NGO Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya – 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.  

Employing more than 450 national and international staff, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with outposts in Ethiopia and on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya. 

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.

Technical Assistant (Pollination Ecology)
 

Ref No.NRS/101/032015
 

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Technical Assistant (Pollination Ecology) in the Environmental Health Division, EU Bee Health Project.

The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya with travel to participating African countries. 

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

Overall Purpose of the Job: To assist in setting up bee pollination experiments in greenhouses and the open field following written standard operating procedures (SOPs) in pollination ecology and bee conservation of the Bee Health project.

Responsibilities include:

• Setting up and maintaining honeybee, stingless bee and carpenter bee colonies for use as pollinators in greenhouses.
• Assisting in setting up bee pollination experiments in the open field and greenhouses.
• Participating in the collection and management of bee samples from visited crops in the open field in different agroecological zones.
• Assisting in data collection of pollination efficiency of bees in greenhouses and open fields.
• Performing lab analysis of collected samples from different bee visitations on pollinated crops.
• Generating laboratory data and maintaining a database of all the laboratory results.
• Performing regular instrument maintenance.
• Maintaining instrument logs and records on instrument maintenance schedules.
• Monitoring and facilitating procurement of lab supplies, and equipment inventory.
• Training interns and students on attachment.

Knowledge and Skills Required for Performing the Job

• Knowledge of planting experimental plots.
• Knowledge of horticulture.
• Knowledge of crop protection and treatment against diseases and pests.
• Knowledge of management of bee colonies set up in experimental open field and greenhouse plots.
• Ability to write and follow SOPs.
• Ability to operate or use small laboratory instruments (including optical microscopes, balances, refractometers and Vernier callipers).
• Experience in performing general sample solutions preparation according to SOPs.
• Ability to analyse and report results.
• Computer literate.
• Good field sampling and data collection skills.
• Knowledge in laboratory management.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Diploma with at least 2 to 4 years of experience in horticulture or organic agriculture.
• Training in greenhouse maintenance.
• Training in management of crop diseases and pests.
• Training in beekeeping.

Other Desirable Attributes

• No prior allergic reactions to bee venom.
• Must be highly organised, detail oriented and possess good time management skills.
• Willing to participate in basic horticulture work.
• Flexible and willing to work under pressure.
• Ability to take independent initiative in terms of day-to-day tasks.
• Ability to work and think independently.
• Self-motivated and highly responsible.
• Willing to learn new skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with management and field staff in different African countries.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and to reason independently.
• Well presented and able to articulate professionally and clearly within the international forum.

Reporting: This position reports to the Project Team Leader.

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

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before 7th April 2015. 

Please quote the job reference number NRS/101/032015 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:

technicalassistantpollination@icipe.org

Technical Assistant (Bee Conservation and Diversity)
 

Ref No.NRS/102/032015
 

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Technical Assistant (Bee Conservation and Diversity) in the Environmental Health Division, EU Bee Health Project. 

The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya with travel to participating African countries. 

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

Overall Purpose of the Job: To assist in setting up of bee pollination experiments in greenhouses and the open field following written standard operating procedures (SOPs) in pollination ecology and bee conservation of the Bee Health Project.
 

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting in collection of bee samples in the field in different agroecological zones.
• Performing morphometric analyses on bee samples collected from different agroecological zones.
• Assisting in bee sample preparation for barcoding analysis.
• Assisting in behavioural study of targeted bee pollinator species.
• Generating data and maintaining a database of all morphometric, nesting habit and species diversity results from different agroecological zones.
• Establishing and curating bee collections from different project countries.
• Maintaining instrument logs and records on instrument maintenance schedules.
• Monitoring and facilitating procurement of lab supplies, and equipment inventory.
• Training interns and students on attachment.

Knowledge and Skills Required for Performing the Job

• Knowledge in use of various bee traps for collecting bee samples in the field.
• Good bee sampling techniques in the field and data collection skills.
• Knowledge of preparation of specimens and curating of bee collections.
• Knowledge of mounting bee samples for morphometrics and barcoding.
• Ability to write and follow SOPs.
• Ability to operate or use small laboratory equipment (including optical microscopes, balances, incubator, hot air ovens and Vernier callipers).
• Experience in performing general sample solutions preparation according to SOPs.
• Ability to analyse and report results.
• Computer literate.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Diploma with at least 2 to 4 years of experience in applied biology.
• Training in insect dissection.
• Training in microscopy.
• Training in beekeeping.

Other Desirable Attributes

• No prior allergic reactions to bee venom.
• Flexible and willing to work under pressure.
• Ability to work and think independently.
• Ability to take independent initiative in terms of day-to-day tasks.
• Self-motivated and highly responsible.
• Willing to learn new skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with management and field staff in different African countries.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and to reason independently.
• Well presented and able to articulate professionally and clearly within the international forum.
• Willing to participate in other work assignments.

Reporting: This position reports to the Project Team Leader.

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

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before 7th April 2015.  

Please quote the job reference number NRS/102/032015 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:

technicalassistantconservation@icipe.org

Laboratory Technician (Biochemistry)
 

Ref No.NRS/103/032015
 

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Laboratory Technician (Biochemistry) in the Environmental Health Division, EU Bee Health Project. 

The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya with travel to participating African countries. 

