CIMMYT Research Assistant Job in Kigali, Rwanda

About our Organisation

CIMMYT is committed to improving livelihoods in developing countries. 

Through strong science and effective partnerships, we create, share, and use knowledge and agricultural technologies to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems, and sustain natural resources in developing countries.  

CIMMYT is an international non-profit research and training center with direct links to about 100 developing countries through offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

We participate in an extensive global network of people and organizations who share similar development goals, including the public and private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, relief and health agencies, farmers, and the development assistance community.

The Position

Research Assistant

The selected candidate will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Global Conservation Agriculture Program (CIMMYT-GCAP), and will be based at ICRAF   HUYE (Butare)-Rwanda offices. 

The research assistant will play a key role in a large multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team. 

The selected candidate will interact closely with ICRAF’s research team in Rwanda and CIMMYT’s team in Ethiopia and Kenya, and will work closely with advanced research institutes ( ICRAF and CIMMYT), national research and extension programs (RAB), national universities (NUR), NGOs, and private sector stakeholders in Rwanda.

Depending on the selected candidate’s motivation, he/she may be supported to complete a PhD from the research carried.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Develop research protocols in collaboration with national programs and universities, and other partner advance research institutes
• Set up and supervise trials based on the protocols developed
• Collect data on crop and tree productivity, soil parameters and climatic parameters.
• Analyze data generated from trials
• Supervise field staff
• Explore the wider significance of results through crop modelling
• Communicate research results to diverse communities, including scientists, change agents, policy makers and farmers
• Provide practical training for local researchers and extension agents on trials management and measurement of ecophysilogical parameters
• Collaborate with ICRAF’s researcher in Rwanda and CIMMYT’s researcher in Ethiopia and Kenya
• Attend and participate in project meetings, stakeholder workshops, and other events
• Adhere  to ICRAF human resource  principles
• Capacity to join ICRAF and CIMMYT team for funds mobilisation for the project
• Skill to write a paper for publication in peer review journals

Requirements:

• MSc in agriculture, soil science, ecophysiology, or a related field
• At least 2 (two) years of experience in field agronomy with a relevant organization
• Practical experience in conducting on-farm trials
• Practical experience with measurement of soil water (using TDR or neutron probes), crop NDVI, canopy temperature, etc.
• Excellent analytical/quantitative skills
• Strong background in statistics/biometrics
• Good working knowledge of crop growth models (DSSAT, APSIM) and optimization software (e.g. GAMS) would be a plus
• Peer-review publication record would be a plus
• Good communication (in written and spoken English), interpersonal skills and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary/multi-cultural team on trans-disciplinary issues
• Ability to effectively work with minimum supervision.
• Willingness to travel frequently
• Valid Rwanda driver’s license.

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
• A copy of your MSc thesis
• 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) via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org and should indicate “Application for Research Assistant - CIMMYT” on their application letters and email submissions. 

A summary of the MSc thesis should be attached to the application. 

Applications will be considered until 19 January 2013.

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

We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and ICRAF by accessing our web sites www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org

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World Agroforestry Centre Administrative Assistant - Operations Job in Nairobi Kenya

Administrative Assistant - Operations

About the organization

The World Agroforestry Centre is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. 

As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

Main purpose of the job

Work closely with the Head of Operations, the Assistant Operations Manager (Facilities) and other teams in Corporate Services in coordinating the overall administrative functions of the Unit in order to ensure delivery of efficient and cost effective services to a wide range of clients.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Arranging and coordinating the Units’ diary of works including organizing the Units’ and the service providers’ monthly meetings.
• Receiving and coordinating all the Units procurement needs which includes follow up with the procurement Unit and FSU to ensure timely delivery of goods/services.
• Assisting the Head of Operations in developing, implementing and monitoring the Units annual Programme of Work and Budget including chargebacks for all services provided by the Unit.
• In consultation with the other administrators and the audiovisual officer serve as the focal point for all meetings/workshops and symposia taking place at Headquarters. This will include: working closely with FSU to ensure timely chargebacks on air ticket service charges, verification of invoices from the outsourced Travel Agent, client invoicing, management of the Meals and Incidentals function and liaising with the local hotels on accommodation.
• Being the Centre’s focal point for all insurance related matters which include the management of institutional and staff motor insurance schemes and procurement of insurance covers for institutional assets at HQ and the regions, following up on the payments of all approved invoices for insurance debits, and securing credits. And in consultation with the insurance service provider initiate the quarterly service review meetings.
• Work closely with the Procurement Unit, institutions collaborating with ICRAF and others, in the search processes for service providers, specifically those directly related to the Operations Unit.
• Assist the Head of Operations in the management of outsourced service contracts including Service Level Agreements  related to:- Mail and Front Office, Travel, Taxi and Staff Group Transport, Pool & Project Vehicles and Catering
• Manage the day to day operations of the ICRAF group transport by working closely with the bus monitors and service providers to ensure compliance to the agreed upon Service Level Agreements.
• As a member of the Health and Safety Committee, work together with the Security Manager, Assistant Operations Manager (Facilities), the Head of Operations and other units in identifying and addressing OH&S issues.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and experience

