VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
(Ref. No. IRS/162/062016)
SENIOR ANIMAL HEALTH SCIENTIST
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 500 national and
international staff, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with
outposts in Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, 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, more than 150
graduate students and a number of postdoctoral fellows contribute to
icipe’s research portfolio annually.
icipe
is seeking to appoint an outstanding senior scientist with a background
in animal health research as it relates to insects and insect-borne
diseases. The position is located within our Human and Animal Health
Themes that have a combined staff of 53 with an annual budget of USD 7.5
M. The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus.
This is a two-year contract, renewable after successfully completing a
six-month probation period of the first contract.
A
competitive and generous compensation package that includes housing and
transport allowances, child education allowance up to university first
degree, comprehensive health and life insurance, an offshore retirement
package, all payable in US Dollars, will be offered to the right
candidate. Furthermore, the incumbent will receive a paid
vacation/annual airfare, and duty free privileges. If the successful
candidate is appointed from outside Kenya, he or she will be offered
support to relocate and settle in the city. Only shortlisted candidates
will be acknowledged.
Living in Nairobi:
Nairobi
is the capital and largest city of Kenya, with a population of over
three million and plentiful supermarkets, malls, bars and restaurants,
as well as recreational areas, open spaces and parks; and it is the
safari capital of the world. There are a wide variety of excellent
international schools, and well-equipped medical facilities that are
open 24/7 in Nairobi. The city is also accessible by various reputable
international airline carriers. Although it is important to be conscious
of security, Kenyans are warm and welcoming of visitors.
Nairobi
has a thriving international research scene, hosting various CGIAR
centres and several UN agencies. icipe employs a number of international
staff.
Overall purpose of the job:
The
overall purpose of the job is to lead and support the development of a
portfolio of research on animal health relating to insect infestation
and insect-borne diseases. The Centre has an active portfolio of animal
health research focusing on diseases transmitted by tsetse and biting
flies, ticks and tick-borne diseases, vector-borne zoonotic diseases,
and the nutritional aspects of insects as feed for commercial livestock.
Reporting to the leader of the Human and Animal Health Themes, the
successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team
contributing leadership and research strategy to the Centre in
collaboration with icipe’s other Themes and Units. The successful
candidate will develop and maintain a portfolio of research that is
aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals.
Responsibilities:
- Work in collaboration with the Head of the Human and Animal Health Themes, and the wider icipe?leadership team, including the Director General (DG) and the Director of Research and Partnerships (DRP), as well as Heads of Themes and Units, to facilitate research and capacity building activities across the Centre.
- Promote and establish collaborative linkages with national, regional, and international institutions in the field of animal health.
- Actively seek and secure external support for animal health related research and development activities.
- Manage and develop the staff within the animal health team and foster a culture of science excellence, and ensure the team has the human resources required now and into the future.
- Ensure the icipe animal health portfolio of research meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors.
- Establish a vibrant and active research portfolio. Supervise research students.
Knowledge required for performing the job:
- A proven track record in a relevant area of scientific research as demonstrated by publication record and a history of securing external support for a portfolio of research.
- Ability to create and foster an innovative work environment and to work within, and lead teams, to deliver on agreed goals.
- Appropriate skills in research governance, including experience in the oversight of resource mobilisation and financial accountability.
Requirements/Qualifications:
- PhD degree in veterinary entomology, medical entomology, or related field, from a reputable university.
- Excellent publication track record.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience gained at a senior level in either a research organisation or university. Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.
- Proven record of managing large resources—both financial and human—in a research environment.
- Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and PhD studentsExcellent communication skills.
- Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.
Other desirable attributes:
- High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation.
Reporting:
- This position reports to the Head of the Human and Animal Health Themes.
- The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications will be accepted up to 1st August 2016, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier.
Interested applicants should submit:
- A confidential cover letter,
- Detailed cv with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), and
- A statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities and skills.
Candidates are required to Apply Online
icipe
is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work
environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for
diversity.
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