ICIPE RCU Manager Jobs in Nairobi - Kenya
ICIPE RCU Manager Jobs in Nairobi - Kenya
icipe—International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology—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 close to 500 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.
In addition, 100–150 graduate students and a number of postdoctoral fellows contribute to icipe’s research portfolio annually
icipe seeks to recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Manager, Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF).
The position is tenable at the icipe Duduville Campus, and is available to commence immediately. The position will be offered for an initial contract of 3 years, which may be renewable subject to continued project needs, funding for the position and performance of the staff member.
Job purpose
The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund is one of the flagship programmes of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), an initiative by African governments to address systemic gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for long-term, sustained
economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
PASET was launched in 2013 by the governments of Senegal, Ethiopia and Rwanda. The governments of Kenya and Ivory Coast have since joined the initiative, while several others have expressed commitment to enter the partnership.
With funding from African governments, the World Bank and the Korean government, RSIF aims to support PhD training, and research and innovation in various African universities selected as centres of excellence in fields identified by PASET as priority economic sectors for growth and development, including food security, ICT and materials science.
A competitive grants scheme, RSIF has two components:
The general fund, which supports
PhD training, research and innovation projects annually; and
The permanent or endowment fund, whose
return proceeds will become part of the general fund.
In July 2018, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology was appointed the
Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of RSIF. The mandate of the RCU includes managing the two funds and
supporting the capacity of the universities and partnering institutions to administer the PhD scholarships.
The assignment also includes creating partnerships with governments, universities and national and international research organisations for research training, e.g. through sandwich training, to promote collaboration with and among the centres of excellence.
As well, the RCU will help introduce more African governments and other potential strategic partners to PASET to fund and to ensure continued continent-wide support.
Reporting to the icipe Director of Research and Partnerships, the RCU Manager will be part of a multidisciplinary team coordinating the activities of the Programme.
S/he will manage the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) Coordination Unit, including designing, planning, executing and reporting programmatic results.
The manager will be responsible for the direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of the project while remaining aligned with strategy, commitments and goals of the Centre.
Specific duties
The successful candidate is expected to:
Provide overall leadership in managing and implementing the programme through the programme team, including technical and financial oversight;
Prepare plans that achieve the goals and objectives of the programme and that align with the Centre’s strategy;
Manage the budget, create schedule and project timelines, track deliverables, support and direct the team and lead in
all aspects of quality assurance;
Monitor and report on programme progress as per agreed indicators, present to stakeholders reports on
growth (and problems and solutions), implement and manage change when necessary to meet programme
outputs, and evaluate and assess results of the programme;
Manage internally and externally, a multiplicity of stakeholders in a complex matrix structure, ensuring multiple accountabilities are met. Keep abreast of the programme scope and ensure that the interests of stakeholders, which may at times present competing and conflicting priorities, are dealt with satisfactorily;
Develop partnerships to meet programme objectives, including with governments in Africa and donor organisations globally, universities, R&D institutions, and the private sector;
Define required resources and provide leadership in resource mobilisation for building the general and
permanent funds;
Work with the Head of the Capacity Building & Institutional Development Programme and the BioInnovate Programme Manager, to establish and manage competitive grant schemes for PhD scholarship, and research grants and innovation grants schemes;
Oversee procurement activities and ensure prudent, accountable, and efficient use of funds in the programme;
Ensure financial transactions adhere to fiscal policies and procedures of icipe and donors;
Take the lead in bringing together various expertise to develop capacity in African host institutions in fulfilment of programme activities;
Provide active support to grantees, including communication, access to data and training, financial
management, reporting, supply chain processes, and ICT systems;
Develop and continuously adopt Programme related operational guidelines, procedures and processes;
Undertake stakeholder engagement and publicity of the programme through effective communication and
outreach activities.
Requirements/Qualifications
A PhD in any scientific or technological field (including Engineering, Materials Science, ICT, Medicine,Agriculture or Economics).
Ten years of relevant work experience in programme management.
Core competencies
Experience in implementing multidisciplinary programmes from concept to operational stage, especially in higher education, science, technology and innovation.
Experience working with governments, universities, the private sector, the UN, and technical agencies.
Proven ability in resource mobilisation for research and innovation programmes.
Experience managing competitive grant schemes.
Demonstrable experience in managing complex multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Knowledge of application of results-based management.
Proficiency in English, with excellent written/oral communication, and presentation skills.
Working knowledge of French is an added advantage.
Other desirable attributes
Demonstrated excellent interpersonal relationship skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Results 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.
Innovation and creativity: Ability to generate new ideas and ways of working, to continuously improve existing work processes, practices, and concepts.
Excellent networking skills.
Teamwork, interpersonal relations: Ability to work and relate with others in mutual support and respect towards common goals and shared vision.
Multi-cultural fit and diversity: Ability to work within a highly diverse and multicultural environment.
Willingness to travel.
Reporting
This position reports to the Director of Research & Partnerships (DRP).
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
How to apply
Applications will be accepted up to 19th October 2018.
Interested applicants should submit:
A confidential cover letter;
Detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers);
A statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities, and skills.
For more information and job application details, see; ICIPE RCU Manager Jobs in Nairobi - Kenya
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