NGO Jobs in Nairobi Kenya - icipe

Vacancy Announcement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Integrated Use of Tsetse Repellents in “Push-Pull” Strategies

Ref No. IRS/106/042015

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.

icipe wishes to recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Integrated Use of Tsetse Repellents in “Push-Pull” Strategies in the EU-Funded Integrated Biological Control Applied Research Programme (IBCARP), Animal Health Division. 

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. 

Overall purpose of the job: The succesful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team to undertake research in the development/optimisation of repellents as part of an integrated strategy for innovative control of vectors of trypanosomiasis.
 
Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Conduct research on the development/optimisation of effective barriers incorporating repellents with other tsetse control tactics (in push–pull strategies) to stop tsetse flies reinvading areas where they have been controlled;
  • Assist in identifying constraints and provide detailed feedback for further optimisation of repellent technology as an integrated tsetse and trypanosomiasis control strategy;
  • Assist in awareness creation of the repellent technology and in providing scientific backstopping and quality control to agricultural development programmes;
  • Prepare high quality field reports and assist the PI to revise work plans as appropriate to meet changing challenges, needs and requirements in the field;
  • Maintain an active research portfolio including publishing in peer reviewed international journals;
  • Develop and maintain effective collaborations with internal and external research partners.
Knowledge and Skills Required for performing the job
  • Experience working on ecology of arthropods/disease vectors preferably with field experience with tsetse flies.
  • Experience working with tsetse under field conditions would be a distinct advantage.
  • Must have ability to generate additional funds for relevant research.
Requirements / Qualifications
  • PhD in ecology/entomology.
Other Desirable Attributes
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and collaborate with different R&D actors.
  • Ability to mentor technical staff and students.
  • Ability to undertake capacity building at all levels.
  • Excellent reporting and communication skills.
  • Excellent computer literacy skills.
Reporting: This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

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

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before 22nd April 2015. 

Please quote the job reference number IRS/106/042015 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 a complete publications list, and

(c) a statement of research experience, interests and career goals, to:

postdoctsetserepellents@icipe.org
A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. 

Vacancy Announcement:Senior Research Assistant - Data Management

Ref No.NRS/107/042015
 
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.
icipe wishes to recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Senior Research Assistant - Data Management in the EU-Funded Integrated Biological Control Applied Research Programme (IBCARP), Animal Health Division.

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.

Overall purpose of the job: The overall purpose of the job is to manage research data, making sure the data are of high quality, well organised, ready for detailed statistical analyses, documented, preserved and their validity controlled at all times. 

The incumbent will also set up data management system(s) for all project activities by working closely with other data teams.
 
Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Participate in the design and implementation of field studies;
  • Assist in designing data collection tools, questionnaires and data collection templates;
  • Coordinate data collection, data entry, data validation and checking using appropriate software;
  • Use excellent qualitative and quantitative skills to manage and manipulate data, provide summaries and analyse and compile results;
  • Ensure data management quality assurance at all stages of data management from data collection to generation of data analysis datasets;
  • Timely generation of data progress reports for monitoring study progress;
  • Provide technical guidance and oversight to other technical staff in data entry and management.
Knowledge and skills required for performing the job
  • Proficient in using MS Excel and R or other relevant database management software.
  • Strong qualitative and/or quantitative analysis capabilities.
Requirements / Qualifications
  • Master’s in information/computer science, public health, statistics, data management, or equivalent field is required. 
  • Candidates with BSc degree with at least three years’ working experience in data management, programming and analysis in the health, agricultural or medical entomology fields are also welcome to apply.
  • Willingness to undertake extensive travelling to project areas for data entry and management.
Other Desirable Attributes
  • Ability to interact effectively with management and other staff of different nationalities.
  • Good interpersonal skills for teamwork.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English and to reason independently.
  • Ability to take independent initiative in terms of day-to-day task management.
  • Self-motivated, highly responsible and quick to learn.
  • Flexible and willing to work under pressure.
  • Ability to drive.
Reporting: This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

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

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before 22nd April 2015. 

Please quote the job reference number NRS/107/042015 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 a complete publications list, and 

(c) a statement of research experience, interests and career goals, to:

researchassistantdata@icipe.org

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

Vacancy Announcement:Technician - Tsetse Repellents
(2 Posts)

Ref No.NRS/108/042015

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.

icipe wishes to recruit two suitable persons to fill the position of Technician - Tsetse Repellents in the EU-Funded Integrated Biological Control Applied Research Programme (IBCARP), Animal Health Division. 

The position is tenable at the Kenya coast in the icipe Muhaka Field Site 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: The overall purpose of the job is to assist the scientists in the optimisation of tsetse repellents for upscaling and rollout to infested countries.
 
