Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), a not-for-profit organisation established in Kenya in 2009 by the Swiss-based Biovision Foundation for Ecological Development, is situated in the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Main Campus in Kasarani, Nairobi. The Trust’s goal is to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and other African countries, through dissemination of information and knowledge on appropriate technology, to improve human, animal, plant, and environmental health. BvAT runs the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme and other agro-based initiatives in Africa.
1. Project Manager – Farmer Magazines - The Organic Farmer (TOF) & Mkulima Mbunifu (MkM)
Job purpose & scope:
The TOF/MkM Project Manager oversees the planning, publication, printing and distribution of the monthly TOF magazine in Kenya and MkM in Tanzania. Currently also as editor-in-chief of both magazines ensures that the TOF Magazine and Mkulima Mbunifu magazine for Tanzania are proofread and edited for accuracy, easy read and relevance.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
• Plan content themes and publishing schedules for each TOF and MkM issue in consultation with the relevant project staff and FCP Coordinator;
• Solicit, write and manage contributions of articles tailored to the themes of each issue of the magazines. In so doing, be responsible for the quality management especially for the content of the magazines and therefore also consult with the parties and contributors involved.
• Discern and ensure that contributions made, both solicited and unsolicited, are consistent with Biovision’s ecological development strategy and icipe’s policy and positions and support the principles of ecological and sustainable agriculture;
• Ensure that all space advertisements purchased and sponsorship packages, or otherwise provided by FCP are in line with the ethical and internally set guidelines for TOF and MkM magazines;
• Coordinate the copy-editing, layout, formatting and proofreading of the magazines with assigned staff, according to the planned schedule;
• Submit the final formatted versions of TOF and MkM issues to the FCP Coordinator for approval before taking to the Press for printing;
• Make requisitions for and ensure timely printing of the TOF and MkM magazines;
• Coordinate the distribution of the TOF magazine with assigned FCP staff; to subscribers including FCP’s Outreach field staff through the resource centres.
• Manage, support and supervise TOF and MkM editors and other project staff in line with their responsibilities and contracts;
• Develop project concept notes and proposals including budgets for the TOF and MkM magazine;
• Report periodically, and on schedule, on progress/performance/budget execution against the M&E framework and budget lines of the project;
• Collaborate with other active like-minded individuals and organizations to improve production and distribution of TOF and MkM magazines in order to promote organic and sustainable farming and environmental management in Kenya.
Education and Knowledge:
• At least a Masters degree in Agriculture/ Agronomy, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a related course from an accredited institution.
• Certification in agricultural education and extension, communication, publishing or related field.
Experience:
• At least 3 years’ progressive working in agricultural education, extension, communications or publishing and editorial activities.
• Experience in handling publishing projects.
• Experience in working with creative teams and printing firms to develop print resources such as magazines and booklets.
• Experience in monitoring implementation of project activities.
• Experience in writing project concept notes and proposals.
Specialized Knowledge and skills required:
• Good understanding of the publishing process
• Excellent writer and editor with ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific ideas through simple messages and formats
• Proven ability to work with multiple teams
• Excellent reporting and proposal writing skills
• Sound knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation
• Networking and partnership building skills
• Proficiency in using Windows Operating System as well as Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Personal Attributes:
• People management experience in particular achieving results through teams in field offices.
• Have strong relationship management, project finance management and report writing; experience in donor reporting is essential.
• Team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to manage several tasks simultaneously, be flexible and be willing to assume a range of unanticipated assignments.
• Understanding of and personal commitment to ecologically sustainable agriculture.
• Experience working with farmer groups.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and regionally.
• Fluency in oral and written English and Swahili.
HOW TO APPLY:
How to apply
For full details and application procedures for each position, please visit:http://biovisionafricatrust.org/news where you can also find more information about the Trust. The closing date for applications is 15th July 2016. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Biovision Africa Trust is an equal opportunity employer, and eligible women are encouraged to apply.
