NGO Jobs in Kenya - ACTS

Grants Officer

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a pioneering development research think tank on harnessing applications of science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa. ACTS is an Intergovernmental organization founded in 1988 to pursue policy oriented research towards strengthening the capacity of African countries and institutions to harness science and technology for sustainable development.  ACTS envisions a sustainable economic, social and environmental future for Africa, through science, technology and innovation.

Overall responsibility

To support staff within two of ACTS’ projects to manage grants, specifically their contract negotiation, grants disbursement, reporting and final close out of grants.

The two projects are as follows:

·         Building Institutional Capacity for Computing research in Kenya (CBICTD)

·         Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Africa

Responsibilities

·         Checking applications meet funding criteria

·         Advising applicants about funding programs and requirements

·         Assessing applications against a strict set of rules

·         Giving information and recommendations to the decision-making panel

·         Keeping applicants informed about the progress of their application

·         Administering grant payments

·         Supporting a caseload of grant holders and monitoring their progress

·         Keeping accurate records of applications and payments

·         Giving presentations to publicise grant schemes

·         Assisting with writing and editing reports

NB: all staff may be given responsibilities outside of this generic task list by their line manager and/or senior management of ACTS as and when required.

Qualifications

·         University degree. Training in development studies and project management will be an added advantage.

·         Appropriate work experience preferably as a grants manager already before (for 3 years)

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills and confidence to operate in a wide range of environments

·         Sound numerical skills

·         Sound IT skills

Person abilities and qualities

·         Ability to work in a team and independently as required

·         Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships

·         Ability to manage your own workload with minimal supervision

·         Confidence to use your judgement, take initiative and challenge when appropriate

How to Apply

Employment term: Full time, 24-months contract

Start date: 1 March 2019

If you are interested in applying please send an application consisting of a motivation letter (setting out how you meet the criteria above), an up-to-date CV, a writing sample (preferably single authored publication) and three relevant references to the Human Resource Manager, ACTS at hr@acts-net.org

Deadline for application: 22 February 2019

Please note that this is not an international post.

If you have queries about this position or about the work that will be expected, please email a.kingiri@acts-net.org

Research Internship

 Objectives

The objective of the assignment is to strengthen AGNES’s technical capacity and provide all the necessary support to AGNES activities through provision of high quality services.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Team Leader, AGNES, the Intern is expected to:

·         Provide technical and administrative support in organizing and implementation of AGNES activities, in particular: i) support to AGN in the climate change negotiations; ii) support to African countries to develop mid century long term low carbon climate resilient development strategies; iii) development and updating of nationally determined contributions (NDCs); iv) IPCC work; and v) Readiness to access climate finance among others;

·         Carry out desk research and expert consultations on identified themes (including agriculture, food and water security, gender and climate change etc) in support of AGNES’s technical support in forging a common African position in the climate change negotiations;

·         Support coordination of the Research Platform on Assessing Global Adaptation Progress (GAP);

·         Review and synthesize documents for use by various target groups including AGNES, the AGN and policy makers;

·         Support the development and dissemination of knowledge products;

·         Work with African scientists to increase their participation in IPCC related activities;

·         Put in place online workspace with relevant documents for AGNES team, including organization of meetings, workshops, seminars, webinars and other similar activities;

·         Prepare meeting reports, meeting minutes, circulate summaries and follow up on action points;

·         Develop and maintain a database of African experts based on the area of expertise, region and institutional affiliation;

·         Assist with coordinating and establishing communication with francophone networks;

·         Assist in resource mobilization to support AGNES activities and strengthen partnerships with governments, AU/NEPAD, AMCEN, UNECA-ACPC, AfDB, FAO, UNFCCC, the World Bank, IDRC, GIZ, regional economic communities (RECs) and other development partners;

·         Be available to participate in or otherwise support national, regional and international meetings as needed including AGNES preparatory and Strategy meetings, SBs sessions, COP, IPCC and others; and

·         Carry out any other relevant tasks as assigned by and agreed with the Team Leader and to support the AGN.

Qualifications 

Education

·         Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Master’s/Ph.D Programme in environment and natural resources, agriculture, economics, law, business administration and social sciences or a related discipline.

Skills

·         Knowledge of international climate change negotiations;

·         Proficiency in using standard software programmes: MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and Access;

·         Strong research and analytical skills;

·         Excellent writing and presentation skills;

·         Well-developed verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds;

·         Ability to work effectively in a team environment and to take initiative;

·         Experience in updating and maintaining websites is an advantage;

·         Good understanding and experience in operations of international organizations is an advantage;

·         Experience in interacting with different stakeholders, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations and private sector is an advantage; and

·         Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language, in particular French and Portuguese is an advantage.

How to apply

Please submit the following with your application:

·         An updated CV;

·         A detailed cover letter explaining your interests, experience and what you hope to gain through the internship; and

·         A list of peer reviewed publications, if any.

Submit your electronic application through the email hr@acts-net.org before the 1^st of March 2019. Please put the caption “AGNES Internship Application” in the subject line of mail.

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.