UN Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Vacancy Announcement No: VA-013-2016
Position Title: IPC Regional Trainer and Data Analyst for East and Central Africa (ECA) – Francophone
Contract Type: International Consultant – COF.REG
Duty Station: Nairobi
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation Office in Kenya
Duration: 229 days when actually employed to 30 November 2017
Eligible Candidates: Open To All Nationalities
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

General Description of Tasks and Objectives to be achieved
Background: The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is a multi-agency initiative globally led by ten partners (ACF, CARE International, CILSS, and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, FAO, FEWSNET, the Global Food Security Cluster, Oxfam GB, Save the Children and WFP).
The IPC works:
1.) at the global level, through the Global IPC Steering Committee (responsible for the strategic management), the Technical Advisory Committee (responsible for technical developments) and the Global Support Unit (GSU), responsible for the normative development and global coordination of IPC activities);
2.) At the regional level, the IPC is overseen by Support Teams composed of agency food security advisors and linked with existing regional food security networks or entities; and
3.) At country level, inter-ministerial and multi-agency working groups support the introduction and implementation of the IPC by institutionalized Technical Working Groups.
The IPC GSU, through the framework of the Global IPC and regional partnership, is supporting the IPC in ECA as a way to promote improved food insecurity classification that is comparable, evidence based and linked to international standards and informs a broad array of food security interventions.
The IPC GSU in collaboration with RTEA, is recruiting an IPC Regional Trainer and Data Analyst for ECA (Francophone), to provide technical and training support on IPC to countries within the region.
As a member of the decentralized IPC Global Support Unit (GSU), the incumbent shall provide technical training and data analysis support to countries in the region as outlined by the IPC ECA Regional country support work-plan under the direct guidance of the IPC Regional Coordinator, in coordination with the IPC Global Programme Manager (ESA) and the Resilience Coordinator.
Reporting Line: The IPC Regional Trainer and Data Analyst will be part of the FAO Resilience Team for East Africa (RTEA) based in Nairobi.
He/She will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) Kenya, the technical supervision of the IPC Global Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA), and the direct supervision of the IPC Regional Coordinator (RC) and the Resilience Coordinator.
Specific functions
In particular, the incumbent will undertake the following:
·         Act as the IPC Trainer and Technical Support person to Countries in the region, coordinating and facilitation Level 1 and Level 2 Trainings, ISS trainings and data analysis and data preparation trainings.
·         Support the roll out of IPC Acute and Chronic in countries in close collaboration with the RC, GSU and the country level IPC stakeholders.
·         Support the IPC Chronic training and analyses in the region:
– Work pro-actively with IPC Country Working Groups to ensure ownership and capacity building
– Support data collection, preparation and organization into ISS at country level
– Support training and workshops preparation and organization on Chronic IPC
– Support the development of IPC analyses products, including the communication template
– Support the documentation of lessons learnt
·         Support the IPC Acute training and analyses in the region:
– Work pro-actively with IPC Country Working Groups to ensure ownership and capacity building
– Support data preparation and organization into ISS at country level
– Support training and workshops preparation and organization on ISS on Acute IPC
– Support the development of IPC analyses products, including the communication template
– Support the documentation of lessons learnt
·         Support the IPC Regional Coordinator (RC) with information and data necessary for the organization, and implementation of regional meetings and workshops, (including the FSNWG IPC Regional Technical Working Group).
·         Support the Regional IPC Certification Campaign and IPC Certification Targets, facilitate and track the process for Level 1 and 2 certification and registration among countries within the region and among regional partners.
·         Prepare and maintain a database for IPC activities and their progress in the countries.
·         Support the IPC Regional Coordinator (RC) in the organization, awareness raising mission in the countries in close collaboration with the IPC GSU and IPC Country TWG through the IPC national coordinator/focal point.
·         Support the RC and GSU technical staff with the coordination of the real time and retroactive quality and compliance review of IPC products and strategic engagement plans.
·         Support the RC in the coordination, organization, consolidation and dissemination of IPC lessons learned from in-country IPC activities in collaboration with the Country TWG, the IPC Regional Support Team, and the GSU.
·         Support the RC in the coordination and the implementation of the Strategic Engagement Plan developed by GSU for selected countries.
·         Participate in IPC GSU and FAO meetings and workshops, as needed.
·         Regularly update the IPC Regional Coordinator on work plan progress, informally and formally, briefing on relevant issues and discussions that may arise, seeking guidance and decisions.
·         Undertake other activities, as required and/or requested
Minimum Requirements
·         Master’s degree in Agriculture, Economics, Statistics, Social Science or relevant field
·         5 years of relevant experience in food security information and analysis (agriculture, nutrition, livelihoods, etc.) in East and Central Africa, with sufficient knowledge on IPC Acute and Chronic.
·         At least 5 years work experience with statistical analysis; proficient of statistics packages such as SPSS or STATA.
·         Experience in analyzing food security related primary data from field surveys and knowledge of regional and national food security information and monitoring systems highly desirable.
·         Proven ability to lead technical training and capacity building initiatives.
·         Ability to work well within multi-sector and multi-agency working groups, strong interpersonal and communication skills, writing ability, and oral presentation skills.
·         Fluent in French and working knowledge of English.
·         Proficiency in quantitative methods
How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit their application by email to vacancy-kenya@fao.org quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number.
A duly completed Personal Profile Form (PPF) generated from FAO’s iRecruitment portal as a PDF-file is to be submitted by email together with a cover letter.
Please note that attached resumes or CV’s in place of the PPF will not be accepted.
In order to prepare a Personal Profile Form, you must first register on the FAO iRecruitment site by clicking on the following link to register: http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/
In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line profile are completed.
Deadline for Application: 13 November 2016


Position Title: Junior Consultant – Food Science and Nutrition
Contract Type: Personal Service Agreement
Duty Station: Nairobi
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation Office in Kenya
Duration: 164 days when actually employed to 31 May 2017
Eligible Candidates: Kenyan Nationals
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
General Description of Tasks and Objectives to be achieved: Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, technical supervision of the projects Lead Technical Officer – Nutrition Education and Consumer Awareness Group (ESNDD), Nutrition Division of FAO in Rome and direct supervision of Head of Nutrition Unit, FAO Kenya and in collaboration with the National Government through the National Project Coordinator, the Junior Consultant will perform the following tasks;
·         Undertake a systematic literature research using SCOPUS or similar search engines to collect compositional data on Kenyan foods
·         Analyse data sources based on set criteria to evaluate their inclusion or exclusion for further compilation
·         Work with selected entity in the preparation, measuring, calculation and data entry of the Kenyan recipes activities
·         Support compilation of compositional data into the INFOODS compilation tool following international standards and guidelines
·         Support food composition data processing and management into the archival database during calculations estimation and imputation of data in the reference data base
·         Support the project coordinator in arranging for relevant meetings and recording the minutes for the meetings
·         Support the project coordinator in preparation of project reports
Minimum Requirements
·         University Degree in Food Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics or related field.
·         At least one year experience in food composition related activities which includes completion of e-learning course on INFOODS Food composition tables; food sampling training and activities in the counties, data collection and compilation
·         Working knowledge of English
·         Competency in the use of Computer Applications
How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit their application by email to vacancy-kenya@fao.org quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number.
A duly completed Personal Profile Form (PPF) generated from FAO’s iRecruitment portal as a PDF-file is to be submitted by email together with a cover letter.
Please note that attached resumes or CV’s in place of the PPF will not be accepted.
In order to prepare a Personal Profile Form, you must first register on the FAO iRecruitment site by clicking on the following link to register: http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/
In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line profile are completed.
Deadline for Application: 13 November 2016


Vacancy Announcement No: VA-011-2016
Position Title: Driver (6 Positions)
Grade Level: SC2
Contract Type: Service Contract – NPP
Duty Station: Tanariver, Samburu, Marsabit, Baringo, Nandi, Westpokot
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation Office in Kenya
Duration: 3 months with possibility of extension
Eligible Candidates: Kenyan Nationals
Anticipated Start Date: February 2017
General Description of Tasks and Objectives to be achieved: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Kenya seeks to fill in the position of Drivers for implementation of the EU-funded project Support to the attainment of Vision 2030 through Devolved Land Reforms in Kenya (GCP/KEN/085/EC).
Reporting Line: Under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Administration) and the direct supervision of the Head of Logistics the incumbent performs the following:
Specific Functions
·         Drive and transport FAO personnel/missions to various meetings and other location in the country
·         Maintains updated records of vehicle movement logs, vehicle fuel consumption service and repair records
·         Ensure assigned vehicle is always clean serviced and repaired as per the specified schedule and in good working conditions at all times
·         Perform minor vehicle repairs.
