Graduate Trainees Programme at Science for Africa Foundation

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the implementation of a funding call focused on cross-national collaboration on youth mental health in low- and middle-income countries – viz., the Being mental health initiative.
• Help shape the Mental Health Research and Development Programme by providing support on the evidence-based and cost-effective best practices for promoting mental health and brain health and strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental health.
• Attend conferences, workshops and seminars focused on mental health, neurological conditions and substance use disorders to improve service delivery, promotion and prevention.
• Assist the Programme Manager with the development of grant applications.
• Support in identification of gaps, specification of needs for developing mental health workforce, capacity building for in-service health workers on the African continent
• Support in the development of opinion pieces, reports and manuscripts for peer review.
• Assisting in developing the social media profile of the Mental Health Research and Development Programme.
• Attend team meetings and actively participate in discussions.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.

Experience

• Experience of working within the mental health domain and an understanding of engaging with people with lived experience of mental health challenges.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Must have a high level of integrity.
• Research capability and experience in developing research grants.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS-Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a professional environment.

Key Result Areas

• Media engagement
• Science communication
• Timely submission of reports and manuscripts

Plan and Execute of the Africa Science Journalism Awards

• Organise and coordinate all activities related to the Africa Science Journalism Awards, including outreach, application processing, and event planning.
• Liaise with applicants, judges, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of the awards process.
• Develop promotional materials and content to raise awareness of the awards.
• With the support of the Head of the Department, ensure the project is implemented on time and budget.
• Prepare regular reports on ASJA for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support SFA Foundation media engagement activities.

Content Creation and Management

• Contribute to the creation of content for various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, press releases, and the SFA Foundation’s website.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, blog posts, and other written materials that highlight the Foundation’s initiatives and achievements.

Event Support

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of the communications aspects for SFA Foundation events.

Administrative Support

• Provide general administrative support to the communications team, including scheduling meetings, managing and updating departmental trackers and other administrative support.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, science communication or science journalism or a related field from a recognised institution.

Experience

• Previous volunteer experience in communications, media, or public relations is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Previous volunteer experience in communications, media, or public relations is an asset.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills; familiarity with social media platforms; ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Interest in science, research, and innovation, particularly within the African context.
• The ability to use Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French or other African Union languages is an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of deliverables of corporate communications, including the organisation and management of key events and the production and revision of digital and traditional products.
• Support the implementation and delivery of stakeholder engagement activities for the SFA Foundation.
• Support the conceptualisation and implementation of creative ways to engage staff in activities related to corporate branding and communications strategies.
• Support the digital media team in the creation and implementation of social media content and campaigns
• Contribute to the creation of content for various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, press releases, and the SFA Foundation’s website.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, blog posts, and other written materials that highlight the Foundation’s initiatives and achievements.
• Attending and reporting back on relevant meetings, conferences, and other events, as requested; includes managing and updating departmental trackers and other administrative support.
• Perform any other communications-related duties as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, science communication or science journalism or a related field from a recognised institution.

Experience

• Previous volunteer experience in communications, media, or public relations is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills; familiarity with social media platforms; ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrable interest in science, research, and innovation, particularly within the African context.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French or other African Union languages is an advantage.

Compliance Functions

• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Conducting periodic reviews to identify potential compliance issues.
• Developing and reviewing the compliance dashboard to cover all compliance requirements.
• Assisting in preparing for upcoming audits.
• Assist to check compliance risks of the organisation.
• Assist in the development and implementation of compliance SOP, policies, and procedures where applicable.
• Assisting in following up compliance and implementation of audit actions.
• Update and maintain the audit and investigation follow up-databases regularly.

Data Privacy Functions

• Assist in ensuring adherence to data protection policies, laws, and regulations.
• Collaborating with teams to implement and maintain data protection policies.
• Assist in checking data protection risks of the business.
• Maintaining accurate records related to compliance and data protection activities.
• Assist in organising and managing documentation for audits, regulatory inspections, and data protection assessments.
• Assist in rolling out data protection-related projects as part of implementation of the policy and the law.

