Website: Website https://www.turkanabasin.org/

  • Research Technician

    Responsibilities:

    Conduct field surveys, monitoring activities and data collection
    Maintain and repair equipment
    Assist with data uploads and reporting
    Support project logistics and field operations
    Contribute to the development of project protocols and procedures

    Qualifications:

    Diploma or degree in a relevant field, such as biology, ecology, entomology, environmental science or wildlife biology.
    Proven experience in GPS use, data entry, and Microsoft Office Suite
    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    Ability to work independently and as part of a team
    Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing situations
    Experience working in remote or challenging environments (preferred)
    A valid driving license would be desirable

    Submit your cover letter and cv to recruitment@turkanabasin.org by 31st January 2025.

    Apply via :

    recruitment@turkanabasin.org

  • Chief Scientific Officer

    Science Leadership and Scientific Strategic Development

    Lead the development of a comprehensive programmes strategy in consultation with the TBI Stony Brook and Kenya leadership in proactively generating, identifying and pursuing opportunities in priority areas for TBI’s scientific mission.
    Create and implement best practice vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to support scientists and scholars who make use of TBI’s campuses, facilities and resources.
    Engage with scientists on scientific and technological advances, oversight research and analysis across the core disciplines at TBI and in news areas of scholarship as they develop.
    Support regular communication around science at TBI with key partners/stakeholders.

     Partnerships and Collaboration, Grant, Collections and Project Oversight

    Lead and proactively develop and support both existing and new partnerships, projects and grants at TBI through building beneficial relationships with the institute’s scientific partners and stakeholders.
    Support and engage with the Country Director and Kenyan leadership to build and diversify the science, science support and funding, including identifying new areas for science and research funding and resource mobilisation.
    Actively build networks with a range of scientists and scholars at all levels in Kenya, regionally and internationally and help identify new partners or collaborations in consultation with the Country Director and executive leadership in Kenya.
    Steward, deepen and ensure that existing relationships with science teams, projects and key national partners, including the National Museums of Kenya, are maintained.
    Represent TBI ably and articulately in scientific forums, both locally and internationally and through specific, bespoke visits to key institutional partnerships, conferences and scientific meetings/gatherings.
    Oversee the stewardship and collections management in liaison with the collections staff and NMK. Develop and implement best practices around collections management and access, including databasing and access protocols.

    Science Team Leadership and Management

    The CSO will lead the core science team in providing support, guidance and implementation of key science parameters for all TBI scientists and scholars in Kenya and regionally as new scientific partnerships develop.
    Actively supervise and ensure implementation of programs, activities, planning and performance around research and research support for scientists.
    Build and engage in collaborations with the range of TBI Stakeholders to ensure that science and research are supported across the organisation.
    Provide day-to-day scientific management and leadership for the core team in compliance, collections management and field research staff to ensure productivity, staff training and development and performance management/reviews. 
    Serve as a first point for technical advice and liaison to the team and to the executive leadership in Kenya, and actively build and maintain networks to improve aspects of TBI’s scientific performance.
    Provide regular support, team-building and motivation through training, discussion of science and discoveries for the research teams on the campuses and in Nairobi.
    Support the Country Director in compiling and communication around science to the TBI.
    Kenya Board, national stakeholders including the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), as well as other international partners where relevant.
    Work closely with the leadership team in Kenya to ensure development and implementation of standards and policies on risk management related to research across TBI science activities and partnerships.

    ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

    The Chief Scientific Officer will be a driven, talented and highly motivated person who has the following skills and qualifications:
    A Doctoral-level degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or equivalent in relevant scientific areas including palaeontology, human evolution, geosciences, evolutionary biology.
    Experience of working directly in research, research management and public or private sector research, including managing grants and projects with international donors.
    A robust track record of research and scientific scholarship including in authoring and co-authoring of publications, serving as reviewer and grant writing.
    Clear knowledge of scientific programme development and implementation, training and field-based research experience.
    Experience in leading, managing and supervising complex teams, fieldwork in remote areas and working directly with students and scientists.
    Ability to work with a range of cultures, in a multi-cultural setting and across timezones.
    Experience in training and building capacity for researchers and students, especially in the African region.
    Proven ability to work with a senior leadership team and manage communications, budgets and performance with mobile, distributed teams and partners.
    Experience in building relationships in the sciences, including with international and regional partners, and a broad range of stakeholders.
    Knowledge of scientific methods, relevant statistics, analytical and computational skills.
    Understanding and sensitivity to developing research and science in remote settings, especially in collaboration with local communities and national partners.

    Interested and qualified candidates should send their application with a copy of their CV to info@echelonhc.com before 15th December 2024.

    Apply via :

    info@echelonhc.com

  • Country Director/CEO

    Strategic leadership 

    Define and articulate the institute’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives in alignment with the TBI Board, its stakeholders and the broader scientific research community. Provide clear leadership and direction to researchers, staff and stakeholders, guiding them towards achieving the institute’s goals. Oversee the management of research and field programs for visiting scientists, students and research professionals. Support innovative, groundbreaking programs, leverage the institute’s intellectual property and facilitate relationships with TBI partners. Oversee a safe, secure, stimulating, and welcoming intellectual environment for scientists and students from around the world. 