·         Organize for security escort services for all FAO missions involved in
·         Maintain Monthly log book records and fuel records including collection of invoices and submission to Nairobi office
·         Facilitate planning of all local travel
·         Day to day maintenance of FAO vehicle, ensure vehicle assigned is in good working condition at all times, report defects or damages on time
·         Provide transportation and mobility of FAO staff and visitors
·         Trip planning during missions
·         Ensuring security of FAO staff and property while driving as well as reporting to radio room as required while on mission

·         Offer Logistical support and perform other clerical duties as may be assigned
Minimum Requirements
·         Secondary school education.
·         Minimum five years accident free driving experience in an office environment.
·         Motor vehicle mechanical repair a distinct advantage.
·         Working experience with UN agencies is an added advantage.
·         Fluent in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
·         Valid Driving Licence and certificate of good conduct.
·         Tact, politeness, courtesy and ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with people of different national and cultural background.
·         Ability to operate modern PC-based electronic communications systems.
How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit their application by email to vacancy-kenya@fao.org quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number.
A duly completed Personal Profile Form (PPF) generated from FAO’s iRecruitment portal as a PDF-file is to be submitted by email together with a cover letter.
Please note that attached resumes or CV’s in place of the PPF will not be accepted.
In order to prepare a Personal Profile Form, you must first register on the FAO iRecruitment site by clicking on the following link to register: http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/
In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line profile are completed.
Deadline for Application: 13 November 2016


Position Title: National NRM and Environment Officer
Grade Level: SC8
Contract Type: Service Contract – NPP
Duty Station: Nairobi
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation Office in Kenya
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Eligible Candidates: Kenyan Nationals
Anticipated Start Date: January 2017
General Description of Tasks and Objectives to be achieved: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Kenya seeks to fill in the position of National NRM and Environment Officer for implementation of the EU-funded project Support to the attainment of Vision 2030 through Devolved Land Reforms in Kenya (GCP/KEN/085/EC).
Reporting Line: Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, the direct technical supervision of the Head of Sector Natural Resource Management, guidance from Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in close collaboration with other sectors in FAO Kenya office, the National NRM and Environment Officer shall undertake the following duties:
Technical Functions
·         Support the overall execution and management of the land programme;
·         Support the identification and analysis of the major components and status of land and natural resources in the counties;
·         Ensure the identification of capacity development needs of various stakeholder groups to sustainably manage natural resources;
·         Ensure effective liaison with local and national authorities, key partners, and stakeholders on a regular basis;
·         Mainstreaming of climate change agenda and disaster risk reduction in the land programme;
·         Ensure the integration of indigenous knowledge and systems in land management;
·         Development and review of work plans, budgets and procurement plans;
·         Support the preparation of technical and training materials needed for the land programme or related projects;
·         Support the preparation of programme periodic project reports and briefs and reviews;
·         Preparing, monitoring and revising work plans, guidelines and budgets;
·         Support resource mobilisation and creating linkages with related programmes at county and national level;
·         Preparing operational project documents and reports;
·         Represent FAO in relevant meetings and undertake any other duty as may be assigned from time to time.
Minimum Requirements
·         Advanced degree in natural resource management, water, environment or related field
·         5 years of professional experience in natural resource management or environmental issues.
·         5 years of relevant experience in project management, design, monitoring and evaluation
·         Experience in the ASAL development and climate change adaptation or mitigation
·         Good communication and reporting skills
How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit their application by email to vacancy-kenya@fao.org quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number.
A duly completed Personal Profile Form (PPF) generated from FAO’s iRecruitment portal as a PDF-file is to be submitted by email together with a cover letter.
Please note that attached resumes or CV’s in place of the PPF will not be accepted.
In order to prepare a Personal Profile Form, you must first register on the FAO iRecruitment site by clicking on the following link to register: http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/
In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line profile are completed.
Deadline for Application: 13 November 2016


Position Title: Land Technical Officer
(8 positions)
Grade Level: SC8
Contract Type: Service Contract – NPP
Duty Station: Tanariver, Turkana Samburu, Marsabit, Baringo,Nandi, Westpokot and Laikipia Counties
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation Office in Kenya
Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension
Eligible Candidates: Kenyan Nationals
Anticipated Start Date: February 2017
General Description of Tasks and Objectives to be achieved: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Kenya seeks to fill in the position of Land Technical officer for implementation of the EU-funded project Support to the attainment of Vision 2030 through Devolved Land Reforms in Kenya (GCP/KEN/085/EC).
Reporting Line: Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya and the technical guidance of the Sector Head and in close collaboration with the Programme Manager, the Land Technical Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Key Function: The Land Technical Officer shall represent FAO to other stakeholders and be responsible for the implementation of activities in one of the following eight counties: Tana River, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Baringo, Nandi, West Pokot and Laikipia.
