The position: The RCKM officer will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The officer will report to the senior project manager for SASHA sweetpotato seed systems and RTB cluster lead for Quality seeds & access to improved varieties (CC2.1). The principal tasks and responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:
Duties And Accountabilities
Project management activities: o Ensure timely preparation and review of project partner work plans, and budgets;
Ensure timely, accurate and comprehensive reporting from partners in the sweetpotato seed systems component on a quarterly basis. Prepare compilation of report analyzing and synthesizing progress on bi-annual basis;
Ensure adequate planning, preparation, logisticaland implementation arrangements for technical meetings, events, exhibitions;
Support yearly planning and reporting of the “Quality seeds & access to improved varieties cluster” activities in the RTB Research Portfolio;
Support the seed systems scientists in other activities as requested. Communication and knowledge management activities:
Ensure monthly distribution of updated information on cluster activities to immediate cluster members, Flagship Project leader, other cluster leaders, and the wider RTB community;
Strengthen and coordinate information and knowledge for the RTB seed systems community of practice;
Assist in the development and implementation of CKM strategies and activities to support outreach of RTB seed systems outputs to other researchers, practitioners, and potential partners;
Assist in the organization of major meetings and events related to the cluster and preparation of minutes;
In collaboration with the RTB Communications Office and the regional SSA communications staff coordinate the preparation of summaries, press releases, fact sheets, media kits etc. of key cluster outputs;
Facilitate the documentation of cluster experiences, achievements and lessons learned and the sharing of findings with relevant target groups, assisting in the editing of documents and the coordination of any graphics/formatting work;
Collaborate with the RTB PSU and data management team in appropriate documentation and archiving of communication and knowledge outputs.
Selection Criteria
MSc/MBA in project management, journalism, communication, marketing or a science- related area;
Five to eight years of professional experience in supporting project management in complex projects, including developing and implementing CKM strategies;
Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English, working knowledge of French, Spanish or Portuguese, preferable;
Demonstrated experience of strong and effective use of web-based collaborative tools Web 2.0 social media, websites, other communication forums and database management;
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams;
Proactive approach, with ability to find creative ways to solve problems;
Willingness to travel;
A Kenyan citizen.
Conditions: The employment contract will be for a two-year term (with a three-month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding.
Website: Website http://cipotato.org/
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Senior Reporting, Communication and Knowledge Management Officer
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Senior Program Assistant Data Management & Open Access Officer Regional Grants and Contracts Manager
The position: The Senior Program Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Project Manager by monitoring the budget and compiling progress financial reports for the donor. The Senior Program Assistant will help organize regional meetings, events and training workshops. He / She will backstop the efforts of the Program Assistants in Tanzania and Nigeria. This position reports to the Project Manager.
The key responsibilities include the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide administrative and management support to the Project Management Team;
Assist with project communications (appointments, reports, booking meeting rooms / venues and equipment, drafting of correspondence for the Project Manager);
Coordinate travel arrangements and logistical support – including the handling of travel requests and liquidations, accommodation, and arranging for meals for the project events;
Provide support to the Capacity Development and Communications Specialist in the planning and facilitation of training courses;
Provide support to the Regional Advocacy Coordinator in planning for regional advocacy events, workshops and meetings;
Compile presentations, mailing lists and distribution of project publications;
Maintenance of office filing system (manual and electronic) including backup, archiving and storage;
Assist in procurement and payment of bills;
Handling maintenance of office assets and keeping an inventory of equipment and supplies;
Backstopping the country Program Assistants for Tanzania and Nigeria to effectively execute similar duties;
Assisting with the preparation of cash position and bank reconciliations and regular financial reporting;
Any other duties given by the project leader
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Accountant
REF: 2016/034/NRS/SSA
The Position: The Accountants will report to the Country Finance Specialist and will support the Finance Unit in implementing CIP’s organizational mission through efficient and effective accounting and financial management. This position will primarily assist in the preparation of payments and clearing accounts payable balances. It requires broad understanding of program implementation and cross cultural people skills. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Receive and record invoices in the invoice register & check them for consistency and accuracy according to CIP guidelines and policies;
Prepare payments and ensure safety of financial resources;
Ensure appropriate supporting documents for transactions including receipts, invoices, contracts are attached;
Ensure that payment requests are properly approved and that payments are effected within CIP-SSA turn-around time;
Record financial transactions following proper classification of accounts and cost centre in the documents, and hand them over the general ledger accountant for posting;
Reconciling and management of VAT accounts to ensure invoices with VAT are ready for processing the Exemption certificate;
Ensure all bills are posted according to the period of the service provided (Utility Bills, Rentals, IT, Facilities) monthly;
Management of overdue suppliers accounts to ensure all outstanding bills are reconciled and paid in time;
Ensure all payments are filed sequentially and stamped PAID in readiness for Audit;
Ensure financial transactions are carried out in accordance with the Center’s financial and administrative policies and procedures and Maintain detailed and accurate records for all financial transactions;
Ensure and support in the maintenance of a good filing system.
Selection Criteria: Minimum of CPA / ACCA Part 2;
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration;
A minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in the busy accounting office;
Aptitude for understanding complex regulations and monitoring financial transactions and documentation for compliance;
Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of UNIT 4 Agresso Business systems;
Accuracy and attention to detail;
Cross cultural sensitivity;
Strong e-mail communication skills, ability to write in a manner sensitive to cultural differences, and provide clarity to staff;
Ability to train/mentor staff in accounting requirements;
Ability to be a team player in a busy environment, often with tight deadlines;
Be a Kenyan citizen. -
Finance Specialist
Duties and Accountabilities of the Finance Specialist Jobs:
Oversee the financial operations of the country office and ensure timely delivery of financial reports, including cash and bank management, payroll, ledgers and other aspects of the country’s financial management;
Responsible for entering financial information, timely month end close, and maintaining all financial records for projects and for the organization;
Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards;
Liaise with the Projects Finance Specialists in the monitoring and review of partners reports;
Manage financial controls, analyze office and project budgets, and make recommendations on budget expenditures. Monitor the expenditures to ensure that program funds are utilized appropriately by the close of the fiscal year;
Support the Country Manager and Project Managers, in coordination with the Project Finance Specialist, with project budget monitoring and review;
Ensure that all financial reporting is completed on time;
Responsible for country legal and statutory compliance;
Compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance withpayment, reporting or other tax requirements;
Support in Fixed asset Management, review and support the preparation ofinventories. Responsible for the review and approval of procurement documents.
Receive and review monthly field financial reports for consistency, completeness and accuracy of documentation and proper posting of the financial information in system;
Staying current with donor regulations and the award requirements. identified in the CIP compliance matrix;
Ensure Time and Efforts Reports are completed on time and in an accurate fashion;
When requested, and in conjunction with Program Managers or other staff, provide forms and worksheets to field finance staff as needed to track or document in-kind cost share, travel advances, allocation of costs among programs, payroll reports, etc. Assist staff in developing custom forms or worksheets as needed.
Qualifications for the Finance Specialist Jobs:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration and CPA (K);
A minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in the accounting/finance/administrative area;
Knowledge of the international development funding arena desirable;
Aptitude for understanding complex regulations and monitoring financial transactions and documentation for compliance;
Familiarity with Europe AID projects, Excellent oral, written communication, and problem solving ability;
Excellent computer skills, including advanced Excel skills and experience with automated accounting systems;
Accuracy and attention to detail;
Cross cultural sensitivity;
Strong e-mail communication skills, ability to write in a manner sensitive to cultural differences, and provide clarity to staff where English is not the primary working language of the project;
Ability to train/mentor staff in accounting requirements;
Ability to be a team player in a busy environment, often with tight deadlines;
A Kenyan citizen.
