Position Title Head of Research and Scientific Publications
Division Health Policy & Research Division
Institution Nkafu Policy Institute
Reports To Director, Health Policy & Research Division
Employment Type Full-Time
Location Yaoundé, Cameroon (with regional travel as required)
ABOUT THE NKAFU POLICY INSTITUTE
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an independent, non-partisan African think tank headquartered at the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The Institute conducts rigorous policy research and analysis with the goal of informing evidence-based decision-making across Africa. The Health Policy & Research Division is one of the Institute’s core divisions, focusing on health systems strengthening, health financing, disease burden analysis, and the development of actionable policy recommendations for governments, international organizations, and development partners across the continent.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head of Research and Scientific Publications is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall scientific direction, research coordination, and publications output of the Health Policy & Research Division. The incumbent will provide intellectual and operational leadership across all active research projects, build and mentor a high-performing research team, and oversee the development and dissemination of peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, reports, and other scientific outputs. This role requires a rare combination of academic rigor, policy relevance, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex research findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Leadership and Coordination
Provide strategic and scientific oversight of all research projects within the Health Policy & Research Division, ensuring methodological rigor, ethical integrity, and alignment with institutional priorities.
Develop, implement, and monitor an annual divisional research agenda in consultation with the Division Director and senior staff.
Coordinate cross-functional research teams, manage timelines and deliverables, and ensure all projects are completed to the highest standards of quality.
Identify and pursue opportunities for new research initiatives, including emerging health policy priorities in Africa and globally.
Oversee research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation across quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.
Scientific Publications and Knowledge Dissemination
Lead and coordinate the production of the Division’s scientific publications portfolio, including peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, working papers, research reports, and book chapters.
Establish and oversee a rigorous internal review and editorial process to ensure all publications meet international standards of scientific excellence.
Develop and implement a publications strategy to maximize the reach and impact of the Division’s research in academic, policy, and practitioner communities.
Build and manage relationships with journal editors, peer reviewers, and academic publishers.
Maintain the Division’s publications calendar, tracking submissions, revisions, and acceptance timelines.
Support researchers and junior staff in developing their academic writing and publications capacity.
Team Management and Capacity Building
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate researchers, research assistants, and publications staff within the Division.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment.
Design and deliver training and professional development opportunities to strengthen research and writing skills across the team.
Serve as a primary mentor for junior researchers and fellows affiliated with the Division.
Partnerships, Fundraising, and External Engagement
Identify and develop strategic research partnerships with African and international universities, think tanks, governments, and development organizations.
Lead the development of research grant proposals and concept notes to secure funding from bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, foundations, and other sources.
Represent the Division at national, regional, and international conferences, forums, and policy dialogues.
Engage with policymakers, health ministries, and other stakeholders to ensure research is responsive to real-world policy needs and findings are effectively communicated.
Institutional and Administrative Leadership
Contribute to the strategic planning and institutional development of the Health Policy & Research Division and the broader Nkafu Policy Institute.
Prepare divisional progress reports, research summaries, and briefing materials for the Division Director and institutional leadership.
Ensure compliance with ethical standards, data protection policies, and institutional research governance frameworks.
Support the organization of research events, seminars, workshops, and public lectures hosted by the Division.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
A doctoral degree (PhD) in public health, health policy, health economics, epidemiology, global health, or a closely related discipline.
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive research experience in health policy, health systems, or a related field, with at least three (3) years in a senior research leadership or management role.
A strong and verifiable record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals.
Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-disciplinary research teams and managing complex research projects from inception to dissemination.
Proven experience in scientific writing, editing, and publications management.
Experience developing successful grant proposals and managing donor-funded research projects.
Deep knowledge of African health systems, health policy challenges, and the regional development landscape.
Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in French is a significant advantage given the Institute’s operating context.
Desirable
Experience working with or within a policy think tank, research institute, international NGO, or multilateral health organization.
Familiarity with health data systems, health information platforms, and research methodologies specific to low- and middle-income country contexts.
Established networks within the African and global health research and policy communities.
Experience with knowledge translation and science communication for non-technical audiences.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Strategic and analytical thinking
Scientific leadership and intellectual rigor
Team leadership, mentoring, and people development
Excellent judgment and ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines
Strong interpersonal skills and cross-cultural communication
Commitment to African-led research and evidence-based policymaking
Integrity, accountability, and professional discretion
WHAT WE OFFER
A senior leadership role at one of Africa’s leading independent policy research institutions.
The opportunity to shape a growing health research portfolio with continental and global impact.
A collaborative, mission-driven work environment committed to African solutions for African challenges.
Competitive compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Professional development support, including conference participation and academic collaboration opportunities.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their application using the Application portal. Documents required include:
A cover letter outlining your motivation for the role and how your experience aligns with the position requirements.
A full curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
A writing sample (preferably a peer-reviewed article or policy brief of which you are lead author).
Contact details of three professional referees.
APPLY HERE
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