Project Coordinator

(Ref. No. NRS/639/122024)

icipe is seeking to recruit an outstanding, dynamic, and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Project Coordinator to manage a Regional Multi-actor Research Network for Agroecology (RMRN-EA). The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus and will be offered for an initial contract of 2 years, renewable subject to continued funding and performance of the staff member. A competitive and generous compensation package will be offered to the right candidate for the position. 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 to the country and settle in Nairobi, Kenya.

The overall Purpose of the Job

The transition towards agroecological agri-food systems is an effective pathway supported by a large range of actors to develop productive and resilient farming systems and value chains able to address current mounting challenges with a holistic perspective. Together with local, regional and international partners in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, icipe is implementing a large project to contribute to a sustainable agri-food system transition based on agroecological principles in Eastern Africa through the establishment and operationalisation of a regional multi-actor research network for agroecology (RMRNEA), funded by the European Commission for four years. Specific objectives of RMRN-EA are to develop and implement curricula on agroecology; strengthen the capacities of national research organizations to produce, collect, access, process and share data/information related to agroecology principles and using a gender-sensitive approach; validate and scale agroecological innovations using a participatory approach at different scales (plot to landscape); and implement a regional agroecology network with practitioners, scientists and policymakers.

Specific Duties

• Project leadership and oversight: lead the implementation of RMRN-EA on a day-to-day basis, while collaborating with icipe scientists, partners and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met, in part as the Lead of the Project Technical Committee.
• Communication and reporting: provide regular project updates to the Project Steering
• Committee and be responsible for timely and accurate technical and financial reporting to the donor.
• Stakeholder and partner engagement: actively manage engagement with all project co-applicants, project beneficiaries and other stakeholders through contracting, reporting and other engagement efforts, ensuring strong collaboration, visibility and ownership of project outcomes while maintaining positive partner relationships.
• Budgeting: ensure project expenditures, including those of project co-applicants and project beneficiaries are on track and follow donor guidelines.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): oversee the design and implementation of project MEL systems to track progress, assess impact, and identify lessons learned.
• Team leadership and development: build, maintain and supervise a high-performing project team by fostering effective teamwork, collaboration and a positive work environment.
• Risk management and business continuity: take the lead in identifying and managing project risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Additional responsibilities or other duties may be assigned by the supervisor(s) and as required by the Centre.

Requirements/Qualifications

• PhD degree, preferably in entomology, agricultural science, agricultural extension or related field.
• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant postdoctoral experience with at least three (3) years at a senior level in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• A solid track record in innovative research and development (R&D) and scaling of agroecological innovations, evidenced by a great publication record.
• Proven experience in successful management of large donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated technical competence in one or more of the following areas: agricultural and public health development, agroecology and one health, knowledge diffusion and communication.
• Experience and extensive network relating to agriculture in East Africa.
• Work experience at international research organizations.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills.