Job description
We’re transforming Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances and breakthrough discoveries!
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS, www.nexteinstein.org) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate training, research and outreach in mathematical sciences. Its mission is to enable Africa’s brightest students to flourish as independent thinkers, problem solvers and innovators capable of propelling Africa’s future scientific, educational and economic self-sufficiency. The first AIMS centre opened in Cape Town, South Africa in 2003; since 2011, AIMS has opened additional centres in Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Tanzania. AIMS is preparing to open its 6th Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. The goal of the AIMS Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI) is to build a pan-African network of 15 centres of excellence across the continent by 2023.
The Next Einstein Forum (NEF), an AIMS initiative in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, is a new global forum for science in Africa that will propel Africa onto the global scientific stage.
The NEF unites more than 500 outstanding thinkers and distinguished stakeholders from around the world together in Africa. NEF Global Gatherings, held every second year, will showcase 15 of Africa’s top young scientists and connect them with leaders from Africa and the rest of the world in high-profile, invitation-only forums. These leading scientists, policy-makers, business people, journalists, civil-society representatives and entrepreneurs will highlight breakthrough discoveries and catalyse scientific collaboration for human development.
To be held in Senegal as a 3-day event in March 2016, the NEF will touch on the 3 pillars of science, society and policy.
We believe that science is transformational, for individuals as well as for the African continent. Our aim is to contribute to a brighter global future. Our dream is that the next Einstein will be African. If you bring a collaborative spirit with a passion to affect change, consider this opportunity as our…
Director, Programs & Content, Next Einstein Forum
The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) is in search of a visionary Director, Programmes & Content to help facilitate and support the continued growth of this initiative. Inspired by an ambitious mission, you will contribute to developing a vibrant and stimulating programme for future NEF Global Gatherings (content + speakers), support the development of post-event materials and curate an exceptional event which offers an enriching experience to onsite participants as well as those following from afar.
As an experienced science leader with experience in developing science events, you have strong and accessible connections in the science, society and policy communities who can be available as you support the growth of the NEF into a global platform for science in Africa. You are collaborative and exude an approachable style that generates trust to work closely with global leaders as a coach to guide and inform them in their messaging and shaping of individual NEF Global Gathering sessions that combine to elevate the central NEF theme. Working with diverse team members across the AIMS network, your expertise will be relied on to help grow the NEF from its first major event to a global institution.
This position carries the opportunity to lead the development and growth of science in Africa, working closely with leading scientific institutions, universities, funding agencies, industry and governments.
This is a full time opportunity based in Kigali, Rwanda.
Do you have what we need?
Advanced post-graduate degree Science or related field; Postdoctoral experience preferred
You have experience with the design/production/curation of global events
You have an international network of contacts in the fields of science funding, science policy and science academies.
You are a scientist and have additional knowledge of the fields of science journalism, science policy and the relationship between science and industry
You have exceptional interpersonal skills and knowledge of protocol, including dealing with global and state leaders
You are self-motivated, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple and large-scale, time-sensitive projects
You are a confident presenter, at ease to exercise tact and diplomacy
You bring professional written and verbal communication skills, in English and working fluency in French
You are flexible to adapt to a dynamic, evolving environment alongside a growing team of uniquely diverse professionals
You are familiar with the political, social, economic and cultural context of working in Africa
You are self-sufficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and savvy with web-based applications (Dropbox, Google, Skype)
You are able and willing to travel within and out of Africa, for periodic extended in-country stays of up to 3 weeks
How to apply
Are you ready to be a part of the transformation?
Submit your letter of motivation, including salary expectations together with your detailed CV as one document to: careers@nexteinstein.org (Please quote “Director, Programmes & Content – NEF” in the subject line). Applications will be accepted until the right candidate is found.
Should no feedback be received from AIMS-NEI within four weeks of your submission, kindly accept that your application will not be further pursued. AIMS-NEI reserves the right not to make an appointment at its sole discretion.
AIMS-NEI is an equal opportunity employer.