Africa Research Excellence Fund Seeks Researcher Development Manager | Applications Close 17 July 2026

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is seeking an experienced Researcher Development Manager to lead the delivery of its prestigious researcher development programmes supporting early-career health researchers across Africa. This exciting opportunity is ideal for professionals with expertise in health research, learning and development, and capacity strengthening who are passionate about advancing research excellence on the continent. Applications close on 17 July 2026.

About the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is a charitable organization dedicated to strengthening health research capacity across Africa. Through professional development programmes, mentorship, and training, AREF supports postdoctoral researchers and early-career researchers in building the leadership, research, and grant-winning skills needed to address Africa’s most pressing health challenges.

Working with an international network of academics, research institutions, funders, and professional trainers, AREF helps researchers develop sustainable careers while contributing to stronger research systems across the continent.

About the Role

The Researcher Development Manager will oversee the delivery of AREF’s portfolio of researcher development programmes. Working closely with the Head of Researcher Development, the successful candidate will design, coordinate, and deliver high-quality professional development initiatives for African researchers.

Training will be delivered through a combination of virtual learning, face-to-face workshops, coaching sessions, and blended learning programmes held in various locations across Africa.

This role offers the opportunity to work with leading academics, international research organizations, and health professionals while helping shape the next generation of African research leaders.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead multiple aspects of programme delivery and researcher development.

Programme Delivery

Responsibilities include:

• Delivering AREF’s portfolio of researcher development programmes
• Planning and coordinating professional development activities
• Designing effective learning tools and training resources
• Managing programme quality and continuous improvement
• Monitoring programme performance and impact
• Ensuring activities are delivered within agreed timelines and budgets

Training and Faculty Management

The Researcher Development Manager will also:

• Recruit and manage associate trainers and faculty members
• Support trainer development and evaluation
• Coordinate expert facilitators and guest contributors
• Deliver workshops and learning sessions
• Facilitate one-to-one coaching and small-group development sessions
• Promote engaging and learner-centred training experiences

Partnership Development

The role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• International funders
• Academic partners
• Alumni networks
• Professional organizations

The successful candidate will also represent AREF in relevant partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

Additional responsibilities include:

• Producing programme reports for funders and stakeholders
• Monitoring programme outcomes
• Supporting implementation of researcher development strategies
• Identifying opportunities to improve programme effectiveness
• Contributing to fundraising by documenting programme achievements
• Helping maintain a vibrant AREF alumni community

Required Experience

Applicants should have demonstrated experience in:

• Delivering virtual, face-to-face, and blended learning programmes
• Designing experiential learning initiatives
• Health research or research management
• Supporting early-career or postdoctoral researchers
• Working with adult learners
• Train-the-trainer programmes

Essential Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• Produce professional reports and documentation
• Build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Manage geographically dispersed teams and faculty members
• Coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards
• Collaborate across different cultures and professional backgrounds
• Solve problems creatively and strategically

Education Requirements

Candidates should possess:

• A postgraduate qualification
• A PhD or clinical postgraduate degree
• Research experience within health or biomedical fields

Desirable Qualifications

Additional experience that would strengthen an application includes:

• Working within the nonprofit or charity sector
• Biomedical or health research in low-income settings
• Coaching qualifications or coaching experience
• Project management experience or certification
• Written proficiency in French and/or Portuguese

These additional skills will support AREF’s international collaborations and multilingual programme delivery.

Contract Information

The successful candidate will receive:

• An appointment running initially until 31 July 2028
• A six-month probationary period
• Salary based on Grade 2-1, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM pay scale

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to long-term research capacity development across Africa while working within an internationally respected organization.

Why Join AREF?

This position provides a unique opportunity to influence the future of health research across Africa by supporting talented researchers at critical stages of their careers.

Benefits of joining AREF include:

• Contributing to research excellence across the continent
• Working with leading international researchers and institutions
• Delivering innovative professional development programmes
• Supporting emerging African research leaders
• Building partnerships with global health organizations
• Gaining experience in international capacity strengthening
• Helping improve health outcomes through stronger research systems

For professionals passionate about research leadership, education, and international development, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on Africa’s scientific and public health landscape.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through AREF’s online recruitment system before the 17 July 2026 application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to highlight their experience in researcher development, health research, learning and development, stakeholder engagement, and programme management.

This is an outstanding opportunity for experienced research and learning professionals to help develop Africa’s next generation of health research leaders while contributing to sustainable scientific capacity across the continent.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Join Our WhatsApp Community

Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.