Research, Learning & Programme Development Manager
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Job summary
The Research, Learning & Programme Development Manager is a senior strategic leadership position responsible for driving the intellectual and programmatic growth of the Association. This role will involve architecting, overseeing, and disseminating a robust portfolio of research and programmes that generate evidence, influence policy, and scale best practices in palliative care across Africa. The Manager will ensure that our work is rigorously monitored, continuously improved through learning, and effectively communicated to donors, partners, and the global health community.
Min Qualification:
Masters
Experience Level:
Senior level
Experience Length:
8 years
Job descriptions & requirements
Organisation: African Palliative Care Association (APCA)
Steadfast Quality Solutions Limited is retained to recruit a Research, Learning & Programme Development Manager for the African Palliative Care Association (APCA).
Duty Station: Uganda (or Remote, with a strong preference for candidates based in Africa)
1. Organisational Background
The African Palliative Care Association (APCA) is Africa’s leading voice in advancing palliative and chronic care, transforming how health systems address pain and suffering. Since 2004, APCA has partnered with governments, civil society, and global health agencies to deliver impactful advocacy, training, and technical support across the continent. Joining APCA offers a unique opportunity to shape a movement that improves the quality of life for millions of Africans. APCA is a leading Pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing access to equitable, high-quality palliative care for all. We work through advocacy, capacity building, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based programming to integrate palliative care into national health systems across the continent. Our mission is to ensure that every individual facing life-limiting illness lives with dignity, free from pain and suffering.
2. Overall Purpose of the Role
The Research, Learning & Programme Development Manager is a senior strategic leadership position responsible for driving the intellectual and programmatic growth of the Association. This role will involve architecting, overseeing, and disseminating a robust portfolio of research and programmes that generate evidence, influence policy, and scale best practices in palliative care across Africa. The Manager will ensure that our work is rigorously monitored, continuously improved through learning, and effectively communicated to donors, partners, and the global health community.
3. Key Responsibilities
A. Strategic Leadership & Programme Development (40%)
- Provide visionary leadership in the design and development of the Association’s multi-year research and programme strategy, aligned with organisational goals and continental needs.
- Lead the end-to-end development of high-impact, fundable programme proposals, including technical design, theory of change, logical frameworks, and budgets, in close collaboration with technical teams, finance, and partners.
- Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research bodies, Ministries of Health, INGOs, and donor agencies to co-create and implement initiatives.
- Scan the funding landscape and lead the technical writing for major grant applications to secure resources for strategic priorities.
B. Research & Evidence Generation (25%)
- Design and manage a mixed-methods research portfolio (operational research, health systems research, qualitative studies) to fill critical evidence gaps in African palliative care.
- Ensure all research adheres to the highest ethical standards and secures necessary IRB approvals.
- Manage relationships with external researchers and consultants, ensuring methodological rigour, timely execution, and dissemination of findings.
- Translate complex research findings into actionable insights for programme teams, advocates, and policymakers.
C. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) (20%)
- Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive MEAL framework for the entire programme portfolio, ensuring robust data collection, analysis, and reporting against KPIs.
- Champion a culture of continuous learning and adaptive management. Institutionalise systematic reflection processes to use data and insights for real-time programme improvement and strategic decision-making.
- Lead the analysis of programme data to demonstrate impact, cost-effectiveness, and lessons learned for internal and external audiences.
- Ensure accountability to beneficiaries, donors, and partners through transparent reporting and feedback mechanisms.
D. Knowledge Management & Dissemination (15%)
- Develop and execute a strategic knowledge management and communication plan for research and programme outputs.
- Author and commission high-quality reports, policy briefs, peer-reviewed journal articles, case studies, and presentations for diverse audiences.
- Represent the Association as a technical expert at key regional and international conferences, forums, and technical working groups.
- Curate and share learning internally to build organisational capacity and externally to influence the broader palliative care field.
4. Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Global Health, Health Systems Research, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive, relevant experience in a senior programme management, research, or MEAL role within the international development or global health sector, with a proven track record in Africa.
- Demonstrated expertise in designing and winning major grants/proposals (€500,000+) from institutional donors (e.g., USAID, FCDO, EU, Global Fund, large foundations).
- Strong technical expertise in mixed-methods research design, MEAL frameworks, and data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, STATA, or similar).
- In-depth knowledge of health systems, Universal Health Coverage, and/or palliative care in low-resource settings.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with a portfolio of published reports, papers, or successful proposals.
- Proven ability to lead strategically, build partnerships, and manage complex projects with multidisciplinary teams across different countries and cultures.
Desirable Attributes:
- Direct professional experience in the field of palliative care, chronic disease management, or pain control.
- Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or another major African language.
- Established network within African public health, academic, and donor communities.
- Experience working effectively in a remote or hybrid team setting.
5. What We Offer
- A pivotal leadership role at the heart of a mission-driven organisation making a tangible difference across Africa.
- The opportunity to shape the strategic direction and evidence base of the palliative care movement on the continent.
- A competitive international compensation package commensurate with experience.
- A supportive, collaborative, and flexible working environment.
- Professional development opportunities and the chance to engage with global experts.
How to Apply:
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