At least 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, corporate communications, public affairs, external relations, or a related field, with at least seven years in a senior leadership role shaping institutional communications strategy, reputation, influence, and engagement.
Proven ability to provide strategic communications leadership that aligns communications with organisational strategy, strengthens institutional positioning, and advances organisational influence, visibility, and credibility.
Demonstrated experience leading, coordinating and integrating corporate communications and science/research communications, with the ability to distinguish their different audiences, outputs, standards, workflows, and measures of success while aligning them under a coherent institutional strategy.
Demonstrated experience setting and leading an integrated communications vision across corporate communications, science communications, media engagement, stakeholder communications, internal communications, executive communications, and digital platforms.
Strong track record of advising executive leadership and senior management on strategic positioning, reputation, messaging, public engagement, thought leadership, and high-stakes communications.
Demonstrated ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling narratives, influence strategies, and communications platforms that position the organisation as a credible and trusted voice in its field.
Proven experience building, protecting, and strengthening organisational reputation through proactive positioning, media strategy, stakeholder engagement, issues management, crisis communications, and reputational risk management.
Demonstrated leadership in building and managing high-performing multidisciplinary communications teams, including setting direction, strengthening capability, fostering collaboration, and ensuring accountability for quality and impact.
Experience establishing communications governance, systems, standards, planning processes, editorial controls, approval protocols, and quality assurance mechanisms that improve coherence and consistency across a complex organisation.
Proven ability to lead communications as an enabling strategic function, working across programmes, partnerships, policy, fundraising, executive leadership, and operations to ensure communications supports institutional goals.
Experience shaping and delivering executive visibility, institutional thought leadership, public engagement, and influence strategies for senior leaders and organisational priorities.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific, technical, policy, or development issues in ways that are accessible, accurate, compelling, and relevant to policymakers, funders, partners, media, researchers, practitioners, and the public.
Strong understanding of research, science, innovation, policy, and development ecosystems, preferably in Africa, and the role of communications in strengthening institutional credibility, research uptake, public trust, and policy influence.
Proven experience managing communications budgets, annual work planning, external agencies, consultants, creative partners, media relationships, and organisational resources to deliver high-quality and high-impact outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key organisational partners, communication networks, institutions, media, and external stakeholders to build equitable partnerships, co-create high-value initiatives, strengthen the practice of communication, and position SFA Foundation as a thought leader in African science communication.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in multicultural, regional, and international environments, with the confidence and credibility to engage diverse stakeholders across sectors, geographies, and levels of seniority.
Strong judgement, political acuity, discretion, and reputational awareness, with the ability to anticipate communications risks, identify opportunities, and guide the organisation through complex internal and external environments.
Master's degree in Communications, Strategic Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Science Communications, Development Communications, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field.
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
A qualification, formal training, or substantial professional experience in science communication, research communication, health communication, innovation, technology, or research-for-development contexts would be strongly preferred.
Additional training or certification in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, leadership, or executive communications will be an added advantage.
Member of a relevant reputable professional institution.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English; French is an added advantage.
Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.
Ability to align communications with organisational priorities and positioning.
Ability to advise and influence senior leaders on communications, reputation, and thought leadership.
Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
Ability to translate complex scientific, technical, and policy issues into compelling narratives.
Sound judgement in managing sensitive and high-profile communications issues.
Strong understanding of brand, media, digital communications, and reputation management.
Ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work effectively across multicultural and international environments.
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and personal credibility.
Commitment to the Foundation's values of respect, accountability, excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
Ability to foster alignment across programmes and functions to ensure coherent communications and consistent organisational positioning.
Proven ability to lead through vision, values, and organisational purpose.
Proven ability to delegate responsibilities, develop others, and build high-performing teams.
Proven ability to facilitate change and lead through complexity.
Strong ability to build alignment, collaboration, and trust across teams and functions.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Sound judgement, accountability, and decision-making ability.
GK
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