Job Description
(Ref. No. IRS/473/112021)
Specific Duties
The successful candidate will be expected to:
-Lead and spearhead the development of a coherent vision and strategic framework for the
Push–Pull Programme in line with icipe’s strategy and goals, and international best practices.
- Organise a Push–Pull Programme structure to cost-effectively utilise resources to meet icipe’s
research, capacity and institutional building needs.
- Provide cutting-edge scientific leadership to scientists and technical staff to further develop,
adapt, optimise and scale up Push–Pull technology to a broad range of agro-ecosystems and
farming systems.
- Guide scientists and technical staff within the Programme to ensure timely preparation of annual work-plans, budgets, and scientific and technical reports for donors.
- Ensure that the Push–Pull Programme members continually update skills and methodologies to keep up with global cutting-edge knowledge that is relevant to the Plant Health Theme’s
research.
- Provide leadership and guidance to scientists in the publication of research outputs in high impact peer-reviewed journals, as well as provide stewardship of intellectual property developed under the programme.
- Promote and establish collaborative linkages within icipe and with national, regional and
international institutions in the Programme’s relevant fields of research under the Plant Health
Theme.
- Actively seek and secure external support for the activities of the Push–Pull Programme,
including resources to develop and grow the research portfolio.
- Manage and develop the staff of the Push–Pull Programme to create and foster a culture of
scientific excellence and to ensure that the Programme has the human resources required now
and into the future.
- Prudently manage financial, physical and intellectual resources under the Push–Pull
Programme.
- Facilitate peer-review of the performance of Push–Pull Programme staff.
- Initiate periodic reviews of the performance of the Push–Pull Programme to ensure relevance
and quality.
- Act as a spokesperson and representative of the Programme.
- Ensure that the Programme meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders,
including partners and donors.
Requirements/Qualifications
- PhD degree in entomology or related agricultural sciences, but preferably with expertise in
habitat management, chemical ecology, agronomy or biological control from a reputable
university, and postdoctoral training from a highly reputed laboratory.
- Ten (10) years’ experience progressively gained in either a research organisation or a
university.
- Excellent publication track record with at least 50 publications.
Core Competencies
-Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.
- Proven record of managing large resources, both financial and human, in an international
research environment.
- Proven experience of working with farmers, preferably in Africa, and transdisciplinary research
and development collaboration in social science research, agricultural economics or related
disciplines.
- Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows.
- Excellent communication skills are mandatory.
- Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.
- High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation.
Reporting
This position reports to the Head of the Plant Health Theme.