Are you a recent graduate passionate about the intersection of science, policy, and global partnerships? The Science for Africa Foundation Graduate Trainee Programme – Stakeholder Engagement and Science Diplomacy offers a unique opportunity to launch your career in Nairobi.
The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation that supports, strengthens and promotes science innovation in Africa. The goal of the SFA Foundation is to address the continent’s most pressing developmental needs by generating scientific knowledge that solves problems and informs decision-making.
We serve the African research ecosystem by funding excellent research and innovation ideas, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, building and reinforcing environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive, and producing quality research that generates new, locally relevant knowledge.
The SFA Foundation takes a holistic approach to the development of science. Our programmatic initiatives are crafted to cater to the entire science ecosystem and span across the value chain from early discovery sciences to translation sciences and target cross-cutting gaps.
Our commitment to strengthening the entire research ecosystem is reflected in the creation of major science and innovation programmes implemented through a well-established grant-making scheme, advocacy and promotion of scientific excellence, emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking mechanisms.
THE SFA FOUNDATION GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME
Are you passionate about science, and what enables the delivery of the same? Are you eager to learn and take on new challenges? Do you possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to work well in a team-oriented environment? Then explore the graduate trainee openings within SFA Foundation.
We invite talented and driven individuals to join our Graduate Trainee Programme for a fixed-term period of one year. Although the programme does not guarantee employment at SFA Foundation, it prepares trainees by giving them the necessary experience.
We are looking for motivated candidates who are eager to grow, innovate, and make an impact. Our Graduate Trainee Programme offers the perfect chance to launch your career. With hands-on training, mentorship, and real exposure, you will develop the expertise needed to excel in a dynamic, collaborative, and supportive environment.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Position Title; Graduate Trainee – Stakeholder Engagement and Science Diplomacy
Department: Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy
Reporting To:
Manager – Stakeholder Engagement and Science Diplomacy
Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya
JOB PURPOSE
This position is designed as a developmental learning opportunity for a highly motivated graduate seeking exposure to the intersection of science, policy, and global partnerships within the SFA Foundation.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Manager – Stakeholder Engagement and Science Diplomacy, the Graduate Trainee will support and learn from ongoing stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and science diplomacy activities, including contributing to the operationalisation of the Science Diplomacy & Advisory Hub.
The role provides structured hands-on exposure to high-level engagements with governments, funders, and global partners, with a strong emphasis on learning-by-doing, mentorship, and continuous skills development. The trainee will contribute to background research, drafting engagement content, process coordination, and internal knowledge products that inform decision-making across Africa’s science and innovation ecosystem.
This position is intended for a candidate with a strong interest in science as a driver of progressive policy and development and research and innovation systems who is eager to build foundational professional skills, apply analytical thinking in a guided environment, and progressively develop competencies in stakeholder engagement and science diplomacy.
SFA Foundation is committed to fostering a culture grounded in Respect, Accountability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), and Excellence. We seek individuals who embody these values in their work and interactions.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Learn and support the conduct of background research on stakeholders, meetings, and priority engagement areas, including exposure to emerging science diplomacy trends and global policy developments.
- Under close supervision, assist in preparing presentations, summaries, and engagement materials, while developing skills in synthesising information for internal use.
- Support and learn how stakeholder engagement data is analysed by compiling information and gaining exposure to identifying trends, gaps, and opportunities for strengthening partnerships.
- Assist in drafting internal reports and learning summaries related to stakeholder engagement and science diplomacy activities, with guidance from senior team members.
- Learn to maintain and update stakeholder databases (including funders, government agencies, and partners) and understand stakeholder management systems within the Foundation.
- Support tracking of strategic partnerships and engagement outcomes, while gaining practical understanding of documentation, follow-up, and accountability processes.
- Participate in coordination of meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagements (e.g., scheduling, note-taking, and tracking action points) to build organisational and professional communication skills.
- Support and learn the organisation and management of stakeholder-related information and records using internal systems and tools.
- Contribute to and observe ongoing initiatives (e.g., Science Diplomacy & Advisory Hub), gaining exposure to high-level engagements and institutional partnerships.
- Actively participate in structured learning, mentoring, and feedback sessions, and progressively apply acquired knowledge and skills in day-to-day tasks.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Political Science, Communications or a related field.
Professional Qualifications
Experience
- No prior work experience is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Strong organisational and coordination skills.
- Interest in stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and global development.
- Ability to synthesise information and produce clear summaries.
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Competencies
- Demonstrates curiosity, openness to feedback, and ability to apply new knowledge.
- Takes responsibility for assigned tasks and meets deadlines reliably.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Collaborates effectively and contributes positively to team objectives.
- Shows developing ability to analyse information and support problem-solving.
- Adjusts to changing environments and proactively supports tasks and learning.
ORGANISATIONAL VALUES
All SFA Foundation staff are expected to uphold and demonstrate the organisation’s core values in the execution of their duties:
- Respect: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and professionalism in all interactions.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE): Committed to inclusive practices and equitable decision-making.
- Excellence: Strives for continuous improvement and consistently delivers high-quality outputs.