Customisation of Data Protection Documentation

• Assisting in the development and implementation of data protection policies and procedures.
• Assist with the implementation of data protection measures under relevant privacy laws.
• Assisting to review contracts such as controller to processor agreement, data sharing agreement, cross-border processor agreement.
• Champion best practice data protection and privacy culture within the Foundation
• Work with IT, Admin, and other relevant teams to implement corrective actions.
• Support in customisation of data protection documentation including forms, clauses in contracts and emails.

Training and Awareness

• Developing compliance and data protection awareness training materials.
• Participating in training sessions to educate employees on compliance and data protection matters.
• Keeping abreast of changes in regulations and communicating updates to relevant teams.

Department Operations Functions

• Providing general administrative support to ensure smooth departmental operations.
• Assist in organising and maintaining filing systems for the department.
• Preparing and editing documents, reports, and presentations.
• Taking minutes during meetings as shall be required from time to time.
• Support with the development and managing of the departmental tracker.
• The Graduate Management Trainee (Compliance) will perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, business, or a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Must understand and demonstrate the Foundation’s values such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
• Must demonstrate ability to pay attention to details.
• Must promote knowledge sharing and learning.
• Must have a high level of integrity and flexibility.
• Must embrace continuous learning and improvement.
• Must possess client relations and collaboration with other team members.
• Client focused approach.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver exceptional first-line support to end-users experiencing technical difficulties across various communication channels, including phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Leverage your analytical skills to diagnose and efficiently resolve various hardware, software, and network-related issues. Seamlessly escalate complex matters to senior IT personnel while maintaining clear communication with users throughout the resolution process.
• Assist with configuring, deploying, and setting up computers, peripherals, and software applications for new employees, ensuring they possess the requisite tools for optimal performance.
• Meticulously manage user accounts and access permissions following established company policies. This includes account creation, modification, and deactivation as needed while prioritising data security and integrity at all times.
• Document support requests, resolutions, and troubleshooting procedures to contribute to developing and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base. This fosters self-service capabilities and enhances overall departmental efficiency.
• Continuously expand your knowledge by actively participating in training sessions and workshops to stay abreast of the latest IT support and customer service trends and best practices.
• Foster a collaborative work environment by effectively partnering with other IT team members to resolve technical issues promptly.
• Additionally, collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement IT projects and initiatives that drive organisational productivity and efficiency.
• Provide comprehensive analysis and support for implementing new and existing solutions, maximising their value.
• Track and monitor the resolution time for reported technical issues to ensure efficient and timely support.
• Implement strategies to reduce the recurrence of common technical problems through proactive troubleshooting and preventive measures.
• Assist in the implementation of ICT projects, including system upgrades, migrations, and deployments.
• Participate in project planning, testing, and evaluation activities under the guidance of senior ICT staff.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Information Science, Computer Science, Business IT (BBIT), or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Must understand and demonstrate the Foundation’s values such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
• Must demonstrate ability to pay attention to details.
• Must promote knowledge sharing and learning.
• Must have a high level of integrity and flexibility.
• Must embrace continuous learning and improvement.
• Must possess client relations and collaboration with other team members.
• Client focused approach.

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 consortia 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 consortia.
• 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 consortia.
• Ensure consistent and coherent messaging across all channels and stakeholders.

Supporting Events

• 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 on upcoming events and can plan accordingly.

Advocacy and Funder Engagement

• Support the implementation of advocacy strategies to raise the profile of the initiative 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 consortia 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.
• Manage relationships with vendors and contractors, which is crucial for the successful execution of communication activities.
• Prepare regular reports on communication activities, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.

Any other duties assigned by the Head of Corporate and Science Communication.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Academic Qualifications

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

Experience

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

• 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.
• 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 Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet search skills and ability to learn new applications quickly.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French or other African Union languages is an advantage