Conditions: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff position (NRS). The employment contract will be for a two-year term (with a three-month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to performance and availability of funding. -
Office Assistant
Ref: 2016/033/NRS/SSA
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an Office Assistant to work in our CIP office based in Eldoret, Kenya. The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor.
The Position:
The Office Assistant will be responsible for keeping the office and surrounding area clean.
The Assistant is expected to be courteous to staff and visitors and provide a welcoming environment to the office.
Office Assistant Job Tasks & Responsibilities
The principal tasks and responsibilities include the following:
Keep the office premises and surrounding area clean and tidy (cleaning, dusting, mopping and drying floors, windows, furniture and kitchen equipment);
Make tea/coffee for CIP staff and visitors;
Replenish consumables (soap, tissue, paper towels) on regular basis;
Keep an update on the conditions of office items and kitchen equipment;
Weekly count of office items and recording them;
Photocopying and Binding;
Carrying out messenger duties (e.g. posting parcels, banking services, payment of bills, obtaining quotations);
Make sure the office is locked properly at the end of the day;
Any other duty assigned by the supervisor within the overall function of the job.
The successful Office Assistant will have:
Requirements for Office Assistant Job
A KCSE Certificate as minimum educational qualification;
Fluency in English and Swahili required;
Conditions:
The employment contract will be for a two-year term (with three months’ probation period) with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and availability of funds. -
Program Analyst
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Program Analyst.
The Position: The Program Analyst will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and report to the Regional Food Scientist. This position will also assist in providing Finance and Administrative support for the implementation of the Food and Nutrition Evaluation Laboratory and other food science related value addition projects as stated in the current FANEL Business plan.
Key responsibilities:Provide administrative and management support to the Food and Nutritional Evaluation Laboratory (FANEL) and value chain projects led by the Food Scientist.
Assist with project communications (appointments, reports, booking meeting rooms / venues and equipment, drafting of correspondence for the Regional Food Scientist and FANEL associates;
Coordinate travel arrangements and logistical support – including the handling of travel requests and liquidations, accommodation, and arranging for meals for the project events;
Provide support to FANEL team in planning for regional advocacy events, workshops and meetings;
Compile presentations, mailing lists and distribution of project publications;
Maintenance of office filing system (manual and electronic) including backup, archiving and storage;
Assist in managing FANEL FLOW system for lab management, costing, procurement and payment of bills;
Handling maintenance of office and FANEL assets and keeping an inventory of equipment and supplies;
Backstopping the country food science and value addition partners in Malawi, Uganda and Ethiopia programs to effectively execute similar duties;
Assisting with the preparation of and regular financial reporting with CIP Finance and PMU teams;
Any other duties given by the Regional Food Scientist.Selection Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Financial Management or related field.
At least 2 years of experienced required in similar position.
Advanced level of MS Office, preferably in Excel.
Advanced qualitative and quantitative analytical skills;
Fluent verbal and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili. Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.Why should you consider this opportunity?
CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background, and is a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.What are the conditions?
The position is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Kenya nationals and permanent residents only. The employment contract will be for a one-year term (with a 3-month probation period) and the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. -
Consultant – Qualitative Researcher
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced Consultant – Qualitative Researcher to document the market system of the Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) as part of reports being prepared at the end of a three-year project.
As the Accelerated Value Chain Development Program (AVCD)- Sweetpotato value chain comes to an end, there is need to document in form of a technical paper the status of OFSP marketing following 3 years of project activities within a value chain approach. The aim of the value chain has been to move OFSP from a subsistence crop to a commercial crop. Project activities related to production concentrated in Western Kenya, while market related activities moved to the producing counties to towns such as Naivasha, Limuru and Nairobi. This consultancy will thus involve reviews of project documents, existing literature, key informants’ Interviews among other approaches of data collection.
Key responsibilities:Review relevant recent documents to be provided by the project team.
