ICIPE Research Grant Officer Jobs in Nairobi and Mbita
ICIPE Research Grant Officer Jobs in Nairobi and Mbita
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 Research Grant Officer, 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 2 years, which may be renewable subject to continued project needs,
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 (www.icipe.org) 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 Head of BioInnovate Africa Programme at icipe, the Research Grant Officer will be responsible for all stages of implementing the Research grant sub-component of the RSIF.
S/he will coordinate the administrative and financial aspects of RCU Research grants, specific awards, and cooperative agreements by reviewing budget completeness, and coordinating pre- and post-award actions.
S/he will facilitate the flow of information between project teams and the Head of BioInnovate Programme.
Specific duties
The successful candidate is expected to:
Coordinate the announcement for Research grants, the selection process and award of grants, contract development and ratification;
Maintain communication with the successful grantees, prepare and manage the grantee contracts;
Develop and implement systems and monitor procedures to ensure proper stewardship of funds on preawards, award, post-awards, and close-out;
Receive and collate technical and financial reports from partners, carrying out analysis and dissemination of information arising thereof, and providing feedback loop into Programme implementation;
Regularly review relevant operations procedures and recommend appropriate changes;
Ensure adherence to internal and donor policy requirements on awards and financial management;
Keep relevant RCU staff informed of upcoming deadlines and deliverables, thereby ensuring smooth completion of work responsibility throughout the life cycle of the grant award.
Requirements/Qualifications
Master’s degree in engineering, business, finance, project research management, or related field.
At least 5 years of progressive work experience at national and international levels in administration and project management.
Experience in project management and reporting, financial management and budget monitoring.
Familiar with grant management procedures and donor relations.
Possess good knowledge of planning and strategising financial and budgeting issues.
Experience with basic business management skills, including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting.
Core competencies
Work skills:
Action-oriented and resilient in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage a complex and varied workload and work under pressure.
Strong skills in written and oral communications, excellent presentation skills.
Computer Skills:
Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite.
Other desirable attributes
Ability to work with multi-disciplinary groups.
Possesses excellent interpersonal skills, organisational skills and pays great attention to detail.
Reporting
This position reports to the Head of BioInnovate Africa Programme at icipe.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted up to 26th 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.
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