The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is inviting applications for the position of Science Communications Officer. This opportunity is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and offers an important role in advancing the communication and dissemination of groundbreaking scientific research across Africa.
The SFA Foundation is a non-profit, public charity organisation dedicated to strengthening and promoting science and innovation on the African continent. The organisation works to address pressing development challenges by generating relevant scientific knowledge that informs decision-making and solves local and global problems.
Its core mandate is to support Africa’s research ecosystem through funding, collaboration, and the creation of an enabling environment for science to thrive. By supporting a broad range of research and innovation programmes, the foundation enables African scientists to generate quality, context-specific knowledge that addresses the continent’s needs while contributing to global scientific advancement.
With its holistic approach, the SFA Foundation supports initiatives across the entire scientific value chain—from early discovery to translational sciences. Its work also spans advocacy, policy engagement, and grant-making schemes, all with an emphasis on collaboration across Africa.
The Science Communications Officer will join the Science Communication Department, reporting directly to the Manager of Science Communication. This role involves working closely with the Programme Manager for Grand Challenges Africa and the wider team to ensure effective communication of scientific outcomes and initiatives funded by the foundation.
Position Overview
- Position Title: Science Communications Officer
- Department: Science Communication
- Reporting To: Manager, Science Communication
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The purpose of this role is to design, implement, and oversee communication strategies that showcase and amplify the work of Africa-based scientists supported by the foundation. By communicating research findings and project outcomes, the officer will ensure that stakeholders, funders, and the public can access and appreciate the impact of African science.
This role is also central to the Grand Challenges Africa (GC Africa) initiative, which promotes African-led scientific innovation. Hosted by the SFA Foundation, GC Africa collaborates with the Gates Foundation and other partners to award grants that support solutions addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Job Purpose
The Science Communications Officer is tasked with delivering comprehensive communication services for the foundation’s programmes. The role involves crafting effective communication strategies, producing informative materials, and developing compelling narratives that highlight the impact of the initiatives supported by the SFA Foundation.
The officer is expected to demonstrate innovation, energy, and a strong commitment to making science accessible to different audiences while inspiring Africa’s next generation of scientists and innovators.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
1. Strategy Development and Implementation
The Science Communications Officer will:
- Develop and execute communication and annual work plans that align with the goals of the initiative.
- Identify key messages and audiences while selecting appropriate communication channels.
- Regularly review strategies based on performance data, feedback, and changing circumstances to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
- Ensure that all communication content and programmatic events are consistent with the foundation’s branding guidelines.
2. Showcasing Impact and Content Development
- Package and share evidence generated by the initiative across both internal and external channels.
- Ensure a steady flow of content that illustrates project outcomes and their wider impact.
- Shape the foundation’s storytelling approach by developing content that highlights the journey and achievements of supported projects.
- Support the creation of case studies, thought leadership pieces, and blogs from grantees, fellows, and programmatic staff.
3. Coordinating a Communication Network
- Facilitate collaboration among communication professionals working within the foundation’s cohorts.
- Guarantee coherent and consistent messaging across all stakeholders and communication platforms.
4. Event Support
- Provide communication support for events, workshops, and conferences.
- Organise event-related communication activities to ensure successful delivery and alignment with broader goals.
- Maintain an updated annual calendar of events, enabling the communication team to prepare and support each engagement.
5. Advocacy and Funder Engagement
- Contribute to the implementation of advocacy strategies that raise the profile of GC Africa among stakeholders such as policymakers, funders, and the broader scientific community.
- Support the programme team in engaging with funders by communicating successes and impacts.
- Assist in preparing reports for funders by contributing communication materials and providing editorial oversight.
6. Advocacy for Science Communication and Knowledge Contribution
- Promote the importance of science communication among grantees, funders, and within the research ecosystem.
- Support efforts to secure adequate resourcing for communication as an integral part of scientific projects.
- Develop strategies that integrate science communication into the core of research activities.
- Contribute to global discourse by sharing best practices, publishing thought leadership articles, and presenting at professional gatherings.
7. Reporting and Budgeting
- Develop and manage budgets for communication activities, ensuring efficient resource utilisation.
- Deliver communication work plans in line with allocated budgets and agreed timelines.
Person Specifications
Academic Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
- A degree in science communication, journalism, or a relevant scientific discipline is highly desirable.
- A degree in a science field (biomedical, biosciences, or health research) is also considered relevant.
Experience
- At least three to five years of professional experience in communications, preferably within science, research, academia, or the non-profit sector.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
- Experience in simplifying complex scientific concepts for wider audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement effective communication strategies.
- Strong writing and storytelling ability across platforms such as web, print, and social media.
- Proficiency in advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in media relations and securing coverage for scientific projects.
- Organisational skills to manage projects, deadlines, and budgets.
- Competence in digital tools for communication, including social media, CMS platforms, and multimedia production.
- Interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred.
- Language proficiency in English required, with French or other African Union languages considered advantageous.
Leadership Competencies
- Commitment to advancing science communication and Africa’s research ecosystem.
- Sensitivity to cultural diversity across Africa.
- Ability to take initiative and lead communication efforts with innovation and foresight.
- Skills in mentoring junior staff, including graduate trainees.
- Strong analytical ability to integrate information from multiple sources.
- Motivational qualities to inspire colleagues and collaborators.
Organisational Values
The SFA Foundation is guided by respect, accountability, diversity, inclusion, equity, and excellence. These values shape leadership, collaboration, recruitment, and career development within the organisation. The foundation seeks individuals committed to these principles and to fostering an inclusive and high-performing work environment.
Safeguarding Commitment
The SFA Foundation is committed to safeguarding people and the environment. As part of this commitment, background checks will be conducted during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their applications through the designated application link provided below.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