Responsibilities:

The successful candidates will be expected to:
  • Assist in conducting field and laboratory experiments as prescribed by scientist(s) within icipe scientific procedures and guidelines, collecting and recording data for scientific research;
  • Drive scientist(s) and other staff to the field;
  • Assist with handling experimental animals and taking blood samples for examination;
  • Must maintain excellent contact/rapport with farming communities involved in R&D work and assist in their training;
  • Assist with tsetse trapping and entering of data in data sheets and into the computer for analysis;
  • Analyse data and generate reports both for internal and external use;
  • Make sure that experimental equipment and motor vehicles are well maintained;
  • Generate laboratory/field data and maintain a database of all results;
  • Monitor and facilitate procurement of lab supplies, and equipment inventory;
  • Ensure cost effective use of resources;
  • Assist in keeping the laboratories and stores in a clean state;
  • Train interns and students on attachment;
  • Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Knowledge and skills required for performing the job
  • Experience in handling animals and working with tsetse will be preferred.
  • Must have a valid driving licence and proven accident free driving.
  • Must be computer literate.
Requirements / Qualifications
  • BSc/HND or certificate in animal health. 
  • Candidates with ‘O’ levels certificate with at least three years of working experience in a busy research laboratory with extensive field work related to vector biology and control may be considered.
Other Desirable Attributes
  • Works independently with minimal supervision.
  • Maintains frequent contact with scientists and other technical staff for exchange of information.
  • A team player with ability to maintain harmonious working relationship in a multi-racial environment.
Reporting: This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

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

How to Apply
All applications must arrive via email on or before 22nd April 2015. 

Please quote the job reference number NRS/108/042015 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 a complete publications list, and 

(c) a statement of research experience, interests and career goals, to:

tsetsetechnician@icipe.org

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

Short-Term Consultancy for Impact Evaluation of the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme (FCP) in Kenya

Terms of Reference for a Consultant to Evaluate the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme (FCP) In Kenya
 
Ref No. CO/109/042015

1. Identification Information

Position: Consultant for FCP Evaluation
 
Location: Nairobi
 
Expected Duration of Assignment: 45 Working Days
 
Starting date: By 1 May 2015

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is an intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and funded by various governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in sustainable management of insects (arthropods) for improving comprehensive health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. 

With research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in eastern Africa, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, and collaborating with partners globally, icipe is known and respected for its endeavour to provide better health for people and livestock, better crop yields and its immense contribution towards a better environment for sustainability of ecosystems and livelihoods in Africa.

icipe wishes to recruit a competent CONSULTANT TO ASSESS THE ACHIEVEMENTS and impact OF THE BIOVISION FARMER COMMUNICATION PROGRAMME (FCP) in order to strengthen accountability to stakeholders and foster learning that will improve the effectiveness of the programme in ecological and sustainable agriculture development programmes. 

FCP envisions food secure and healthy farming communities in eastern Africa with adequate nutrition and incomes for sustained livelihoods. 

Its mission is to enable small-scale farmers to access and utilise information on ecologically sustainable agriculture through integrated communication channels. 

Having been in existence since 2011, FCP’s overall goal is to promote access to and use of information on ecologically sustainable agriculture by farmers in East Africa to improve agricultural production, nutrition and income. 

This is through four (4) integrated communication channels: The Infonet-Biovision web-based knowledge platform, The Organic Farmer (TOF) magazine, The Organic Farmer Radio (TOF Radio) programme, and the Farmer Communication Outreach.

The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya at the icipe Duduville Campus. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the most suitable Consultant.

2. Consultancy Description

i. Overall purpose and objectives of the impact assessment

The planned evaluation has two purposes:

(1) to assess the achievements and impacts of the programme and strengthen accountability to stakeholders, and 

(2) to foster learning that will improve the effectiveness of the programme in ecological and sustainable agriculture development programs. 

Results of the evaluation will be incorporated into the programming cycle from 2016 to improve the design and management of FCP interventions in ecological and sustainable agriculture.
 
Objectives of the Evaluation
  • To determine the relevance, usefulness and appropriateness of the products of the FCP communication pathways to users’ needs and preferences.
  • To determine the number of people reached by each of the four FCP information and communication pathways – (TOF magazine, TOF Radio radio, Farmer Communication Outreach, Infonet-Biovision and other FCP web-based platforms).
  • To assess effectiveness of FCP projects in influencing farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and uptake of practices and/or technologies in sustainable agriculture in the 4-H areas, and the mechanisms by which this occurred.
  • To assess the efficacy of each FCP information and communication pathway towards contributing to key programme outcomes including increased agricultural production, productivity, food security, income and farmer welfare.
  • To draw key lessons learnt from the programme implementation in partnership with various actors (farmers, extensionists, researchers, policymakers, partners, etc) based on their opinion of what has worked and what has not worked well to inform recommendations for addressing the weaknesses and challenges, future programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation on a sustained basis.
ii. Scope of the Consultancy: The Consultant is expected to review and understand the FCP programme intervention strategy (theory of change) with the aim of developing an appropriate evaluation design, collect and analyze relevant data to answer the key evaluation questions and generate reports detailing the results of the exercise.