    Financial Sustainability 

    Oversee and work with Chief Finance Officer to manage the institute’s financial resources effectively, including budgeting, fundraising, and diversifying revenue streams ensuring the institute operates within budgetary constraints while seeking opportunities for growth and sustainability. 
    Management 
    Provide oversight and accountability for the overall management of TBI working together with the Chief Operating Officer who will oversee day-to-day operations including supervision of the vast majority of staff. Engage, as needed, to resolve conflicts and crises. Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for management and staff. Provide opportunities for researchers and staff to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career advancement. 

    Operational Efficiency 

    Oversee day-to-day operations in Nairobi and in field campuses in remote locations in Northern Kenya, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. Identifying and mitigating risks that may affect the institute’s reputation, financial stability, or research outcomes. 
    External relations and Communication 
    Demonstrate TBI contributions and commitment to Kenya and the community through sustained and deep engagement with regional and national government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, institutions of higher education, and other stakeholders. Maintain strong, positive relations with a diverse array of stakeholders and policymakers. 

     ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

    Kenyan Citizen, or ability to work in Kenya. 
    Must be willing to work in remote areas of Kenya and within a local community context, and to collaborate with other research institutions and stakeholders to deliver support, services and infrastructure to scientists and scholars making use of TBI facilities. 
    Good Communication and Presentation skills and preferably be conversant with the Kiswahili language.
    Must be ready to take on complex administrative roles, appreciate donor/philanthropic/academia perspectives and understand the management of people and financial matters. 
    Strong change management and entrepreneurial skills, with the ability to handle unexpected challenges and manage multiple, evolving and competing priorities and expectations. 
    Experience managing and mitigating operational, financial, compliance, and reputational risks 
    Excellent problem-solving and negotiation skills, especially in cross-cultural contexts. 
    Proven ability to be diplomatic and culturally aware of sensitive issues. 
    Ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, including board members, donors, policy makers, industry players, students, academic faculty, administrators and officials from the developed and developing countries. 
    Process and service-delivery oriented including clear team management and team leadership skills and experience. 
    A sense of purpose and gravitas and experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, County Governments and National Institutions. 

    Educational Background: 

    Master’s degree in business administration, management, leadership or other relevant field.
    Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in a relevant scientific field, is an added advantage. 

    Experience: 

    Experience in strategic planning, people and financial management, and operational oversight.
    Demonstrated success in securing funding and managing large budgets and teams. 
    A minimum of 8 years of experience in a similar C-Suite leadership position and with a proven track record of successful delivery of organisational outcomes.

    Interested and qualified candidates should send their application with a copy of their CV to recruitment@turkanabasin.org before 15th December 2024.

    Apply via :

    recruitment@turkanabasin.org

  • Field Operations Manager

    Field Operations Manager

    The Field Services Manager at Turkana Basin Institute is responsible for overseeing and managing operations at remote research facilities. This role requires a highly adaptable individual with the ability to work remotely and across diverse cultures. The Field Services Manager will ensure that all field operations are efficient, effective, and aligned with the organization’s goals, reporting directly to the COO.
    Key Responsibilities:
    Field Operations Management:

    Oversee day-to-day operations of remote research facilities and/or lodges.
    Ensure smooth operation across all sites, addressing any operational challenges that arise.
    Implement and monitor standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain high standards of operation and service.
    Ensure proper financial oversight and prudent use of TBI resources and asset

    Remote Work and Cross-Cultural Collaboration:

    Effectively manage operations from remote locations, utilizing digital tools and communication platforms.
    Work closely with teams from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring effective collaboration and mutual understanding.
    Adapt management strategies to meet the unique needs of each field location.

    Logistics and Resource Management:

    Coordinate logistics, including transportation, supply chain, and inventory management for remote sites.
    Ensure that all necessary resources are available and efficiently utilized at each location.
    Monitor and manage budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations.

    Team Leadership and Development:

    Lead, mentor, and support on-site teams to achieve high performance and productivity.
    Conduct regular training and development programs to upskill staff and improve operational efficiency.
    Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork and collaboration.

    Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance:

    Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations at all field locations.
    Implement and enforce safety protocols to protect staff, visitors, and local communities.
    Monitor environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

    Reporting and Communication:

    Provide regular reports to the COO on operational performance, challenges, and progress.
    Maintain clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, including remote teams and headquarters.
    Develop and present operational plans, budgets, and performance metrics.

    Qualifications:

    Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
    Proven experience (5+ years) in field operations management, preferably in remote settings such as lodges or research facilities.
    Strong leadership, people and team management skills, with experience working across cultures.
    Ability to work independently and manage operations remotely.
    Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
    Proficiency in using digital tools for remote management and communication.
    Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations in remote or field settings.

    Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and qualifications to recruitment@turkanabasin.org

    Apply via :

    recruitment@turkanabasin.org

  • Human Resource Manager 

Community Development Manager

    Human Resource Manager Community Development Manager

    An experienced, high energy, high capacity, and achievement oriented Human Resource Manager.
    This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the efficient and progressive establishment and formalization of the Human Resource department through a wide variety of functions which include strategic planning, supervising and providing consultation to management on strategic staffing plans, recruitment, compensation, benefits, training and development, budget, labor relations and HR administration.
    Responsibilities

    Establishing a fully functioning and professionally run HR department
    Preparing the Human Resource budget and strategic plan; estimating, forecasting, and anticipating requirements, trends, and variances; aligning monetary resources; developing action plans; measuring and analyzing results; initiating corrective actions; minimizing the impact of variances and ensuring their execution
    Ensuring adherence and understanding of the Human Resource Policies by all staff
    Providing guidance in assessing organizational structures and implementing structural changes
    Supporting, implementing and administering the effective and timely recruitment processes in the hiring, on boarding, developing and retaining the best talents available to support the strategic human resources needs of the organization and ensuring that TBI’s human resource targets are met
    Developing, maintaining and updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions.
    Maintaining optimal staff numbers and ensuring high quality staffing by establishing a recruitment and selection program; counseling managers on candidate selection; conducting and analyzing exit interviews; and recommending changes.
    Designing and leading the development of compensation and benefits systems: scheduling periodic salary surveys and job evaluations; preparing salary budgets; monitoring and scheduling individual salary actions; recommending, planning, and implementing salary structure revisions.
    Developing and monitoring of a performance management system, training managers to coach and discipline employees; scheduling management conferences with employees; hearing and resolving employee grievances; counseling employees and supervisors.
    Liaising with employer and employee agencies; Labour office and FKE to ensure fair and equal treatment of staff and management
    Ensuring legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable human resource requirements.
    Driving and instilling a team approach among staff towards accomplishing the TBI mission as well as managing, coaching, inspiring, and growing the team
    Leading selected change management initiatives
    Any other duties relating to the function

    Required Skills & Experience

    Ability to build a Human Resources department from scratch
    Professional qualification in human resource management (CHRP, HND)
    Be a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM)
    Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Social Sciences or related field.
    A minimum of ten years of progressive experience with at least seven of those in Senior management in a high performing, busy environment
    Knowledge and experience with best practices in people operations.
    Emotional intelligence, flexible work style, excellent diplomatic skills across all levels of the organization with the ability to inspire others to achieve a common objective
    Unfailing attention to detail
    High degree of integrity and dependability
    Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team
    Willingness to travel and spend time in the stations

    go to method of application »

  • Human Resource Manager 

Community Development Manager

    Human Resource Manager Community Development Manager

    An experienced, high energy, high capacity, and achievement oriented Human Resource Manager.
    This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the efficient and progressive establishment and formalization of the Human Resource department through a wide variety of functions which include strategic planning, supervising and providing consultation to management on strategic staffing plans, recruitment, compensation, benefits, training and development, budget, labor relations and HR administration.
    Responsibilities

    Establishing a fully functioning and professionally run HR department
    Preparing the Human Resource budget and strategic plan; estimating, forecasting, and anticipating requirements, trends, and variances; aligning monetary resources; developing action plans; measuring and analyzing results; initiating corrective actions; minimizing the impact of variances and ensuring their execution
    Ensuring adherence and understanding of the Human Resource Policies by all staff
    Providing guidance in assessing organizational structures and implementing structural changes
    Supporting, implementing and administering the effective and timely recruitment processes in the hiring, on boarding, developing and retaining the best talents available to support the strategic human resources needs of the organization and ensuring that TBI’s human resource targets are met
    Developing, maintaining and updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions.
    Maintaining optimal staff numbers and ensuring high quality staffing by establishing a recruitment and selection program; counseling managers on candidate selection; conducting and analyzing exit interviews; and recommending changes.
    Designing and leading the development of compensation and benefits systems: scheduling periodic salary surveys and job evaluations; preparing salary budgets; monitoring and scheduling individual salary actions; recommending, planning, and implementing salary structure revisions.
    Developing and monitoring of a performance management system, training managers to coach and discipline employees; scheduling management conferences with employees; hearing and resolving employee grievances; counseling employees and supervisors.
    Liaising with employer and employee agencies; Labour office and FKE to ensure fair and equal treatment of staff and management
    Ensuring legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable human resource requirements.
    Driving and instilling a team approach among staff towards accomplishing the TBI mission as well as managing, coaching, inspiring, and growing the team
    Leading selected change management initiatives
    Any other duties relating to the function

    Required Skills & Experience

    Ability to build a Human Resources department from scratch
    Professional qualification in human resource management (CHRP, HND)
    Be a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM)
    Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Social Sciences or related field.
    A minimum of ten years of progressive experience with at least seven of those in Senior management in a high performing, busy environment
    Knowledge and experience with best practices in people operations.
    Emotional intelligence, flexible work style, excellent diplomatic skills across all levels of the organization with the ability to inspire others to achieve a common objective
    Unfailing attention to detail
    High degree of integrity and dependability
    Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team
    Willingness to travel and spend time in the stations

    go to method of application »