Chief Scientific Officer

Organisation Description

The Public Health Interest Group Africa (PHIGA) is dedicated to engaging African students and early-career professionals in public health through education, mentorship, and career development initiatives. PHIGA works to spark interest in public health topics and practice, creating opportunities for members to learn, collaborate, and contribute to healthier communities. The organization focuses on building capacity and empowering emerging public health leaders across the continent. PHIGA’s vision is to foster a strong coalition of well-equipped students and early-career professionals committed to advancing a healthier Africa. Members benefit from a supportive network that encourages innovation, leadership, and evidence-based public health action.

Role Description

The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) is a volunteer, remote role responsible for leading PHIGA’s scientific and research-related activities. The CSO will oversee the development, review, and quality assurance of public health research projects, educational content, and scientific communications. Tasks include guiding research priorities, coordinating research teams, and supporting the design and implementation of studies and evidence-based programs. The CSO will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure scientific rigor in PHIGA’s initiatives, assist and supervise publication efforts at subgorup levels, and mentor students and early-career professionals in research methodologies. The role also involves advising on public health topics, contributing to grant proposals, and representing PHIGA’s scientific vision in partnerships and public engagements.

• Strong foundation in Research and Development (R&D) and applied Research relevant to public health and related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in Science and Medicine, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific information clearly.
• Advanced degree (e.g., MPH, MSc, MD, BDS, PharmD, PhD) in Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading research projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and overseeing scientific publications or reports.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and data interpretation skills, with a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to mentor and support students and early-career professionals.
• Ability to work independently in a remote, volunteer capacity, manage time effectively, and collaborate across diverse cultures and regions.