SRI Executive has been exclusively entrusted by our client, Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF) to support the executive search for an exceptional leader for the position of About the Africa Public Health Foundation
The Africa Public Health Foundation was established in September 2019 to forge partnerships and mobilise resources for the Africa CDC, to support critical public health activities across the continent.
The Foundation will advance public-private cooperation to strengthen health systems, develop the healthcare workforce, support innovations for public health, and advocate for robust policies, regulations, and partnerships for resource mobilisation. The Foundation’s mission and vision are aligned to that of the Africa CDC to support member states to build their capacity to better detect and respond to disease outbreaks and emergencies. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more urgent for the Foundation to build a sustainable, scalable organisation to increase the public health impact on the continent in the coming years.
The Foundation has a vibrant governing Council comprising of seasoned professionals. The Council’s mandate is to provide strategic direction and oversight on all activities as ambassadors of APHF to critical stakeholders and custodians of APHF’s assets. You can find further details on their website https://aphf.africa/.
External Relations Director Role Profile
The External Relations Director will lead APHF’s communications and resource mobilisation efforts. As a member of APHF’s senior leadership, the External Relations Director will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategies to mobilise resources from individuals, foundations and the private sector, as well as identify new opportunities to expand APHF’s income base. The Director will supervise communications initiatives that support APHF’s mission, enhance the organisation’s visibility, and cultivate our brand.
The External Relations Director will be a trusted advisor and reports directly to the CEO, participating in long-term strategic planning and ensuring that fundraising strategies are aligned with APHF’s growth plans. The Director will manage all day-to-day fundraising efforts, including supervision of the Communications and Resource Mobilisation Leads. The ideal candidate is passionate about building a great organisation and comfortable with a fluid role in a dynamic environment.
As a new organisation, staff are empowered to start new programs, institute best practices, and develop traditions that will define their experiences and those of their colleagues in the years to come. Innovation and entrepreneurship are valued and will be essential to the Foundation’s success. In addition to providing training, management-level advice, and mentoring, staff are supported to learn by positioning them as core members of the leadership team to drive public health impact.
Duties and Responsibilities
The External Relations Director will have the following key responsibilities:

Advise and support the CEO and Council on long-term strategic planning and align resource mobilisation efforts to support the foundation’s growth plans
Identify, develop, and maintain long-term and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and funders
Solicit support for APHF and manage portfolio of individuals, foundations, and private sector funders
Support an active and engaged collective group of donors committed to strengthening the capacity and capabilities of public health institutions across Africa
Actively seek new opportunities for investment, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships
Provide guidance and best practices on structures and innovative funding approaches
Achieve stated fundraising targets, as determined in collaboration with the CEO and team
Manage the development and implementation of APHF’s communications plan, ensuring messages are aligned with APHF’s mission, values, and strategies
Support the development of compelling narratives on the success stories of the Foundation for external use
Represent APHF in external engagements, including any media and speaking opportunities and events
Coach and retain high-performance team members, providing regular feedback that empowers staff to elevate their level of responsibility
Manage staff performance by setting staff goals, monitoring work, and evaluating results
Work with staff to develop systems to ensure consistent, high-quality project management
Prepare departmental reports with timely information and key metrics to measure progress
Develop annual external relations budget
Any other tasks as directed by the CEO

Qualifications and Experience
Essential qualifications and experience

A master’s degree or higher required
Minimum ten years of experience in fundraising and/or communications in complex institutions OR as a grant maker or funder
Experience and track record in relationship building and securing funds of $1M+ from a variety of donors, such as foundations, the private sector and government agencies
Strong regional and global networks
Strong interpersonal skills with experience of working with senior leaders & funders in the region
Experience of developing marketing and communications strategies that leverage the power of online media and audience engagement
Excellent written and personal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex public health issues in a straightforward and non-technical manner.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, and working with flexibility in a collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment
Demonstrated leadership ability, including the ability to build a team of highly motivated and well qualified staff, and to foster the integration of diverse, multi-disciplinary actors into focused initiatives addressing clear targets
Demonstrated fluency in English speaking and writing skills, proficiency in other AU official languages is a plus

Desirable

Experience in resource mobilisation and partnership development for public health initiatives
Experience developing and supporting multi-stakeholder platforms for collaboration, including supporting events and high-level meetings
Experience of working in different national and regional contexts in Africa
Reporting line
The role reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The External Relations Director currently manages a team of two, Communications Lead and Resource Mobilisation Lead with scope for expansion subject to funding.

Location
This position is remote working on a time zone compatible with working hours in Africa (GMT to GMT +3). There is the possibility of relocation to the country where APHF operations will be permanently based, depending on circumstances.
Terms of Appointment
This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis with the possibility of renewal. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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