PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Planning
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.
Stakeholder Mapping, Analysis, and Initiative Design
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.
Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement Framework
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.
Relationship Management and Communication
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.
Programme Coordination and Event Management
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.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
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.
Advisory and Secretariat Support
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.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Academic Qualifications
Five (5) years' experience in science communications, public health, public relations, stakeholder relations /diplomacy.
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.