The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a pan-African, non-profit, public charity organisation whose core mission is to support, strengthen, and promote science and innovation on the African continent. With a vision to address Africa’s most critical developmental needs, the foundation actively generates and mobilises scientific knowledge that informs policy, improves lives, and solves complex societal challenges.
The SFA Foundation facilitates the growth of Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem through comprehensive support including funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and infrastructure strengthening. Through its strategic programmes and initiatives, the Foundation works across the scientific value chain—from discovery to translational science—ensuring holistic ecosystem development that fosters excellence, resilience, and impact.
In pursuit of this vision, the Foundation is seeking a qualified and passionate Systems Analyst to join its ICT and Digital Transformation Department. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an organisation committed to African-led scientific advancement.
Job Purpose
The Systems Analyst will act as a bridge between business teams and the technology unit. This pivotal position involves assessing organizational needs, designing technology solutions, and ensuring the effective deployment and optimization of systems across SFA Foundation. Reporting directly to the Manager, ICT and Digital Transformation, the successful candidate will engage deeply with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure that systems deployed are efficient, user-friendly, secure, and aligned with the Foundation’s strategic goals.
The role requires a high level of collaboration, analytical rigour, and technical expertise to support the ongoing digital transformation and innovation processes of the Foundation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Solution Design and Implementation
- Collaborate with the ICT Manager and Business Analyst to co-develop and implement scalable digital solutions that meet strategic and operational requirements.
- Analyse existing workflows and business processes, identify inefficiencies or gaps, and propose system enhancements to improve overall organisational performance.
- Create detailed documentation including system design specifications, technical architecture, and user manuals.
- Ensure that all system designs comply with internal ICT policies, industry standards, and relevant data protection regulations.
- Model system processes, data flows, and integration pathways for both internal and third-party platforms.
- Evaluate and enhance current system architectures and suggest improvements for scalability and efficiency.
Systems Customisation and Optimisation
- Customise and fine-tune system configurations to align with SFA Foundation’s operational needs and improve user experience.
- Collaborate with both internal ICT teams and external service providers to ensure that system enhancements are cost-effective, maintainable, and impactful.
- Oversee the upgrade of existing systems by planning, testing, and deploying with minimal disruption to business operations.
- Maintain vendor relationships to ensure adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), timelines, and contractual obligations.
- Recommend new platforms and tools based on emerging business challenges and technology trends.
Systems Administration and User Support
- Manage core enterprise applications, ensuring effective user access control, configuration management, and performance monitoring.
- Provide day-to-day administrative and user support for in-house systems including issue resolution, reporting, and user onboarding.
- Assist in the development and facilitation of training programs to improve user adoption and system literacy across departments.
- Conduct regular audits to ensure system security, integrity, and compliance with established ICT standards.
- Act as a technical liaison with business units to interpret their evolving requirements into effective system updates and refinements.
Database Management and Performance Tuning
- Assist in the design, configuration, and optimisation of relational databases that underpin core business functions.
- Develop and execute SQL queries, scripts, and reports to aid data analysis and business decision-making processes.
- Monitor database health, troubleshoot issues, and optimise performance through tuning and indexing strategies.
No/Low-Code Application Development
- Leverage platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform to build and maintain low-code solutions that automate routine processes.
- Identify automation opportunities through close collaboration with end-users and design practical, lightweight solutions that bridge system gaps.
- Ensure such applications integrate seamlessly with the broader ICT ecosystem of the Foundation.
Data and Reporting Analytics
- Build and maintain custom dashboards and visualisation tools to deliver timely insights to management and programme teams.
- Analyse datasets to uncover patterns, trends, and operational inefficiencies, enabling data-driven decisions.
- Support efforts to unify data sources for comprehensive reporting and improved analytics capacity.
Project Management
- Participate in planning, scheduling, and budgeting of ICT projects, contributing to effective resource allocation.
- Facilitate system testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and validation processes to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Support change management processes by engaging stakeholders, preparing communication plans, and coordinating user training.
- Ensure a seamless transition and user adoption of new systems or upgrades by offering post-implementation support and monitoring.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
- Partner with the Business Analyst to proactively identify opportunities for business process innovation and system enhancements.
- Foster a culture of learning and experimentation by championing internal innovation efforts.
- Stay abreast of emerging digital tools and practices, and make well-informed recommendations for their adoption where relevant.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to pilot and scale novel solutions aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
- Measure and report on the impact of improvement initiatives using defined metrics and stakeholder feedback.
General Responsibilities
- Perform other ICT-related duties as assigned by the Manager – ICT and Digital Transformation.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of new systems, applications, and technologies that could support the Foundation’s work.
- Uphold the core values of SFA Foundation including respect, accountability, excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
Person Specifications
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.
Professional Qualifications
- Certification in one or more of the following is preferred:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2
- Microsoft Certified in Power Platform, Dynamics 365, or Azure
Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in ICT systems analysis or related roles.
- Proven track record in implementing large-scale ERP, CRM, and Grant Management Systems.
- Demonstrated success in working within cross-functional teams in dynamic, high-growth environments.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Deep understanding of database systems (especially SQL), API integration, and enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF.
- Proficiency in system integration techniques, DevOps tools, and data modelling.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, and SCRUM.
- Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal, training, and presentation capabilities.
- Demonstrated capacity to uphold high levels of integrity, professionalism, and adaptability.
- Strong client-orientation and collaboration ethos.
- Passion for continuous learning and operational excellence.
Leadership Competencies
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and strategic ICT leadership.
- Capacity to delegate, mentor, and inspire cross-functional teams.
- Ability to lead through vision and values and facilitate positive organisational change.
Application Process
If you meet the above criteria and are excited about the opportunity to work with the Science for Africa Foundation, we invite you to apply by clicking the button below.
SFA Foundation is committed to safeguarding individuals and the environment, and all employment is subject to relevant background checks.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, 23 JUNE 2025
