Research Associate Job in Nairobi

 ICRISAT is a non-profit, apolitical, international organization for science-based agricultural research for development. 

Established in 1972, it is one of the 15 Centres of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and is supported by some 48 governments, foundations, and development banks. ICRISAT, with its headquarters located in India, has regional centres and research teams in Asia and sub- Saharan Africa. 

In the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region, ICRISAT has country programs in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique. 

For further details please visit our website www.icrisat.org.

 The ICRISAT Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa is hosted at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) campus in Nairobi, Kenya and is currently seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Research Associate.

About the position

The Research Associate will be responsible for providing technical support to the Principal Scientist (Economics) through the Director (ESA Regional Office), plan and execute work consistent with the agreed framework and periodical report to stakeholders.  

The Associate will also facilitate key review meetings and develop future actions to meet set objectives, analyze project results and draw appropriate conclusions on research ideas and publish results in scientific journals for the purpose of dissemination to targeted groups.

Duties and responsibilities will include

• Develop questionnaires for data capture and implement data collection
• Plan, run and supervise household and market surveys in Eastern and Southern Africa, (Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi)
• Data management, including archiving of data and reports
• Run statistical/econometric analyses
• Draft reports and scientific papers using results of statistical/econometric analyses
• Proof-read and correction of reports and scientific papers based on input from the Principal Scientist
• Support the Principal Scientist in fundraising efforts (proposal writing)
• Provide other scientific and administrative support as required from time to time by the Principal Scientist.

Requirements

• First degree in Agriculture
• An MSc degree in Agricultural Economics or Agriculture
• 5 – 10 years working experience
• A minimum of 2 years research experience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
• Time management - ability to schedule tasks to meet tight deadlines
• Teamwork- ability to work in partnerships with others
• Originality, creativity and innovation – capacity for original thought
• Judgment – ability to make sound decisions
• Tenacity – persistence in ensuring delivery of agreed contributions
• Analytical skills – sound analysis and interpretation of technical issues.
• Must be a Kenyan national.

Terms of Offer
ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. 

We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women. 

This position is on local terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to six (6) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org.   

All applicants should indicate “Application for Research Associate-ICRISAT” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until Thursday 31st May 2012.  

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about ICRISAT and ICRAF by accessing our web sites:  www.icrisat.org and www.worldagroforestry.org.