The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is an independent, non-profit public charity organisation with a mission rooted in fostering, funding, and promoting African-led scientific innovation. With its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, the Foundation serves as a strategic platform for enhancing science and research to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing developmental needs.
Established with the vision of enabling the continent to solve its challenges through science, the SFA Foundation strengthens Africa’s research ecosystems through targeted funding, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a robust focus on evidence-based policymaking. Our comprehensive approach cuts across various domains including health, agriculture, climate, and digital technology, providing the necessary support mechanisms that empower African scientists to innovate, explore, and apply solutions that are contextually relevant and globally significant.
As part of its expanding team, the SFA Foundation is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to fill the position of Manager – Knowledge Management & Learning, a senior leadership role that plays a pivotal part in enhancing organisational learning and evidence-based programming.
Position: Manager – Knowledge Management & Learning
Department: Cross Cutting
Reports to: Chief Scientific Officer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Purpose
The Manager – Knowledge Management & Learning will play a crucial role in shaping how the Foundation captures, manages, shares, and applies knowledge for improved outcomes across its science and innovation programmes. As a senior leader within the organisation, this individual will own and operationalise the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) strategy while also driving a research and knowledge sharing agenda that empowers both internal teams and external partners.
This role is designed for an individual who thrives in a dynamic and mission-driven environment, and who is passionate about leveraging data, learning, and knowledge to advance scientific development in Africa. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in programme monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive learning, alongside a deep understanding of knowledge management systems and evidence-informed programming.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The position of Manager – Knowledge Management & Learning is broken down into four primary functional areas: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; Research and Learning; Knowledge Management; and Cross-cutting responsibilities such as stakeholder engagement and team leadership.
1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL)
- Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive MEAL framework for SFA Foundation programmes.
- Design and operationalise clear, practical MEL strategies that ensure measurable indicators of impact aligned with the Foundation’s strategy.
- Ensure effective monitoring and timely reporting mechanisms that support knowledge acquisition, programme learning, and storytelling.
- Drive and oversee evaluations including baseline, mid-term, and end-line assessments. Manage consultant recruitment processes where necessary.
- Establish robust methodologies for data collection, ensuring a balance between qualitative and quantitative insights for effective programme monitoring.
- Develop and implement a learning agenda that aligns with the Foundation’s impact framework, enabling reflection and course correction as needed.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement by synthesising lessons learned across funded initiatives and internal projects.
2. Research and Learning
- Define and refine the Foundation’s research priorities in alignment with its mission and strategic direction.
- Identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for innovation in the African scientific ecosystem through horizon scanning and sector research.
- Design and lead multi-sectoral research activities across health, agriculture, climate, and technology, promoting the use of evidence in programme design and execution.
- Contribute to programme proposal development and support the integration of research evidence in funding applications and intervention strategies.
- Maintain a bird’s eye view of ongoing programmes and facilitate operational and technical coordination across interdependent projects.
- Use evidence and insights generated to drive continuous quality improvement, innovation, and strategic decision-making.
3. Knowledge Management
- Lead the design and execution of a knowledge management strategy for the science function within the Foundation.
- Establish systems and digital tools for archiving institutional knowledge including guidelines, tools, data, analysis, reports, and presentations.
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of platforms that support knowledge capture and organisational memory retention.
- Develop and nurture knowledge sharing partnerships with peer organisations, research institutions, and policy actors.
- Translate technical and research-based knowledge into formats accessible for diverse stakeholders including funders, policymakers, and the public.
- Build and manage a Community of Practice that fosters peer learning and collaborative growth across programme teams and grantees.
- Represent the SFA Foundation in regional and international learning networks and thought leadership platforms to promote and influence knowledge sharing practices.
4. Cross-Cutting Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of professionals responsible for MEAL, learning, and knowledge management. Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to enhance team capacity and performance.
- In collaboration with the Chief Scientific Officer, engage with external stakeholders to design and deliver high-impact research and learning initiatives.
- Support internal capacity-building efforts by training staff and grantees on MEL tools, knowledge management strategies, and the integration of evidence into programme design.
- Serve as a spokesperson for the Foundation in high-level forums and advocacy events, representing its interests to funders, implementing partners, and international collaborators.
- Provide technical oversight and advisory support to cross-functional teams, ensuring a harmonised approach to data use and organisational learning.
- Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical integrity in line with the Foundation’s values and commitments.
Person Profile
This role requires a seasoned leader with a deep appreciation for the science and research ecosystem in Africa. The ideal candidate will combine technical mastery in MEL and knowledge management with strategic foresight and strong interpersonal skills.
Academic Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in one or more of the following disciplines:
- Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, or Public Health.
- Knowledge Management, Information Science, or Organizational Learning.
- Statistics, Economics, or Social Sciences (with proven training in MEL and learning systems).
Professional Training and Certifications
- Advanced certification or formal training in areas such as:
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Data Management
- Knowledge Management
- Research Methodologies
- Strategic Learning
Experience and Expertise
- At least seven (7) years of progressive experience in MEL, research, or knowledge management roles within Africa’s science or development sectors.
- Strong understanding of science ecosystem strengthening in Africa, especially in key domains such as health, climate change, and agriculture.
- Proven success in developing and implementing MEL systems, from inception to impact evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead the design and execution of implementation research and learning strategies.
- Familiarity with a wide range of knowledge management tools and platforms such as SharePoint, DSpace, Salesforce Knowledge, Power BI, or NVivo.
- Proficiency in data collection and analysis software including SPSS, STATA, R, or Excel.
- Experience working with digital storytelling tools and platforms to communicate results and promote knowledge uptake.
Leadership and Personal Attributes
- Strong organisational and team management capabilities with a track record of nurturing talent and leading high-performing teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines without compromising quality.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage across diverse cultural and professional contexts.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to connect high-level objectives to practical implementation pathways.
- Passion for scientific development and a commitment to Africa’s innovation agenda.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally.
- Impeccable integrity and a strong sense of accountability.
Safeguarding Commitment
The SFA Foundation is deeply committed to safeguarding people and the environment. All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment.
How to Apply
If you meet the criteria outlined above and are passionate about contributing to the advancement of science in Africa, we welcome your application. Please submit your application by clicking the APPLY button below.
The application deadline is Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
SFA Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