Specifically, the Consultant is expected to:

a) Undertake desktop research to review relevant programme documents, reports (both narrative and financial) submitted to donors from 2011-2014 including communication materials produced, and literature.

b) Assess the overall FCP coordination and cooperation among the programme coordinator, managers, staff in various processes and mechanisms relating to FCP since the programme started and recommend how it can be improved.

c) Develop checklists and tools for data collection. The tools will be reviewed by the FCP staff.

d) Collect and analyse data, and prepare a draft report of the findings.

e) Present preliminary evaluation results to FCP staff, partners and other stakeholders.

f) Integrate stakeholders’ feedback and prepare and submit the final Impact Assessment Report that is a maximum of 30 pages (excluding annexes) and includes recommendations.

3. The Evaluation Methodology / Approach

The Consultant is expected to develop an appropriate evaluation approach/methodology to address the evaluation objectives. 

The evaluation strategy adopted should demonstrate a close link between the data collected for an evaluation and the methodology that will be employed to ensure the impact estimate is unbiased. 

The consultant(s), together with the project team and experts, will develop a detailed and appropriate approach/evaluation methodology. 

The evaluation methodology proposed by the consultant will need to be agreed upon by Biovision Farmer Communication Programme team and the Consultant(s) but will include and not limited to:

a) Review of relevant documents on FCP such as bi-annual and annual progress reports, monitoring reports, field visit reports, publications, etc.;

b) Data collection approaches and tools, focusing on structured interviews with farmers and partners who are familiar with the programme;

c) Data analysis techniques, capturing the effectiveness, efficacy and impact of the FCP pathways.

4. Reference Materials

Various materials will be useful to this study including but not limited to:
  • Biovision FCP Strategic Planning Workshop Report
  • Bi-annual and Annual Project Reports
  • Report of the Appraisal of Infonet and other FCP Products/Tools to Develop Guidelines for Future Outlook and Integration
  • Existing household data from national surveys if available
  • Spurk et al. 2013: “Good information is in short supply”
  • Farm Radio International 2011: “The new age of radio: How ICTs are changing rural radio in Africa.
5. Key Deliverables

The Evaluator is expected to produce the following outputs:

a)  An inception report: Elaborating the Evaluation Approach and Methodology, sampling and data collection procedures, a detailed schedule of activities to be undertaken (work plan). The data collection tools will be annexed to this report.

b)  A draft impact evaluation report: Indicating the preliminary results of the exercise. This will be presented to and discussed among the relevant stakeholders for comments.

c)  Final impact evaluation report: Including the Executive summary, Intervention description, Evaluation purpose, Evaluation methodology, Findings, Conclusions, Recommendations and Annexes (list of people interviewed, key documents consulted, data collection instruments).

6. Reporting

The Consultant will work under the overall guidance of the FCP Coordinator and in collaboration with the Biovision Head Office.

7. Minimum Qualifications

We seek competent organization or individual with the following qualifications:
  • A master’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, sociology, development studies, economics or related social sciences. A Bachelor’s degree with proven longer-term work experience may be considered.
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience of conducting impact assessments in agricultural development programmes and projects. Experience in knowledge management will be an advantage.
  • Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations in order to analyze critical issues succinctly and clearly and draw forward-looking conclusions and recommendations.
  • Knowledge and experience in communication research.
  • Substantive knowledge of participatory M&E processes is essential, and experience with CBOs/community development processes, and country experience in Kenya are added advantage.
  • Excellent English writing and communication skills.
The consultant(s) should not have been engaged in the activities to be evaluated, or responsible in decision-making roles for the design, implementation or supervision of the project. 

The exercise requires impartiality and a comprehensive and balanced appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the project and activities being evaluated.

The selected consultant(s) will be expected to adhere to a code of conduct (Statement on Ethics), and conduct self/ themselves according to the expected ethical standards.

Applications will be accepted up to 23rd April 2015. 

Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

How to apply:  

Please send your Technical and Financial Proposals indicating your understanding of the assignment, methodology for conducting the assignment, projected cost of the exercise, and at least one similar evaluation report conducted in the recent part. 

Indicate your availability, detailed curriculum vitae of the consultant(s) to be involved in the assignment, with university certificates and relevant supporting documents.

Please include names/addresses of three referees (with daytime telephone numbers, and email and fax numbers), and a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the consultancy. 


Electronic copies should be sent to consultancybiovisionFCP@icipe.org with the subject heading: Consultancy for Impact Evaluation of the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme.