KOMAZA Research and Development Associate Job Vacancy

Wanted: Experienced professional with research background to lead major research and development projects for a young, international NGO

Overview

Industry: Social Business / Non-profit / International Development / Start-Up

Employer: KOMAZA

Position: Research and Development Associate

Function: Crop Production

Commitment: 1yr minimum, 2+yrs much preferred

Location: Kilifi, Kenya

Compensation/Benefits: Associate-level (see below)

Application Deadline: 1 December 2010

Start Date: 1 February 2011

The Role

As the Associate for Research and Development you will contribute to our work by leading major R&D projects in three key areas: identifying cost-effective agricultural best-practices, applying appropriate technologies to boost agricultural yields, and designing value capture systems that maximize the profitability of small-scale farmers’ crops.

You will:

* Assist in Setting R&D Priorities: Work with KOMAZA strategic leadership to assess short- and long-term research and development needs and goals. This will involve the prioritization of R&D activities as well as the development of high-level projects, the R&D budget, and a strategy for achieving R&D objectives.
* Lead Experimental Design and Implementation: Design and run agricultural field experiments to fill gaps in existing knowledge. This will involve managing experimental agricultural trials and pilot projects with individual farmers to improve our current process and crop portfolio.
* Review Literature: Review and write summaries of existing literature that can better inform KOMAZA’s practices and form a basis for our own field research. This will involve developing a good understanding of agronomy, relevant appropriate technologies (e.g. low-cost rainwater harvesting), and decentralized crop value capture.
* Consult with Experts: Identify and consult with relevant experts in order to build KOMAZA’s technical knowledge base. In some cases, this role may require hiring specialized consultants in specific fields for short-term engagements in the areas where we operate.
* Manage Ongoing Experiments: Take ownership over existing field experiments and experimental farms, including the management of staff in experiment maintenance and measurement.

This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, will have a significant field component – which can be challenging but highly rewarding.

This work will involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat.

KOMAZA is constructing its first dedicated field operations office in Ganze, which will facilitate any field work.

Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet the following criteria will not be considered:

Education: A top performing academic background with a bachelor of science in a relevant field (natural resource management, forestry, biology, plant science, agriculture, or similar)

Relevant work experience: 2+ years minimum experience in scientific research in an agricultural, or environmental field (e.g. conservation biology/ecology). Experience with agriculture/forestry and knowledge of plant production and agro-ecology.

Experimental design: Demonstrated experience designing experiments, preferably field-based and with an inclination toward practical application.

Project management experience: A holistic approach to project management from scoping needs, project design and experimental analysis, with strong record keeping skills.

Strong organizational skills: Ability to balance multiple projects, work across all aspects of operations, and take ownership of projects in a highly independent capacity

Analytical thinking: Excellent problem-solving skills, at a high and granular level

Strong communication skills and commitment to: Being personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles given close collaboration with local staff.

Patience and a sense of humor: Please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria

Preferred:

* Kiswahili
* Work experience in a role that involved: significant project management or other leadership skills
* Work/volunteer experience in a developing country

To apply, visit our website at www.komaza.org

People who read this post also read :