• A degree in Business Administration or its equivalent.
• Three (3) years’ experience with an international organization preferably in a facility management setting;
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills;
• Ability to coordinate, prioritize, and organize workload;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimal supervision;
• Knowledge in event management
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English;
• Excellent computer knowledge of Microsoft Office

Terms of offer

We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. 

This position is remunerated on local terms. 

The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a six (6) months’ probation period.   

How to apply
Prepare:

• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position, and your salary expectations.
• A detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone numbers and email addresses, and fax details, if available.

Address these to:

The Human Resources Unit, 

World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), 

P.O Box 30677, 00100, 

Nairobi, Kenya 

OR send via email to: icrafhru@cgiar.org. 

Indicate “Application for an Administrative Assistant - Operations” on the application letter. 

Applications will be considered until 17 January 2013.

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

To learn more about us, visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

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Mercy Corps Local Conflict Management Mechanism Assessment Specialist Job in Nairobi Kenya

Vacancy Announcement                     

Consultancy Title: Conflict Specialist - Local Conflict Management Mechanism Assessment
 

Project Location: Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to field sites

The Conflict Specialist will oversee the assessment, which will uncover the various conflict dynamics in two geographic areas (Upper & Lower Somali Clusters). 

The assessment is an opportunity to: provide context specific details on the various ethnic divides; identify the drivers of conflict; provide information about how the conflicts have evolved over the last 5 years; and identify local conflict management mechanisms used in these regions.
 

Activities will include:

• Providing desk review of existing literature of conflict dynamics, conflict assessments and evaluations of peacebuilding programs in the target area.
• Designing the methodology and tools including surveys and focus group questionnaires
• Working with local partners to arrange logistics for the assessment: number of assessors, any translations, local transport, etc.
• Holding workshops and train selected local partners on the assessment process in each of the areas.
• Writing the assessment report, which will include a discussion of the conflict dynamics in each of the regions, how conflict actors interact, the drivers of conflict, and the supports for peace. The annex should include a list of key stakeholders, including local partners, and their contact information.

Minimum requirements:

• Masters Degree in international affairs, conflict mitigation, or relevant subject.
• Four years of experience in community-based capacity development projects in relief and/or post-conflict settings.
• Strong understanding of traditional authorities, and other peace actors in the Somali Clusters and the organizational and political challenges that exist.
• Experience in working with and coordinating with partners.
• Proven program leadership, management, project planning, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience working in unstable or conflict areas.

Applications:  

Submit your application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the Mercy Corps Regional Office, 247 Owashika Road, Lavington - Nairobi, Kenya or e-mail applications with cover letter to hr@ke.mercycorps.org . 

Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Friday, 8th January 2013. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. 

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Rafiki Microfinance Head of Operation Job in Kenya

Head of Operation
 

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
 

The job holder will be responsible for providing leadership in the provision of effective and efficient operations support across the DTM branch network as well as coordination the delivery of technology based solutions which enable and support all aspects of the DTM business strategy in a timely and cost effective manner.
 

Station: Based at the Head Office
 

Relationships:

• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
• Liaises with the Head of Finance and Strategy, Head of Credit, Head of Technology, Head of Business Development, Head of Legal Services, Debt Recovery Manager, Branch Managers and Security Manager.

Key accountabilities:

• Design and manage the process in which the DTM branch operations are carried out.
• Delivery of efficient and effective operational services across the branch network
• Effective management of the DTM’s service delivery channels to ensure effective turnaround times (ATM’s etc. )
• Establish functional policies and procedures for the DTM’s operations
• Provide and manage effective clearing services in accordance with the existing clearing house rules.
• Leverage on technology to ensure that end users maximize on the set policies and procedures to provide world class service delivery to all clients and stakeholders in a safe and reassured environment.
• Liaison between the operations and IT to ensure technological solutions fit business needs.
• Manage the risk arising from frauds and forgeries using the CBK guidelines.
• Supervise Plan and control cash operations in the DTM’s cash reserves and ensure all branches are served and risk in keeping idle cash is minimized.
• Reduce operating costs by ensuring efficient utilization of the bank assets
• Manage centralized shared services in the department

Key Performance Indicators

• Effective internal control systems and procedures.
• Compliance with the DTM’s policies and procedures
• Clear and well laid out operation strategies and plans.
• Timely and accurate (up to date)operation reports to guide management and board of directors in decision making
• Well informed and trained staff on operation procedures and compliance
• Carry out performance appraisals against agreed targets for the team while accurately assessing individual strengths, developmental needs and accurate feedback.
• Accountable for the team’s compliance to regulations and the DTM’s policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in, Commerce, Business or Finance related field, and a Masters Degree. Professional qualifications will be an added advantage.
• Computer skills, adept in use of MS word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, e-mail, internet and intranet.
• From ten (10) years Microfinance/Banking experience with at least 7 years in Operations Management experience with proven result track record.

Competencies/Attributes

• Job skills: understand the Microfinance/Banking Act and Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and Prudential guidelines; high levels of professionalism and professional development.
• Understand and implement operations processes of different operations products.
• An all round Banker.
• Demonstrate a high degree of sensitivity, confidentiality, and integrity when dealing with internal and external customers.
• Management and leadership ability: Have excellent interpersonal, organizing and people management skills.
• Personality: results oriented with excellent social skills and ability to interact across all levels of management. A forward planner with clear focus, mature, reliable, hardworking and able to work without supervision, ardent team player with a keen eye on detail.
• Honest with impeccable integrity, reliable, outgoing and hardworking.
• Strong analytical skills

All applicants must apply online to the email hr@rafiki.co.ke closing date is 12th January 2013. 

Canvassing will automatically disqualify the candidate. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

“We are an equal opportunity employer”.

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Rafiki Microfinance Head of Credit Job in Kenya

Head of Credit
 

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer To manage the DTM's credit risk management function efficiently and effectively and ensure adherence to credit policy and procedures.

The main responsibilities of the role revolve around loan credit approvals, monitoring and controlling the DTM’s loans and advances portfolio as well as debt collections and recovery.
 

Station: Based at the Head Office
 

Relationships:

• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
• Liaises with the Head of Finance and Strategy, Head of Operations and Technology, Head of Business Development, Head of Legal Services, Debt Recovery Manager, Branch Managers and Security Manager.

Key Performance Areas

• Credit policy formulation.
• Risk management: credit risk analysis and evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with credit policies and procedures.
• Undertake credit appraisal to vet credit proposals from branches.
• Monitoring and administration of credit performance.
• Ensure that the credit portfolio is measured, monitored and managed to achieve planned performance
• Ensure that loan portfolio management is consistent with the stated risk appetite position, supported by sectoral, single borrower, tenor and other limits.
• Drive credit risk processes and systems to ensure they meet business needs
• Management information system(MIS) including statutory returns to Central Bank of Kenya.(CBK)
• Ensure sufficient credit resources with appropriate training and knowledge is aligned with the capacity needs of the business.
• Branch support and carry out inspection of credit/ lending issues
• Any other duties that may be assigned to you from time to time by management.

Key Performance Indicators

• Effective internal control systems and procedures.
• Compliance with the DTM’s policies and procedures
• Clear and well laid out credit strategies and operational plans.
• A growing loan portfolio as per agreed targets
• An effective follow-up plan on non performing loans to ensure recoveries.
• Timely and accurate (up to date)credit reports to guide management and board of directors in decision making
• Well informed and trained staff on credit procedures and compliance
• Carry out performance appraisals against agreed targets for the team while accurately assessing individual strengths, developmental needs and accurate feedback.
• Accountable for the team’s compliance to regulations and the Microfinance/Banking policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in, Commerce, Business or Finance related field, and a Masters Degree. Professional qualifications will be an added advantage.
• Computer skills, adept in use of ms word, Excel, Acess, Powerpoint, e-mail, internet and intranet.
• Basel II training, Financial/Credit risk and analysis training and other relevant credit training at an advanced level.
• From ten (10) years banking experience with at least 7 years Retail and Corporate Credit experience with proven result track record.

Competencies/Attributes

• Job skills: understand the Microfinance/Banking Act and Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and Prudential guidelines; high levels of professionalism and professional development.
• Understand and implement credit processes of different credit products.
• An all round Banker.
• Demonstrate a high degree of sensitivity, confidentiality, and integrity when dealing with internal and external customers.
• Management and leadership ability: Have excellent interpersonal, organizing and people management skills.
• Personality: results oriented with excellent social skills and ability to interact across all levels of management. A forward planner with clear focus, mature, reliable, hardworking and able to work without supervision, ardent team player with a keen eye on detail.
• Honest with impeccable integrity, reliable, outgoing and hardworking.
• Strong analytical skills

All applicants must apply online to the email hr@rafiki.co.ke closing date is 12th January 2013. 

Canvassing will automatically disqualify the candidate. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

“We are an equal opportunity employer”.

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