icipe
icipe - African Insect
Science for Food and Health is a world-class research centre with a mission to
alleviate poverty by ensuring food security, improving health, protecting the
environment, and building the capacity of researchers and communities across
the developing world through the application of insect sciences.
icipe has a proud reputation
and history of delivering world-quality science that has made crucial
contributions to African food and health policy, delivered development outcomes
to rural communities, and has been at the forefront of building Africa’s
biological research capacity.
The Centre’s research
activities span the African continent with partnerships linking research
organisations, not only across Africa, but also the globe.
In addition, more than 150
graduate students and a number of postdoctoral fellows contribute to icipe’s
research portfolio annually.
The Bio-resources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development (Bio-Innovate) Programme is a regional initiative established in 2010 with support from Sida, Sweden to support bioscience research and innovation activities in eastern Africa.
The Bio-resources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development (Bio-Innovate) Programme is a regional initiative established in 2010 with support from Sida, Sweden to support bioscience research and innovation activities in eastern Africa.
It addresses regional
priorities in science, technology and innovation aligned with the AU-NEPAD’s
Science Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA), the science
agenda for Africa (S3A) and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development
Programme (CAADP).
Bio-Innovate’s goal is to
improve productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers and
agro-processors in eastern Africa, while ensuring environmental sustainability.
It seeks to promote inclusive
growth by linking smallholder farmers to new market niches characterised by
sustainable and resource-efficient value chains.
The Programme brings critical
players from the public and private sectors together, to promote bioscience
innovation in six eastern African countries, namely Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
During its first
implementation Phase (2010–2015), the Programme had the goal of mobilising and
deploying bioscience innovation systems to harness bio-resources in the eastern
Africa region, whereby innovations for sustainable utilisation, transformation
and integration of eastern Africa’s bio-resources would be discovered,
developed, intensified, and disseminated to promote regional economic growth
and development.
Phase II, hosted at the
International Centre of Insect Physiology (icipe) focuses on developing more
capacity and devoting more of its resources towards assisting innovation
projects move further along the innovation chain into the market.
For more information on
Bio-Innovate please visit: http://www.bioinnovate-africa.org/
Vacancy: Bio-Innovate Communications Officer
Ref. No.NRS/176/102016
icipe seeks to recruit a Communications Officer to
work in the Bio-resources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development
(Bio-Innovate) Programme.
The position is tenable in
Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus, and is available to commence
immediately.
A competitive and generous
compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.
Only shortlisted candidates
meeting the itemised requirements will be contacted.
Overall Purpose of the Job: Reporting to the Programme Manager, the office holder will be
responsible for ensuring the programme has a sound and effective communication
strategy and a smooth flow of information within the Programme, its projects,
stakeholders, and the general public.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the
communication activities of the Programme and take lead in developing a
communication strategy for the programme.
- Support the
production of programme reports, publications, and web materials and other
multimedia and promotional products (such as posters, information packages
and documentaries).
- Manage the
programme website and social media functions, by continuously monitoring
to ensure that the site is maintained.
- Continuously
provide web-friendly content to keep the site interesting and up-to-date
with new programme information, news and publications.
- Work with the
project leaders and teams in the six countries of eastern Africa in
sourcing stories about their project activities, achievements, outputs and
impacts for the Bio-Innovate website and e-newsletter, ensuring the
accuracy of the information, as well as the liveliness of the news and
pictorial presentation.
- Mentor and
train project leaders and their project teams on generating appropriate
communications materials to reflect project work.
- Manage
programme’s public awareness activities, including events such as
conferences and workshops.
- Identify and
liaise with journalists in respective participating countries to publicise
project and programme activities.
- Edit programme
documents, write articles for the programme newsletter, and develop
content for promotional materials.
- Work with
graphic designers and printers in producing high quality promotional
materials.
- Keep up-to-date
about current trends in research communication and methods, to advise the
programme on cost-effective ways of communication.
- Facilitate
links with communication functions of host institution.
- Maintain a
publications inventory and an efficient information management system.
- Compile
presentations, handle mailing lists and coordinate distribution of project
publications.
