Head, Plant Health Theme

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

(Ref. No. IRS/204/052017)

HEAD, PLANT HEALTH THEME

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. For more information visit: www. icipe.org

Please also download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2013–2020 http://www.icipe.org/publications/corporatepublications/vision-and-strategy

icipe seeks to recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Head, Plant Health Theme. The position is tenable at the icipe Duduville Campus in Nairobi, 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, funding for the position and performance of the staff member.

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 paid annual vacation, return airfare for themselves and their dependents to their nominated home base each year, 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. icipe employs a number of international staff. 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 hosts all the urban and social amenities and offers a comfortable, convenient and pleasurable life. 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. Nairobi has a thriving international research scene, hosting various CGIAR centres and several UN agencies. Although it is important to be conscious of security, Kenyans are warm and welcoming of visitors.

Duties/activities/deliverables

The aim of the icipe Plant Health Theme is to contribute towards improving agricultural production in Africa, with the overall goal of contributing to food security, human and environmental health, and to household and national economies. Reporting to the Director of Research & Partnerships (DRP), 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, with a focus on integrated pest management (IPM) that is aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals.

Specific duties

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Work in collaboration with the icipe leadership team, including the Director General, Director of Research and Partnerships (DRP) as well as Heads of Themes and Units, to undertake and facilitate research and capacity building activities across the Centre;
• Lead and spearhead the development of a coherent vision for the PH Theme;
• Organise a Theme structure to cost-effectively utilise resources to meet icipe’s research, and capacity and institutional building needs;
• Guide programme/project leaders within the Theme to ensure timely preparation of the Theme’s annual workplans, budgets, and scientific and technical reports for donors;
• Ensure Theme members continually update skills and methodologies to keep up with global cuttingedge knowledge;
• Promote and establish collaborative linkages with national, regional and international institutions in the relevant fields of research of the Theme;
• Actively seek and secure external support for the activities of the Theme, including resources to develop and grow a personal research portfolio;
• Manage and develop the staff of the Theme to create and foster a culture of science excellence and ensure that the Theme has the human resources required now and into the future;
• Facilitate peer-review of the performance of Theme members;
• Initiating periodic reviews of the performance of the PH Theme to ensure relevance and quality;
• Act as a spokesperson and representative of the Theme;
• Ensure the Theme meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors.

Requirements/Qualifications

• PhD degree in agricultural or related sciences, but preferably with expertise in entomology from a reputable university.
• 10 years’ experience gained at a senior level in either a research organisation or university.
• Excellent research and publication track record.
• Excellent communication skills are mandatory.

Core Competencies

• Proven record of managing large resources—both financial and human—in a research environment.
• Proven record of managing complex projects—with financial, human resource and administrative responsibilities.
• Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and PhD students.
• Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.

Other desirable attributes

• Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.
• Experience with downstream work that ensures impact through partnerships.

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 9th June 2017, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. 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 statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities, and skills.

Candidates are required to apply online through: http://recruit.icipe.org

icipe is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity.