JOB PURPOSE

The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) Secretariat, hosted by the SFA Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya, brings together African cohort leaders and researchers to network, share best practices, adopt new technologies, and harmonise data and analysis approaches. The APCC's mission is to improve the health and well-being of populations across Africa through robust and innovative research methods and strengthened health and social systems.

We are seeking a dynamic Senior Programme Officer - Cohorts & Stakeholder Engagement to join the APCC Secretariat team. The Senior Programme Officer - Cohorts & Stakeholder Engagement (SPO) will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to establish and manage strategic partnerships and networks that advance the visibility, growth, and impact of science and innovation in Africa. The SPO will be responsible for ensuring coordinated, informed, and effective stakeholder engagement across APCC initiatives.

The SPO will collaborate with the APCC Secretariat team and SFA Foundation leadership to strategically leverage the Foundation's extensive stakeholder portfolio including scientists, funders, governments, and non-governmental partners to strengthen APCC's influence, impact, and reach across Africa and globally. The SPO will also utilise existing networks and partnerships to reinforce the APCC's engagement and collaboration efforts.

SFA Foundation is committed to fostering a culture grounded in Respect, Accountability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), and Excellence. We seek individuals who embody these values in their work and interactions.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

A Bachelors or Masters in Journalism, Communications, Social Sciences, Public relations. Experience in roles such as community relations, public affairs, public engagement essential.

Professional Qualifications

Good standing with a professional body.

Experience

At least 5 years of professional experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, public relations, etc.

Knowledge and understanding of government development policies.

Broad and in-depth knowledge of project management cycles as related to the development sector.

Track record of successfully brokering/negotiating collaborations.

Exposure to multiple stakeholder management processes such as NGO's, government, business partners and communities.

Familiarity with partnerships in a non-profit environment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

Demonstrates high integrity and professionalism.

Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships across diverse sectors.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent APCC and SFA Foundation effectively at all levels.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities, with a focus on generating innovative and practical solutions.

Proven ability to plan, organise, and manage multiple priorities, exercising sound judgment and decision-making in a dynamic environment.

Demonstrates adaptability, agility, and responsiveness, with readiness to engage across a wide range of stakeholder needs and contexts.

Results-oriented and proactive, with a focus on quality delivery and continuous improvement.

High attention to detail and accuracy in stakeholder documentation, reporting, and communication.

Demonstrates the ability to foster collaboration, trust, and teamwork across internal and external stakeholders.

Able to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, ensuring alignment between long-term objectives and day-to-day execution.

Leadership Competencies

Proven leadership and coordination skills, with the ability to drive stakeholder initiatives and mobilise cross-functional teams.

Demonstrated ability to manage, influence, and engage stakeholders to achieve shared goals and strengthen collaboration.

Strategic thinking and decision-making, ensuring alignment of engagement

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with the APCC and SFA Foundation's strategic objectives.
• Champion a stakeholder-centred approach across APCC workstreams to enhance engagement value and collective impact.
• Collaborate with APCC leadership and the SFA Foundation to strategically leverage existing networks and partnerships to expand APCC's reach and influence.
• Define annual workplans, timelines, and budgets for cohort and stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring efficient delivery and alignment with APCC goals.
• Conduct stakeholder analysis, mapping, and gap assessments to identify key partners, including scientists, funders, government bodies, and NGOs across Africa and globally.
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder and cohort database, including updating membership and capability matrices.
• Work closely with the website and cohort database team
• Conceptualise and design initiatives that leverage stakeholder insights and align with the APCC strategic plan.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange among cohorts and research institutions.
• Develop and operationalise a stakeholder engagement framework and plan to guide all APCC engagements in alignment with strategic blueprints.
• Tailor engagement approaches based on stakeholder priorities and cohort needs to maximise value and participation.
• Coordinate engagement with government agencies and international organisations in line with best liaison practices.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with cohorts, partners, and funders to strengthen collaboration and ensure a consistent, coordinated approach.
• Serve as the primary liaison between APCC and external stakeholders, ensuring timely communication and issue resolution.
• Support access to strategic partners through introductions, invitations, and official communications.
• Manage communication and visibility efforts, including APCC's website, newsletters, policy briefs, and digital content.
• Lead the dissemination of APCC activities through virtual workshops, newsletters, and scientific forums.
• Coordinate and facilitate high-level meetings, workshops, and APCC scientific conferences.
• Support planning and logistics for visits and official engagements with dignitaries and strategic partners.
• Ensure smooth operations of the Partner's Group (PG) and other funder forums, fostering effective dialogue and collaboration.
• Track engagement activities, monitor outcomes, and analyse stakeholder feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Maintain oversight of engagement metrics, partnership performance, and collaboration effectiveness.
• Monitor global and regional trends impacting cohort research and stakeholder relations, providing strategic insights to leadership.
• Prepare regular reports on stakeholder activities and strategic partnerships to support decision-making and institutional learning.
• Provide strategic and operational advice to the Programme Manager and Secretariat leadership on stakeholder engagement issues.
• Support cross-departmental coordination to ensure alignment between cohort engagement, communications, and partnership development.
• Work closely with legal and partnership teams to guide the full partnership cycle — from identification and negotiation to implementation and review.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities
• Proven ability to plan, organise, and manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrates adaptability, agility, and responsiveness
• Results-oriented and proactive
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to foster collaboration, trust, and teamwork
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels
• Proven leadership and coordination skills
• Strategic thinking and decision-making

• A Bachelors or Masters in Journalism, Communications, Social Sciences, Public relations
• Experience in roles such as community relations, public affairs, public engagement essential
• Good standing with a professional body
• At least 5 years of professional experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, public relations, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of government development policies
• Broad and in-depth knowledge of project management cycles as related to the development sector
• Track record of successfully brokering/negotiating collaborations
• Exposure to multiple stakeholder management processes such as NGO's, government, business partners and communities
• Familiarity with partnerships in a non-profit environment is preferred