The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation dedicated to strengthening and promoting science and innovation throughout the African continent. The Foundation exists to confront Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges by generating and applying scientific knowledge that informs policy and solves real-world problems.
Through funding, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, the SFA Foundation supports the entire African research ecosystem. This includes enabling interdisciplinary collaborations, building environments that nurture scientists, and championing the creation of locally relevant knowledge. Our programming spans the full research value chain—from early discovery to applied sciences—with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and scientific excellence.
SFA Foundation is deeply committed to intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking. Our robust grant-making schemes, regional science programmes, and stakeholder engagement efforts serve to position Africa as a global leader in research and innovation.
Position: Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability
- Department: Professional Services
- Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Role Purpose
The Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability is a key strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the SFA Foundation’s communications and sustainability agenda. This role is designed for a visionary communicator with a passion for science and development, who can enhance the Foundation’s visibility, strengthen its reputation, and drive the narrative on African scientific advancement on a global scale.
The successful candidate will develop and manage a comprehensive corporate communications strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission. They will lead the design of narratives that communicate the Foundation’s impact to various stakeholders, execute digital strategies, and play a pivotal role in catalysing sustainable funding partnerships.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Strategic Communications Leadership
- Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy aligned with SFA Foundation’s mission.
- Guide internal and external communications to support organisational priorities.
- Create impactful messaging that positions the Foundation as a leading voice in African science and innovation.
- Manage corporate communication staff and departmental operations.
- Prepare annual work plans, budgets, and performance frameworks aligned with broader organisational strategies.
- Contribute to executive decision-making by offering insight and support on communication and sustainability matters.
2. Corporate Communications
- Lead the creation and refinement of a compelling brand narrative for SFA Foundation.
- Partner with the executive team to deliver a continent-wide communication strategy that promotes the Foundation’s work.
- Develop high-impact communication materials for fundraising and partnership development.
- Establish media relations strategies and maintain relationships with key journalists across platforms.
- Set clear editorial guidelines and ensure consistent brand messaging across all outputs.
- Coordinate the creation of annual reports that clearly communicate achievements and financial performance.
3. Engagement and Outreach
- Advise the CEO and senior leadership on reputation management, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement.
- Draft executive-level speeches, messages, and other materials for high-impact public engagements.
- Manage communications for the Foundation’s participation in regional and global events.
- Lead efforts to communicate the Foundation’s mission through engaging storylines and events.
- Represent the Foundation in conferences, panels, and strategic forums.
- Promote internal communication initiatives that align with cross-functional goals.
4. Media Relations and Public Affairs
- Cultivate strong relationships with mainstream and industry media.
- Position senior leadership as thought leaders through strategic placements, interviews, and speaking opportunities.
- Develop and oversee crisis communication protocols and ensure brand integrity during public controversies.
- Safeguard organisational reputation through proactive and responsive media management.
5. Digital Presence and Editorial Oversight
- Develop and manage a digital communication strategy spanning websites, social media, and emerging platforms.
- Drive audience engagement through compelling storytelling formats such as videos, podcasts, blogs, and digital reports.
- Establish data-driven editorial workflows and ensure quality control across all platforms.
- Monitor KPIs and use analytics to refine content strategies and increase audience impact.
- Leverage cutting-edge digital tools to ensure relevance and resonance with African and global audiences.
6. Impact Communication and Funding Support
- Collaborate with Science Communications to create accessible narratives about the Foundation’s scientific breakthroughs.
- Develop powerful case studies and visual storytelling assets to support donor pitches.
- Work closely with fundraising teams to generate persuasive communications for grant and funding proposals.
Person Specifications
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Communication, Public Health, or any science-related discipline.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, or equivalent experience.
- Additional certifications in science communication, public policy, or sustainability are advantageous.
- Membership in a recognised professional body is required.
Experience
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public relations.
- Minimum of 7 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in international development or science institutions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead global communication campaigns.
- Skilled in strategic communications, advocacy, and public diplomacy.
- Experience advising executive leadership and supporting C-suite communication.
- Proven ability to manage brand reputation and respond effectively to crises.
- Experience translating technical and scientific content for diverse audiences.
- Background in African research, academic or scientific institutions is highly preferred.
Skills and Attributes
- Fluent in English; working knowledge of French is desirable.
- Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
- Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Deep understanding of digital communication tools, trends, and analytics.
- Ability to build and manage strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
- High integrity, cultural sensitivity, and alignment with SFA Foundation’s values of respect, accountability, inclusion, and excellence.
Leadership Competencies
- Demonstrated skills in team development, strategic visioning, and organisational change.
- Ability to lead by example and align communication efforts with organisational vision.
- Proven track record in managing stakeholder expectations and facilitating high-impact engagements.
How to Apply
If you believe you are the right fit for this dynamic and high-impact role, we invite you to submit:
- A cover letter (not more than two pages) explaining your interest and how your background aligns with the role.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum five pages), including three professional referees.
Please save your documents in PDF or MS Word format using the naming convention:
FirstName-LastName-DocumentName-MMYY
e.g., Jane-Doe-CV-052025-SFAFoundation
Email your application to: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.
SFA Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding people and the environment as part of its background checks.
