ILRI Research Assistant Job in Kenya

Vacancy Number: RA/MK/10/10
Department: Market opportunities
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years contract renewable

The globally networked International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps to reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries.

ILRI positions its work at the dynamic interface of poverty alleviation and sustainable livestock livelihoods. Our staff work in partnerships and alliances with organizations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest NGOs, universities and research organizations in the world.

ILRI’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Our staff are also based in 7 partner institutions in other parts of Africa and in Asia and Latin America. We employ more than 700 staff from about 40 countries and are one of 15 centres sponsored by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

ILRI seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to join a small team of professionals working on the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) initiative. The objective of ReSAKSS is to provide data, information and knowledge to stakeholders in order to improve the formulation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of agricultural and rural development strategies in Africa.

The successful candidate will work with the ReSAKSS node based at ILRI-Nairobi which is set up to serve the COMESA region in the implementation of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP).

Key Responsibilities

* Contribute to ReSAKSS’ analytical work based on regional priorities in agriculture and rural development. Areas of research may include regional trade analysis, food security research, agricultural investment analysis, agricultural investment modeling and other related areas
* Synthesis of studies and literature around topical issues affecting agriculture and rural development in the region to generate policy relevant messages.
* Participate in the communication of ReSAKSS’ work, e.g. through preparation of ReSAKSS publications such as: working papers, policy briefs, technical reports, journal publications, conference papers, posters, brochures and presentations at policy conferences.
* Contributing to the capacity building component of ReSAKSS including organizing and implementing policy relevant training for ReSAKSS’ stakeholders.
* Contribution to the Monitoring and Evaluation of the CAADP indicators in the COMESA region especially tracking changes in volume and value of intra-regional trade in staple commodities in the COMESA region,
* Contributing to the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops organized or co-organized by ReSAKSS.

Requirements

* A Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics or other related field with application to Agriculture and Development;
* Minimum 3 years relevant post Masters’ work experience;
* Experience in econometrics and other forms of quantitative analysis, demonstrated in appropriate written outputs; conducting literature searches and writing professional papers; working in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in a developing country setting;
* Knowledge and experience in agricultural and rural development issues in Sub Saharan Africa
* Applied knowledge of quantitative analytical methods ; proven experience in database management and analyzing large datasets to answer analytical questions;
* Proficiency in using Ms Office and statistical packages;
* Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality analytical and policy documents and related correspondence;
* Demonstrated ability to synthesize a large body of knowledge into simple, easy to understand papers and policy briefs;
* Demonstrated good organizational skills and ability to work with a minimum of supervision;
* Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional contacts, and to interact with national officials and experts, other researchers, international organizations, development partners, and other ReSAKSS’ stakeholders;
* A willingness to travel frequently within and outside the COMESA region and knowledge of French language is as an added advantage;

Terms of appointment: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is open to Kenyan nationals only. The position is on a 2 year contract renewable, based on performance and availability of funds.

Job level and salary: This position is job level 2D with a starting gross salary of KES is 140,000 per month. This is exclusive of other benefits provided within ILRI’s Nationally Recruited Staff Scheme.

Applications addressed to the Human Resources Director, a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience should be emailed to: recruit-ilri-Ken@cgiar.org by 16 November 2010.

“RESEARCH ASSISTANT: RA/MK/10/10” should be clearly indicated on the subject line of the email application. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our website at www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer

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