The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Kenya Mission seeks to fill the position of Agricultural Biotechnology Specialist for its Agriculture, Business & Environment Office (ABEO).
The position is based in Nairobi and is open to qualified Kenyan citizens.
Functions of the Position
The Agricultural Biotechnology Advisor serves as the principal biotechnology advisor to USAID/Kenya, and as the biotechnology program manager and Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative within ABEO.
The Specialist provides expertise on the subject of agricultural biotechnology (crops and livestock), designs and manages the USAID/Kenya biotechnology program, monitors policy developments, advises on testing and transfer of biotechnology products, and ensures that program activities support USAID’s objectives to improve agricultural productivity, economic growth, food security, and environmental policy.
He/she manages all USAID/Kenya’s biotechnology program activities and reports on results and impact in close collaboration with USAID/Washington biotechnology specialists.
He/she represents USAID at various forums and liaises with donors, the private sector, Government of Kenya agencies, non-governmental organizations, international research organizations, advocacy groups and other stakeholders in the sector in Kenya.
Required Qualifications
Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.
If you have not been contacted within one month from the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Education: A Master’s degree or higher in molecular biology, agricultural biotechnology, or a closely related field is required.
Professional Experience and Knowledge (65%): Minimum 5-7 years practical experience in agricultural biotechnology development and transfer, biosafety, biotechnology policy/regulatory framework development, and/or closely related work. Strong technical knowledge related to the scientific underpinnings of biotechnology and demonstrated understanding of associated policy, social, environmental and economic/trade issues and institutions in Kenya. Demonstrated expert-level technical knowledge and practical experience in agricultural biotechnology research and technology transfer in Kenya. Substantive experience with program/project development, management, and performance monitoring, preferably for an international organization.
Skills and Abilities (35%): Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to be an effective team member in a multi-cultural environment, with excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills. Fluency in writing and speaking English and Kiswahili. Ability to develop and maintain high level contacts in the field of agricultural biotechnology and represent USAID effectively. Must be a self-starter, able to analyze and evaluate complex information from a variety of sources and prepare precise, accurate and well-written reports, often under tight deadlines and with minimal direction. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
Those fulfilling the requirements of the position should submit their application together with a detailed curriculum vitae/ resume and copies of all relevant academic certificates to the following address:
The Human Resources Office, USAID/Kenya, P.O. Box 629, Village Market 00621. Nairobi, Kenya Re: Agricultural Biotechnology Specialist, ABEO/USAID/Kenya
Applications must reach the USAID HR office by COB September 03, 2010.You can also visit www.kenyanvacancies.com for more jobs
