broader strategic goals.
• Develop and maintain an annual events calendar for the programmes, ensuring the communications team is kept up to date with upcoming events and can plan accordingly.

Advocacy and Funder Engagement

• Support the implementation of advocacy strategies to raise GC Africa’s profile among key stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, and the broader scientific community.
• Support the programme team’s engagement with funders to communicate the impact and success of the initiative, fostering strong relationships and securing ongoing support.
• Support the programmes team in preparing reports by providing editorial oversight and contributing communications content for the funder’s report.

Advocacy for Science Communication and Knowledge Contribution

• Champion the importance of science communication within the cohorts and among funders.
• Provide support to ensure that science communication is adequately resourced by both funders and scientists, emphasising its critical role in amplifying the impact of scientific research.
• Develop and promote strategies to integrate science communication into the core activities of scientific projects, ensuring it becomes a standard practice within research initiatives.
• Actively contribute to the advancement of the science communication field by sharing insights, best practices, and innovative approaches. Engage in thought leadership activities such as writing articles, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with other science communication professionals to enhance the visibility and impact of African science globally.

Reporting and Budgeting

• Develop and manage communication budgets and work plans, ensuring efficient use of resources.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. A degree in science communication, journalism, or a relevant discipline from a recognised institution is highly desirable.
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field (biomedical/biosciences/health research field).

Experience

• A minimum of 3 -5 years of professional experience in communications, preferably within the science, research, academia, or non-profit sectors.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Experience in explaining complicated scientific concepts to non-science audiences in ways that are accessible and captivating.
• Proven ability to develop and execute communication strategies that align with project or organisational goals and effectively promote scientific initiatives.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to produce high-quality content for various platforms, including web, social media, and print; written experience in French or other African Union languages is an advantage.
• Proficiency in advocacy, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, and the scientific community.
• Experience in managing media relations, including building relationships with journalists and securing media coverage for scientific initiatives.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously.
• Proficient in using digital tools and platforms for communication, including social media management, website content management systems, and multimedia production.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new applications quickly.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred.
• Proficiency in English is required; proficiency in French or other African Union languages is an advantage.

Leadership Competencies

• A deep commitment to advancing science communication and supporting the African research ecosystem.
• Awareness and respect for diverse cultural contexts within Africa, and an understanding of how to communicate effectively across different cultural settings.
• Ability to take initiative and lead communication efforts, with a vision for enhancing the impact of science through effective communication.
• Innovative, energetic, and solution-oriented approach to work, with a proactive mindset in addressing challenges.
• Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
• Able to motivate/inspire others with ideas.
• Mentor juniors such as graduate trainees.