Team leader job at Expertise France

JOB ALERT

TEAM LEADER – STUDY AND RESEARCH IN AFRICA SRIA-ARISE

Expertise France is recruiting a Team Leader for the Study and Research in Africa SRIA-ARISE programme, covering Components 2, 3 and 4.

ORGANIZATION

Expertise France

DEPARTMENT

Human Capital and Social Development – Education, Higher Education and Research

LOCATION

Nairobi, Kenya, with regular travel within Africa and occasional travel to France

REFERENCE

2026/TLSARIACA/16241

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Field Position

Contract: CDDU

DURATION

12 months, renewable annually for up to 5 years

EXPECTED START DATE

Around January 2027, subject to the signature of the contract with the European Union

APPLICATION DEADLINE

4th October 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Team Leader will provide overall supervision, strategic direction and coordination for Components 2, 3 and 4 of the SRIA-ARISE programme.

The position will lead the Expertise France operational team, coordinate with implementing partners, oversee programme implementation, manage stakeholder relationships, monitor results and ensure coherence across the different components.

The Team Leader will also work closely with the EU, African and European higher education and research institutions, government authorities, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the operationalization of the programme’s strategic direction.
2. Oversee project implementation, technical quality, team management and stakeholder engagement.
3. Coordinate Components 2, 3 and 4 and facilitate collaboration with Component 1 and other relevant EU and Team Europe initiatives.
4. Lead the project inception phase, including team setup, work planning, budgeting and implementation procedures.
5. Manage and coordinate the project team and support cross-partner collaboration.
6. Develop consolidated work plans and annual budgets.
7. Oversee monitoring, evaluation, communication and knowledge management activities.
8. Maintain effective relationships with implementing partners and programme stakeholders.
9. Represent Expertise France and, where mandated, the consortium in strategic discussions with the EU, higher education institutions, public authorities and institutional partners.
10. Identify strategic and operational risks and implement mitigation measures.
11. Ensure compliance with applicable EU, Expertise France and contractual requirements.
12. Oversee consolidated reporting on programme progress, challenges, achievements and results.

ABOUT SRIA-ARISE

Study and Research in Africa SRIA is a European Union initiative designed to strengthen African higher education, research and innovation ecosystems.

The programme aims to improve the capacity, quality and international attractiveness of African Higher Education Institutions while strengthening research excellence, innovation and skills development relevant to African priorities and Global Gateway sectors.

The programme runs for 66 months, from January 2027 to June 2032, with a budget of EUR 65.35 million.

COMPONENTS

Component 1: Opportunities

Component 2: Partnerships

Component 3: Targeted Support

Component 4: Research Excellence / ARISE 2.0

Expertise France has been selected by the European Union as the Coordinating Agency for Components 2, 3 and 4.

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum Master’s degree in International Relations and Development, Project Management, Education or another relevant field.

A PhD is an advantage.

Additional project management qualifications such as PM2, PMP or equivalent are an advantage.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of 10 years of professional experience managing international cooperation programmes, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Significant experience in a senior management or Team Leader position.
3. Experience managing projects providing policy advice and capacity building to public institutions.
4. Experience managing large-scale multi-partner programmes, preferably funded by the European Union or other international donors.
5. Experience working with higher education and research institutions and/or research funding programmes is highly desirable.
6. Experience coordinating with international and national partners, government agencies and donors.
7. Experience overseeing partnerships, grants and contractual arrangements.
8. Experience integrating gender equality, disability inclusion, digital skills and environmental sustainability into international cooperation programmes.
9. Experience working in multicultural and multilingual environments.
10. Experience supervising technical assistance facilities is an advantage.

KEY SKILLS

Strong knowledge of international cooperation in Africa and EU external action.

Knowledge of African higher education, research and innovation ecosystems.

Excellent project management and coordination skills.

Strong understanding of EU administrative, financial and project management procedures.

Strong leadership, analytical and interpersonal skills.

Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.

Strong results-based management, monitoring, evaluation and learning knowledge.

Ability to manage complex multi-partner programmes.

Strong cultural sensitivity, diplomacy and judgement.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Fluent spoken and written English.

Fluent spoken and written French.

Knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.

CONTRACT AND BENEFITS

12-month contract, renewable annually for up to 5 years.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Comprehensive insurance cover.

Social security.

Pension contribution.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should submit:

1. Updated CV.
2. Cover letter.
3. Two business references, including email addresses and telephone contacts.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official Expertise France recruitment portal:

Apply Here – Expertise France

APPLICATION DEADLINE

4th October 2026, close of business.

Expertise France reserves the right to pre-select candidates before the recruitment closing date.