The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

Research Scientist Job Opportunity at The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

Overview

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is a renowned pan-African Centre of excellence focused on research for development and capacity building in insect science and its applications. Our mission is to alleviate poverty, ensure food and nutritional security, and improve the overall health status of people in the tropics. Through innovative research and strategic partnerships, icipe develops sustainable solutions to manage harmful and beneficial arthropods while preserving natural resources. Established in 1970, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and operates in over 40 African countries.

Living in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a vibrant cosmopolitan hub with a population exceeding four million. The city boasts a thriving international research scene, hosting various CGIAR centers and several UN agencies. It offers excellent urban amenities, international schools, well-equipped medical facilities, and convenient accessibility through numerous reputable international airlines.

Job Title: Research Scientist

Location: icipe Duduville Campus, Nairobi, Kenya

Contract: Initial 3-year contract, renewable based on performance and funding.

Compensation: Competitive and generous package including paid annual vacation, return airfare for the scientist and dependents, duty-free privileges, and relocation support if the candidate is appointed from outside Kenya.

About the Role

This position will support research for development (R4D) activities in the Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean & Insect Sectors (BRAINS) and Accelerating One Health Interventions to Tackle Pandemic at Source (Accelerate-One Health) projects. The Research Scientist will leverage innovative R4D tools, data, and frameworks to scale pest management technologies and beneficial insect farming enterprises in fruit trees (mango and avocado) and bean corridors. The role aims to enhance gender equality, job creation, and sustainability of small-scale agriculture, contributing to carbon farming and climate change mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

Pest Management: Utilize R4D tools to scale pest management technologies (biopesticides, protein baits, mass trapping, male annihilation technique, repellents, field sanitation, parasitoid releases) and beneficial insect farming enterprises in fruit trees and bean corridors.
Technology Scaling: Apply innovative tools and approaches to enhance farmer uptake, profitability, and access for women and youth in the target countries.
Agri-Silviculture Promotion: Contribute to the promotion and upscaling of agri-silviculture in bean and fruit tree cropping systems to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
Ecological Studies: Conduct studies on risk drivers, spread, impact, and inventory of natural enemies of Parthenium hysterophorus.
Biological Control: Implement classical biological control of P. hysterophorus through importation and evaluation of natural enemies.
Project Support: Provide proactive support to project implementation, prepare annual work plans, budgets, and scientific reports.
Supervision: Supervise project team members, including researchers, staff, and students, developing critical skills in resource mobilization, science writing, and peer review.
Resource Mobilization: Secure external support through resource mobilization to develop and grow the One Health research portfolio.
Collaboration: Establish collaborative linkages with national, regional, and international institutions in the field of One Health.
Leadership: Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with leadership responsibilities.

Requirements

Education: PhD in Entomology or a related field from a reputable university.
Experience: Minimum of 7 years in a research organization or university setting with a track record in entomology and interdisciplinary research in tropical insect science.
Skills: Proven experience in technology transfer, successful grant writing, and a science leadership role. Fluency in English and French is essential.
Attributes: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, willingness to travel, capacity building through supervision and mentorship, a good publication record, and organizational and leadership abilities.

Other Desirable Attributes

Capacity Building: Experience in supervising and mentoring MSc and PhD students.
Publication Record: Demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications.
Initiative: Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Teamwork: Good team player with leadership capabilities to supervise postdoctoral fellows, postgraduate students, and research technicians.
Data Management: Expertise in designing, experimenting, collating, analyzing, interpreting, and organizing data for peer-reviewed publications and technical reports.
Resource Mobilization: Active engagement in proposal and grant development.
Partnerships: Proactively seek new collaboration opportunities relevant to the projects.

Reporting

This position reports to the Interim Deputy Director General, Research and Partnerships.

How to Apply

Deadline: This position is open until 15th July 2024.

Application Requirements:

A confidential cover letter outlining suitability for the role.
A detailed CV.
Names and addresses of 3 referees.

Apply Online: http://recruit.icipe.org or via email at recruitment@icipe.org.

Equal Opportunity Statement

icipe is an equal-opportunity employer fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Employment consideration is given regardless of race, color, age, gender, religion, disability status, national and ethnic origin, or social status.

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Focus Keywords;

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Best of luck in your application process. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application or recruitment fee, whether refundable or not.

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To apply for this job email your details to recruitment@icipe.org