VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (Ref. No. IRS/78/102014)
HEAD, HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH DIVISION
icipe — African Insect Science for Food and Health is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. icipe has over 400 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.
icipe is seeking to appoint an outstanding scientist to fill the position of HEAD OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH DIVISION.The Division of Human and Animal Health has a total staff number of 53 with an annual budget of 7.5 M USD.
The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. This is a two-year contract, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
Overall purpose of the job
The overall purpose of the job is to lead the Human and Animal Health Division. Reporting to the Director of Research and Partnerships the successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team providing leadership and research strategy to the Centre in collaboration with icipe’s other Divisions, Departments and Units. It is expected that the successful candidate will maintain a portfolio of research that is aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals.
Responsibilities:
- Work in collaboration with the icipe leadership team including the Director General, Director of Research and Partnerships (DRP) as well as Heads of Divisions, 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 relevant fields of the Division;
- Actively seek and secure external support for the activities of the Division, including resources to develop and grow a personal research portfolio;
- Manage and develop the staff of the Division to create and foster a culture of science excellence and to ensure the Division has the human resources required now and into the future;
- Ensure the Division meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors.
Knowledge required for performing the job
- Previous experience in research management and 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 medical or veterinary entomology from a reputable university.
- Post training experience in molecular biology techniques.
- Excellent publication track record.
- 10 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 students.
- Excellent communication skills are mandatory.
- Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.
Other desirable attributes
- High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation.
Reporting
This position reports to the Director of Research and Partnerships.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must arrive via email on or before the 13th March 2015 or until the position is filled. Please quote the job reference number IRS/78/102014 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 (c) a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the job, to:
icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women are strongly encouraged to apply
