Join Africa Research Excellence Fund as Researcher Development Manager – Empower Africa’s Next Scientific Leaders | Deadline: 17 July 2026 @Empower Africa’s Next Scientific Leaders | Deadline: 17 July 2026

Africa Research Excellence Fund Job Summary

Job Title: Researcher Development Manager
Location: Africa (primarily virtual and in-person across African countries)
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Contract: Up to 31 July 2028, with a 6-month probationary period

About Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)

Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is dedicated to developing the next generation of scientific leaders across Africa.

The organization focuses on capacity building, leadership development, and supporting early-career health researchers to advance global health solutions through innovative training and partnership initiatives.

Role Overview

Africa Research Excellence Fund is seeking a dynamic Researcher Development Manager to lead its impactful capacity-building programs.

The successful candidate will design and deliver world-class leadership development training, manage institutional partnerships, and support African scientists in advancing research excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Training Management

• Deliver and oversee programs as directed by the Head of Researcher Development
• Develop tools and methodologies for effective training delivery and evaluation
• Recruit, develop, and manage a faculty of trainers and assess their performance
• Coordinate and ensure the quality, impact, and timely delivery of professional development programs

• Build and maintain partnerships relevant to the Academy programs
• Support the creation of communication materials showcasing program outcomes and researcher achievements
• Contribute to maintaining a vibrant alumni network and producing performance reports

Strategy and Programme Development

• Support implementation of training strategies and policies
• Monitor activities and produce reports for funders and stakeholders
• Lead various projects aimed at continuous improvement of capacity-building efforts

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in delivering virtual, face-to-face, and blended learning programs
• Experience in experiential learning and health research from a research or institutional perspective
• Background working with mature learners and building effective relationships

• Ability to manage multiple projects and diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience in training-the-trainer methodologies
• Postgraduate qualification, PhD, or clinical postgraduate degree with research experience

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working within a charity or biomedical/health research in low-income settings
• Coaching qualification or experience
• Proficiency in French and/or Portuguese
• Project management qualification or experience

Compensation and Application Details

• Salary is paid according to Grade 2-1 Points of MRCG at LSHTM’s payscale
• Application deadline: 17 July 2026
• To apply, please click below to complete the online application

Equal Opportunity Statement

MRCG at LSHTM is an equal opportunities employer and maintains a strict no-smoking policy.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Apply now to be part of fostering African-led scientific excellence and global health innovation!