Review project’s market related monitoring data for trends in market development during project implementation period.
Hold key informant Interviews with key stakeholders within the market segment of the value chain.
Review the impact pathway for the marketing component to assess the progress made in developing a functional market system.
Review farmer institutions and their role in OFSP Marketing.
Develop data collection tool (s), administer the tool (s), analyse the data and prepare a report.Selection Criteria
PhD in any field that includes strong qualitative research
Significant and demonstrated field experience in documenting inter-linked aspects of a project.
At least 5 years’ experience in a similar research work
Proficient in MS Office, especially in Excel;
Fluent verbal and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili.Why should you consider this opportunity?
CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background, and is a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP is a member of CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.What are the conditions?
The position is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) consultancy, limited to Kenya nationals and permanent residents only. -
Post Doc – Food Chemistry (18-100)
About the role
The successful candidate will support the daily operations of the Food and Nutritional Evaluation Laboratory (FANEL), Nutrition and Food Safety Platform, Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) research hub at the campus of the International Livestock Research Institute). The position involves extensive interdisciplinary collaboration with crop scientists and crop modeling experts and with partners in other collaborating institutions. The position reports to the Regional Food Scientist and is based at Nairobi, Kenya.
Key responsibilities:Assist with operational management the Food and Nutritional Evaluation laboratory (FANEL).
Develop new methods and keep current methods up to standards, assure quality assurance, contribute scientifically to the work.
Develop and conduct acceptability studies with RTB and biofortified crops
Generate sensory and consumer data: be at ease with discriminative and descriptive sensory methods, design quantitative consumer tests, conduct qualitative consumer research.
Effectively utilize sensory and consumer data to guide the product development process and breeding programs.
Development of new food products and food recipes with RTB and biofortified crops
Develop and conduct retention studies with biofortified crops
Supervise students on thesis research topics of relevance to RTB and biofortified crops food science program.
Participate in nutrition and food science professional forums in sub-Saharan Africa
Contribute to project reports and publish relevant findings on a timely basis.What are we looking for?
PhD degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutritional Biochemistry or related subjects
Minimum one -year work experience in a nutritional analysis research environment
Good understanding of analytical instruments such as HPLC, LC/MS, GC/MS and ICP.
Strong background in food product development and sensory profiling and analysis
Advanced skills in Sensory & Consumer Insights (SCI) methodologies and data analysis: training in qualitative research methods, sensory tools and expertise in statistics
Skills and good knowledge of food microbiology and food safety
Experience working with starch chemistry or product development.
Experience in with food industry and fund raising.
Willingness to travel within the region.
Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team/project and multicultural environment.
Excellent communications skills in English is required.Why should you consider this opportunity?
CIP is an international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
CIP scientists are recent World Food Price Winners, and CIP has been recently awarded the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.What are we offering?
Great career opportunity in an international organization.
Salary is internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
Attractive retirement plan.
Two-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
Work in an equal and diverse workplace. -
Project Management Officer – TAAT Senior Research Associate
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced Project Management Officer to work directly under Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation Project (TAAT) and help ensure they deliver on-time, within the applicable scope and budget.
The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of TAAT project, set deadlines, assign responsibilities and monitor and summarize progress of project. If you enjoy working with other professionals dedicated to achieving food security, we encourage you to apply.
The Position: The PMO will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and report to the Head of Project Management Unit. This position will also assist in ensuring that project staff follow CIP policies and procedures while adhering to donor rules and regulations while acting as the liaison between project field offices and Kenya-based interdepartmental teams to ensure projects are successful. The job requires travel to field sites (up to 25% of time).