- Ensure
Programme meeting materials are prepared in a timely manner, and
proceedings are accurately captured and archived.
Requirements/Qualifications
- Bachelor’s
degree in journalism, communications or a related discipline.
- Qualifications
in print and electronic media, development communication, and information
management are highly desirable.
- At least four
years of experience in conducting communication function for an
international organisation or NGO.
Core competencies
- Demonstrable
experience in writing, editing, designing, web design management,
blogging, use of Web 2.0 and social media tools.
- Experience in
supporting communications and/or media relations in international research
organisations is an added advantage.
- Ability to
read, understand and assimilate complex technical information to produce
clear, well-written summaries for a wide range of readership.
- Proficient in
Microsoft Office packages.
- Knowledge of
and skills in desktop publishing, HTML, photography and photo editing.
- Fluent English
language skills, both written and spoken.
- Excellent
organisational and documentation skills.
Other desirable attributes
- Result
Oriented/focused: Ability to consistently meet set goals.
- Focused and
goal oriented: Ability to direct others to perform set duties.
- Professionalism:
Application of ethics, principles, standards and expertise in all areas of
work.
- Integrity:
Honest, above reproach and appropriate in actions/behaviour and
transparent in conduct.
- Teamwork,
interpersonal relations: Ability to work in a team and with good
networking and interpersonal skills.
- Good team
worker: Working and relating with others in mutual support and respect
towards common goals and shared vision.
- Multi-cultural
fit and diversity: Ability to work effectively within a diverse and
multicultural environment.
- Innovation and
creativity: Ability to generate new ideas and ways of working to
continuously improve existing work processes, practices, and concepts.
- Willingness to
travel.
- Demonstrated
ability to work independently and well within teams.
- Ability to
communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Reporting
This position reports to the
Programme Manager.
The selected candidate should
be available to start as soon as possible.
Vacancy: Bio-Innovate Programme
Assistant
Ref. No.NRS/177/102016
icipe seeks to recruit a
Programme Assistant to work in the Bio-resources Innovations Network for
Eastern Africa Development (Bio-Innovate) Programme.
The position is tenable in
Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus and is available to commence
immediately.
A competitive and generous
compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.
Only shortlisted candidates
meeting the itemised requirements will be contacted.
Overall Purpose of the Job: To provide administrative and programme management support to the programme staff for efficient and smooth running of the programme management office (PMO).
Responsibilities
- Create and
manage electronic and manual filing systems, and maintain and update files
and records, archiving and storage.
- Facilitate and
keep track of documentation approvals and dispatches to and from PMO and
other administrative offices/departments within and outside host institution.
- Support in
planning and organising internal and external meetings, workshops and
other events (e.g. folders and materials, registration forms, workshop
programmes and name tags, follow up on payments and settlement of working
advances, documentation and filing of proceedings).
- Actively
participate in programme meetings and support minute taking and archiving
of proceedings.
- Support the
programme management team in follow-up of action points.
- Assist in
preparing programmatic meeting materials.
- Anticipate and
facilitate the programme’s inventory needs to ensure smooth operations
within the PMO in conjunction with relevant departments within host
institution.
- Handle
maintenance of office assets and keep an inventory of equipment and
procured supplies.
- Coordinate all
staff travel arrangements and logistical support in conjunction with the
relevant departments at host institution, including handling of travel
requests and travel expense reports, accommodation and working advances.
- Coordinate
logistics for programmatic events, including workshops, conferences etc.
- Respond to
routine correspondence, and handle e-mail, telephone communication,
requests, enquiries and other communication systems and processes to
appropriate parties.
- Establish and
maintain a key contact database and email list of all project teams and
partners, collaborators and other stakeholders.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Bachelor’s
degree in business administration, office management, project management
or related discipline.
- At least five
years’ experience in programme and office administration in a busy
environment, e.g. international organisation or NGO.
Core competencies
- Event
management experience will be highly desirable.
- Ability to
communicate effectively verbally and in writing is a strong requirement.
- Customer
service experience and public relations skills would be an added
advantage.
- Excellent
computer skills and proficiency in MS Office (Microsoft Word, Excel and
Outlook), and working with databases.
Other desirable attributes
- Excellent
organisational skills, attention to detail, time management, ability to
multiple task, define and set priorities, and problem solve.
- Strong ability
to anticipate and plan ahead, and take personal initiative, work both
independently and as a team member, and collaborate and coordinate with
others.
- Excellent
interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure.
Reporting
This position reports to the
Finance and Administration Officer.
The selected candidate should
be available to start as soon as possible.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted
up to 4th November 2016, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier.
icipe seeks to recruit a Finance and Administration
Officer to
work in the Bio-resources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development
(Bio-Innovate) Programme.
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 and generous
compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.
Only shortlisted candidates
meeting the itemised requirements will be contacted.
Overall Purpose of the Job: Reporting to the
Programme Manager, the position holder will take lead in providing financial
management and administrative support to ensure financial probity as well as
efficient running of the programme management office.
Responsibilities
- Provide administrative
support for the programme, ensuring the office systems run efficiently and
in a coordinated manner.
- Provide grant
management support, ensuring financial, procurement and administration
policies and procedures of the host institution are adhered to and also
meet donor criteria.
- Develop and
maintain proper financial systems that facilitate the recording and
production of accurate financial reports that meet host institution’s
internal control requirements.
- Assess
financial management capacities of potential sub grantees and conduct
capacity building activities in fund management as necessary.
- Support the
call processes and facilitate contracting and management of sub grantees
throughout the life of the programme.
- Conduct routine
financial activities, including management of financial data in the
accounting system, budgeting, asset management, and cash flow management
in accordance with financial policies and procedures and application of
generally accepted accounting principles.
- Ensure timely
disbursement of funds to sub grantees and financial reporting for
effective execution of projects’ activities.
- Review
financial reports from sub grantees for accuracy and compliance with
approved budget to feed into host institution’s financial system.
- Continuously
review financial management strategies, policies and procedures for
improvement.
- Develop and
maintain sound partner relationships with sub grantees for effective and
responsible project fund management.
- Develop and
implement financial reporting and monitoring tools for programme sub
grantees to use in the implementation of projects.
- Support other
programme monitoring and evaluation activities, including periodic review
and planning meetings, budget revisions.
- Prepare
financial reports on a periodic basis for donor reporting.
- Facilitate
external programme audits, including implementation of the recommendations
thereof.
- Support the
programme manager in resource mobilisation activities, including proposal
development and budgeting.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Masters degree
in business administration, project management or related discipline.
- A professional
qualification in accounting profession is highly desirable.
- At least 5
years relevant experience in programme management in an international
research or developmental NGO.
Core competencies
- Demonstrable
experience in administration and financial management of donor-funded
development programmes and/or projects.
- Knowledge of
results-based management processes is an added advantage.
- Proven
experience working with multiple projects with numerous partners.
- Excellent
record keeping and computer data management skills.
Other desirable attributes
- Result
Oriented/focused: Ability to consistently meet set goals.
- Focused and
goal oriented: Ability to direct others to perform set duties.
- Professionalism:
Application of ethics, principles, standards and expertise in all areas of
work.
- Integrity:
Honest, above reproach and appropriate in actions/behaviour and
transparent in conduct.
- Teamwork,
interpersonal relations: Ability to work in a team and with good
networking and interpersonal skills.
- Good team
worker: Working and relating with others in mutual support and respect
towards common goals and shared vision.
- Multi-cultural
fit and diversity: Ability to work effectively within a diverse and
multicultural environment.
- Innovation and
creativity: Ability to generate new ideas and ways of working to
continuously improve existing work processes, practices, and concepts.
- Willingness to
travel.
- Team player
with excellent coordination and organisational skills.
- Ability to
communicate effectively with a wide range of partners from multiple
disciplines and backgrounds.
- Ability to work
independently under pressure to meet tight timelines.
Reporting
This position reports to the
Programme Manager.
The selected candidate should
be available to start as soon as possible.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted
up to 4th November 2016, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier.
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 statement illustrating
suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities, and
skills.
Candidates are required to apply online through: http://recruit.icipe.org