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

Overall Purpose of the Job: To set up histology and histochemistry staining methods for neurohormones in bees and carry out DNA barcoding of honeybees and stingless bees.
 

Responsibilities:

• Carry out DNA barcoding of honeybee species.
• Carry out brain dissections of honeybees and stingless bees.
• Determine levels of vitellogenin in haemolymph of female castes of Apis mellifera.
• Perform data entry, coding and archiving of behavioural data.
• Monitor and facilitate procurement of lab supplies, and equipment inventory.
• Analyse research data, prepare progress reports and presentations, and contribute to preparing manuscripts for submission to scientific refereed journals.
• Participate in the collection of bee samples in the field.
• Develop methods to identify the titre of vitellogenin in the honeybee species.
• Set up histology and histochemistry staining methods for neurohormones.
• Provide training to professionals and students from satellite stations in DNA fingerprinting and endocrinology.

Knowledge and Skills Required for Performing the Job

The suitable candidate must possess the following:

• Ability to perform nucleic acid extraction and amplification tests;
• Ability to perform basic techniques such as gel electrophoresis;
• Ability to perform cloning and recombinant protein expression, and Western blotting techniques;
• Bioinformatics skills;
• Vitellogenin levels measurement skills, using immunological techniques;
• Ability to carry out brain dissections and stain for neurohormones.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in related subjects, and at least 5 years experience in a molecular laboratory.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Ability to interact effectively with field staff in different African countries.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to take independent initiative in terms of day-to-day task management.
• Self-motivated and highly responsible.

Reporting: This position reports to the Project Team Leader through the immediate supervisor/manager.

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

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before 28th April 2015, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. 

Please quote the job reference number NRS/103/032015 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 statement on research interests, and remuneration package to:

technicianbiochemistry@icipe.org

Laboratory Technician (Molecular Biology)
Ref No.NRS/104/032015
 

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Laboratory Technician (Molecular Biology) in the Environmental Health Division, EU Bee Health Project.

The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya with travel to participating African countries. 

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

Overall Purpose of the Job: To apply molecular biology tools in diagnosis of honeybee pests and diseases, and presenting trial protocols and data to the project Team Leader through the immediate supervisor/manager.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Participate in the collection of bee samples in the field;
• Apply molecular diagnostic tests to identify pathogens associated with bee diseases according to standards established by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE);
• Measure proteins such as vitellogenin and juvenile hormones levels using immunological techniques.

Knowledge and Skills Required for Performing the Job

The suitable candidate must possess the following:

• Ability to perform nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification;
• Ability to perform gel electrophoresis;
• Ability to perform western blot analysis;
• Bioinformatics skills.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (BSc) degree in related subjects, and at least 2 years experience in a molecular laboratory.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Ability to interact effectively with field staff in different African countries.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to take independent initiative in terms of day-to-day task management.
• Self-motivated and highly responsible.

Reporting: This position reports to the Project Team Leader through the immediate supervisor/manager.

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

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before 28th April 2015, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. 

Please quote the job reference number NRS/104/032015 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 statement on research interests, and remuneration package to:

technicianmolecularbiology@icipe.org 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Chemical Ecology
 

Ref No.IRS/105/032015
 

icipe wishes to recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Chemical Ecology in the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)-supported Sustainable Crop Production for International Development (SCPRID) Project, in the Push–Pull Programme. 

The position is tenable at the icipe Thomas R. Odhiambo Campus in western Kenya 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. 

Overall purpose of the job

He/she will be expected to be among a team tasked with:

• Identifying ‘elicitors’ from stemborer eggs that induce maize and sorghum plants to emit plant volatiles;
• Screening of different wild and cultivated grasses for the early herbivory trait;
• Studying plant-to-plant communication.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Extract, fractionate and purify stemborer egg material and conduct bioassay guided identification of elicitor;
• Expose plants to elicitor/gravid moths for oviposition, collect the plant volatiles, and determine parasitoid responses using olfactometer bioassays;
• Determine changes in volatile profiles and identify the key volatile organic compounds emitted by the plants and those that elicit behavioural responses in the insects;
• Assist the icipe team involved in phenotyping the maize and sorghum lines with the ‘smart’ trait;
• Publish and communicate research findings through internationally recognised forums and contribute to the dissemination of research findings to stakeholders.

Knowledge and skills required for performing the job

• Ability to design, undertake and analyse laboratory, screenhouse and field experiments.
• Proficiency in use of statistical tools, especially R and other statistical software.
• Experience in semiochemical research will be preferred.

Requirements / Qualifications

• PhD in chemical ecology, with a strong background in entomology and chemistry, obtained within the last 3 years from a recognised university.
• Knowledge of chemical ecology procedures, including isolation, behavioural assays and identification of semiochemicals.
• Instrumentation skills such as GC, MS, HPLC and electrophysiology (EAG, GC-EAG).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including strategic thinking and ability to present coherent and convincing analyses to different audiences.
• Strong publication record in relevant areas at the associate scientist or scientist level or demonstrated high potential to publish at the postdoctoral fellow level.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Excellent communications skills and ability to work well as part of multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal, management and organisational skills.

Reporting: This position reports to the Programme Leader, Push–Pull Programme.

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

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before 31st March 2015. 

Please quote the job reference number IRS/105/032015 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:

postdocchemicalecology@icipe.org

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer