NGO Job in Nairobi Kenya – icipe

icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. 

icipe has over 400 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.

icipe wishes to recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Research Scientist (DBM Technology Transfer).
 

Ref. No. IRS/77/102014
The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus and is available to commence immediately. 

This is a two-year contract, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract. 

A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
 
Overall Purpose of the Job: To take the lead role in up-scaling our activities relating to the biological control of the diamondback moth (DBM), a pest of crucifers.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of existing DBM pest control activities in eastern Africa as well as the roll out of the programme to other target countries. 

The incumbent will also assist to build capacity of national agricultural research systems (NARS), growers and policy makers, and transfer proven technologies developed by the Plant Health research team to the end users.

Responsibilities:
  • Establishment of DBM biocontrol functional structures in the various countries (i.e. build/refurbish mass rearing facilities in target countries and transfer mass rearing techniques);
  • Cataloguing indigenous natural enemies of DBM in target countries as a prerequisite for introduction of exotic parasitoids;
  • Mass rearing, releases and follow up on establishment and impact of the introduced parasitoid species of DBM (Diadegma semiclausum and Cotesia plutellae) in various ecological zones in the target countries and assess their interaction with the indigenous natural enemies;
  • Assess and disseminate the impact of Cotesia plutellae in semi-arid regions of Kenya to other countries;
  • Develop knowledge management products to enhance technological uptake;
  • Train extension agents and farmers on locally adapted biocontrol IPM methodologies for DBM and other key crucifer pests;
  • Sensitise policy makers and the general public on vegetable integrated pest management (IPM) methodologies;
  • Contribute to capacity strengthening and knowledge transfer in the Plant Health Division through training and technical backstopping of NARS partners;
  • Mentor and supervise technical staff, students and visiting scientists;
  • Engage research and development partners in the target countries for broader impact of the project;
  • Contribute to resource mobilisation efforts of the Plant Health Division;
  • Have oversight of budgets and deliverables of the DBM project;
  • Publish project results in peer-reviewed journals.
Knowledge Required for Performing the Job

Experience in any of the following areas will be considered an asset:
  • Proven track-record of R&D relating to classical biological control in horticultural crops;
  • Mass rearing of insects, natural enemies and DBM parasitoids in particular;
  • Knowledge management capabilities and technology transfer to NARS and growers;
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills for effective interactions and dissemination of project information.
Requirements / Qualifications:
  • PhD degree in entomology or closely related field obtained within the last five years;
  • Excellent publication track record;
  • Ability to work well as part of, and to lead, multidisciplinary teams;
  • Demonstrated track record of working in community-based initiatives and projects that support vulnerable groups, to achieve the uptake and adoption of technologies;
  • Experience in communicating with growers, community leaders, and government officials;
  • Experience with project management and operational use of project finance and management systems, including procurement.
Other Desirable Sttributes:
  • The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent interpersonal, management and organisational skills.
Reporting: This position reports to the Head of the Integrated Pest Management cluster.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
 
How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before the 17th October 2014. 

Please quote the job reference number IRS/77/102014 on the email subject line. 

Interested applicants should submit: 

(a) a confidential cover letter, 

(b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), and 

(c) a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the job, to:

DBMTechnologyTransferScientist@icipe.org

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Women are strongly encouraged to apply

icipe is seeking to appoint an outstanding scientist to fill the position of Head of Human and Animal Health Division

Ref. No. IRS/78/102014

The Division of Human and Animal Health has a total staff number of 53 with an annual budget of 7.5 M USD.
The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. 

This is a two-year contract, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
 
Overall Purpose of the Job: The overall purpose of the job is to lead the Human and Animal Health Division.

Reporting to the Director of Research and Partnerships the successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team providing leadership and research strategy to the Centre in collaboration with icipe’s other Divisions, Departments and Units.  

It is expected that the successful candidate will maintain a portfolio of research that is aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals.
 
Responsibilities:
  • Work in collaboration with the icipe leadership team including the Director General, Director of Research and Partnerships (DRP) as well as Heads of Divisions, and Units to facilitate research and capacity building activities across the centre;
  • Promote and establish collaborative linkages with national, regional and international institutions in the relevant fields of the Division;
  • Actively seek and secure external support for the activities of the Division, including resources to develop and grow a personal research portfolio;
  • Manage and develop the staff of the Division to create and foster a culture of science excellence and to ensure the Division has the human resources required now and into the future;
  • Ensure the Division meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors.
Knowledge Required for Performing the Job
  • Previous experience in research management and a proven track record in a relevant area of scientific research as demonstrated by publication record and a history of securing external support for a portfolio of research.
  • Ability to create and foster an innovative work environment and to work within, and lead teams, to deliver on agreed goals.
  • Appropriate skills in research governance, including experience in the oversight of resource mobilisation and financial accountability.
Requirements / Qualifications
  • PhD degree in medical or veterinary entomology from a reputable university.
  • Post training experience in molecular biology techniques.
  • Excellent publication track record.
  • 10 years experience gained at a senior level in either a research organisation or university.
  • Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.
  • Proven record of managing large resources—both financial and human—in a research environment.
  • Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and PhD students.
  • Excellent communication skills are mandatory.
  • Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.
Other Desirable Attributes
  • High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation.
Reporting: This position reports to the Director of Research and Partnerships.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before the 3rd November 2014. 

Please quote the job reference number IRS/78/102014 on the email subject line. 

Interested applicants should submit: 

(a) a confidential cover letter,

(b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), and 

(c) a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the job, to:

HeadHumanAnimalHealthDivision@icipe.org

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 


Women are strongly encouraged to apply