Key responsibilities:Project implementation and compliance: Serve as primary point of contact for TAAT project operations during and after the life of the project; Deliver and maintain professional working relationships with internal clients and other project partners and ensure resource availability and allocation;
Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor progress against project output and provide feedback as needed; Measure project performance using appropriate tools and dispatched to donors’ representatives; Maintain comprehensive project documentation;
Support on administrative processes inherent to Project implementation, following the AfDB Disbursement Handbook, AfDB Procurement Guidelines, other donor contractual requirements and CIP’s internal processes;
Administrative and logistics support on the project execution and organization of events;
Organize and manage reception and filing of project documents;
Review records, accounting and financial controls of the activities carried out in the project;
Obtain clearance from donor, whenever required;
Prepare donor reports, observing the contractual requirements. He / She will also be responsible for preparing the relevant documentation for audits;
Monitoring and budget implementation, follow-up of regulations established by donor and carry out capacity building activities for project team and partners;
Review the project monthly account closure and prepare the required reports for the project manager;
Other tasks assigned, related to the work area.Selection Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in in Business Administration, Financial Management or related field. Master’s degree in Development, Administration and/or Project Management, will be desirable;
At least 6 years’ experience working with African development bank projects and familiarity with their guidelines;
Proficient in MS Office, especially in Excel;
Advanced Knowledge in software solutions (ERP);
Proficiency in project management software tools;
Fluent verbal and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.Why should you consider this opportunity?
CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background, and is a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP is a member of CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.What are the conditions?
The position is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Kenya nationals and permanent residents only. The employment contract will be for a one-year term (with a 3-month probation period) and the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.go to method of application »
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Social Scientist
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic, innovative and ambitious researcher to bring the power of qualitative social science to impactful research and development programs that can address major global challenges of poverty, malnutrition and climate change. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the efforts of international agricultural research to support the transformation of the world’s agri-food systems into more inclusive, sustainable and profitable sectors.
About the position:
This Social Scientist will ensure that CIP’s ongoing and evolving research and development programs can make use of methodologies and insight from qualitative social science so that they can contribute effectively to answering strategic research questions of broad significance. Secondly, the Social Scientist will ensure that this research is carried out at excellent standards and results in impactful publications and can influence future research and policy design. The position will be part of CIP’s global Social and Nutrition Sciences Division and will work closely with Program Leaders and scientists across disciplines and countries. The position at least initially has a strong anchor in CIP’s Sweetpotato Program with a focus on Africa and South Asia but is relevant for all of CIP’s programs. The position will report to one of CIP’s global Program and Science Division Leaders and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya or another location pertinent to this position.
Key responsibilities:Provide science leadership across CIP’s program portfolio for the application of qualitative social science to addressing strategic research questions related to human and institutional behavior change and benefits and risks from agri-food system transformation.
Work closely with science leaders and research and project teams to identify key social science research priorities in current and evolving projects and develop research strategies and plans for addressing these.
Implement high quality and impactful social science research, in coordination with other science disciplines as appropriate, that generates significant new knowledge of international relevance.
Produce peer-reviewed publications as lead author and contributing author in high quality journals, based on this research.
Present research findings at international conferences.
Develop new and innovative research projects or program components on cutting edge social science questions and mobilize resources for their implementation
Develop and manage productive research partnerships with universities and research institutes of international stature.
Contribute to program reporting and communications with development partners to ensure that findings from qualitative social research help strengthen CIP’s credibility and influence
Who are we looking for?
PhD in a relevant social science discipline with a strong focus on qualitative methodologies.
At least 02 years of relevant work experience in qualitative research methods pertinent to addressing strategic questions for CIP in the wider context of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Excellent track record of original research and peer-reviewed publications based on qualitative social science methodologies.
Sound understanding of current literature on behavior change, gender, youth, social inclusiveness, resilience and systems approaches.
Excellent leadership skills to promote effective collaboration within research teams and across research partnerships.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in French or Spanish is an advantage.
Willingness and ability to travel and work in resource-poor, rural areas.Why should you consider this opportunity?
CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background, and is a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP is a member of CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.
What are we offering?Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.
Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
Attractive retirement plan.
Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.
Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
Attractive retirement plan.
Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
Work in an equal and diverse workplace.