Technical Functions
·         In close coordination with the Programme Manager, act as a County Programme Officer (CPO) for the full implementation of scheduled activities on the land programme.
·         Plan and report (in the web-based database) all county activities on a monthly basis in collaboration with county programme and administrative officers and in consultation with sector heads.
·         Provide the first level of line management to county programme officers and support their engagement with the relevant county ministries under guidance of the programme manager, provide technical support for the establishment and trainings of partner institutions in the County.
·         Guide and provide technical advice on the identification of existing policies, institutional and legal gaps/conflicts for sustainable governance of community lands and natural resources in alignment of the FAO county programme with a) the CPF and b) the CIDP.
·         With support from the Programme Manager, provide methodological recommendations for inclusive and negotiated Land Use Planning with the County Government.
·         Promote and technically support county government and community groups trained on Voluntary Guidelines and other related FAO tools, e.g. Participatory Land Delimitation (PLD) methodology, Improving Gender Equality in Territorial Issues (IGETI), etc. for monitoring efficiency and transparency in community land administration and management and training on provisions of the new legal frameworks for land governance.
·         In the absence of a Head of County, the Land Technical officer shall represent FAO in holding regular meetings with senior county government officials and being the prime point of contact between the County Governor and FAO Kenya.
·         Monitor the progress and execution of activities as per the work plan, and perform other duties as required
Minimum Requirements
·         University degree in Natural Resource Management, Land Management, Land Administration, Surveying, or Legal studies required.
·         At least 4 years of experience in natural resource management programmes at national level.
·         Excellent understanding of the Kenya policy context in relation to land and natural resource management and climate change
·         Familiarity with FAO modus operandi and other UN programming approaches or previous experience in working for INGOs and/or NGOs
·         Knowledge of FAO methodologies and other relevant studies to perform this work.
·         Excellent written and oral communications skills.
·         Excellent strategic visioning, creative thinking and problem solving skills.
·         Competence in Result Based Management and Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation tools.
·         Excellent working knowledge of computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and GIS).
·         High level of integrity and accountability, flexible approaches to work and commitment.
·         Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure with a wide range of individuals and institutions
How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit their application by email to vacancy-kenya@fao.org quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number.
A duly completed Personal Profile Form (PPF) generated from FAO’s iRecruitment portal as a PDF-file is to be submitted by email together with a cover letter.
Please note that attached resumes or CV’s in place of the PPF will not be accepted.
In order to prepare a Personal Profile Form, you must first register on the FAO iRecruitment site by clicking on the following link to register: http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/
In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line profile are completed.
Deadline for Application: 13 November 2016


Position Title: Assistant Operations Officer
Grade Level: SC8
Contract Type: Service Contract – NPP
Duty Station: Nairobi
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation Office in Kenya
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Eligible Candidates: Kenyan Nationals
Anticipated Start Date: February 2017
General Description of Tasks and Objectives to be achieved: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Kenya seeks to fill in the position of Operations Officer for implementation of the EU-funded project Support to the attainment of Vision 2030 through Devolved Land Reforms in Kenya (GCP/KEN/085/EC).
Reporting Line: Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Kenya, general supervision of the Head of the PST, the direct supervision of the Land and NRM sector head, the Operations officer will provide support to the Land programme in the following way:
Key function: Ensuring the timely delivery of all sector related operational inputs as well as maintaining excel records of planned project expenditure and commitments
Specific Functions:
·         Immediately after project operationalization, plan with Responsible Officers and Project Mangers the services to be provided under MS 507 and MS 502, taking account of timing, linkages and consider the appropriateness of each manual section
·         Support project managers to develop procurement requests, request for quotations and bid documents which comply with FAO regulations and are of sufficient quality to clear initial QA by the sector head.
·         Track all procurement requests and follow up where necessary in order to ensure timely delivery to the field.
·         Maintain a register of where all assets procured by the projects are, ensure proper hand over of assets, and liaise with Finance Unit for recording into the FAO corporate assets register.
·         In collaboration with other sector officers, compile a list of technical specifications for commonly procured items
·         Insert all project, commitment and planned commitment into excel allotment forms and appraise project managers and sector heads of delivery on a monthly basis
·         Maintain an up to date register of all sector contracts and LOAs on the Shared Drive (Contract / LOA no., PO n., Service Provider, Project, Dates of Signature by FAO and SP, Date of Closure, Reporting Deadlines, Report Clearance dates, Payment dates, Amendments) and Contacts of SP: Signatory, Technical Responsible and Financial Officer .
·         Review the adequacy of the Financial Reports submitted from service providers and (in collaboration with the PMU and CSU) request additional info where appropriate
·         Submit financial and narrative reports (from service providers) to CSU for payment once cleared by sector head
·         Perform other related duties and activities upon instructions received from sector head
Minimum Requirements
·         Bachelor’s Degree in Social science, Education, Community Development, Programme Management or related Fields.
·         Minimum 3 years’ experience working in a similar position; more specifically experience in programme design and project cycle management.
·         Must have fluency in English.
·         Good communication, analytical, presentation and reporting skills and a team player.
·         Competency in the use of Computer Applications MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint.
Proven experience with UN regulations and procedures will be an added advantage.
How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit their application by email to vacancy-kenya@fao.org quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number.
A duly completed Personal Profile Form (PPF) generated from FAO’s iRecruitment portal as a PDF-file is to be submitted by email together with a cover letter.
Please note that attached resumes or CV’s in place of the PPF will not be accepted.
In order to prepare a Personal Profile Form, you must first register on the FAO iRecruitment site by clicking on the following link to register: http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/
In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line profile are completed.
Deadline for Application: 13 November 2016

Vacancy Announcement No: VA-007-2016
Position Title: Land Programme Manager
Grade Level: SC10
Contract Type: Service Contract – NPP
Duty Station: Nairobi
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation Office in Kenya
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Eligible Candidates: Kenyan Nationals
Anticipated Start Date: January 2017
General Description of Tasks and Objectives to be achieved: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Kenya seeks to fill in the position of Land Programme Manager for implementation of the EU-funded project Support to the attainment of Vision 2030 through Devolved Land Reforms in Kenya (GCP/KEN/085/EC).
Reporting Line: Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, the guidance and technical supervision of the NRM Sector Head and the LTO/LTU, in full collaboration with officials from Ministry of Lands and NLC, the land programme manager shall be responsible for the management of the Kenya Land programme as part of the Natural Resource Management (NRM) sector activities as below;
Key Function: The Land Programme Manager shall represent FAO to other stakeholders and be responsible for the implementation of activities at the national level.
Technical Functions
·         Provide overall managerial leadership of the Land programme, in all its aspects (technical, financial, operational)
·         Ensure that programme activities are implemented in coherence with technical guidance and standards, as set by FAO Representation in Kenya
·         Support the formulation and harmonization of Policy, institutional and legal framework for sustainable governance of community lands and natural resources
·         Liaise with donors and Government institutions counterparts from the land sector to promote the programme and enhance overall attention to land issues
·         Promote and technically support national institutions, county government and community groups on:
1.    the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forest in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT)
2.    land tenure and natural resource use mapping and develop recommendations for an inclusive and negotiated land use planning in target counties
·         Ensure effective liaison with National authorities, key partners, and stakeholders on a regular basis; to identify and flag implementation bottlenecks and proactively propose specific solutions to address them; follow up on resolution of bottlenecks until resolved
·         Guide and support the assessment and baseline studies to set up the monitoring and evaluation system of progress and impact on community land
·         Provide the Programme Support Team (PST) and the Corporate Support Services, with all necessary planning (e.g. work plans HR plan, procurement plan, etc.) including all the technical information required;
·         Leads field missions including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;
·         Have full knowledge of the legal framework on land and natural resources and capacity to train respond or represent FAO on policy land issues.
Minimum Requirements
·         Advanced university degree in Agronomy, Forestry, Natural Resources Management or equivalent sciences.
·         5 years of relevant experience in management of multi-million projects/programmes implemented in strong collaboration with National Institutions.
·         Proven experience in working with Government Institutions in joint programme/project implementation.
·         Proven experience in donor and other stakeholder liaison.
·         Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili.
Selection criteria
·         Extent of knowledge of agricultural and environmental policies and its relation to rural livelihoods and environmental services, in East Africa
·         Extent of relevant stakeholders network in the region and experience engaging with key stakeholders in research, national authorities and private sector
How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit their application by email to vacancy-kenya@fao.org quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number.
A duly completed Personal Profile Form (PPF) generated from FAO’s iRecruitment portal as a PDF-file is to be submitted by email together with a cover letter.
Please note that attached resumes or CV’s in place of the PPF will not be accepted.
In order to prepare a Personal Profile Form, you must first register on the FAO iRecruitment site by clicking on the following link to register: http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/
In order for your application to be properly evaluated, please ensure that all sections of the on-line profile are completed.
Deadline for Application: 13 November 2016
Applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
This vacancy is open to both male and female candidates.
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.