Job Description
RTI International is an independent organization dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition. With a worldwide staff of more than 4,000 people, RTI offers innovative research and development and a full spectrum of multidisciplinary services. Universities in North Carolina founded RTI in 1958 as a centerpiece of the Research Triangle Park.
RTI is currently seeking to fill a vacancy for the Kenya Crops & Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) Activity, which is part of the Feed the Future program, America's initiative to combat global hunger and poverty. In this regard, USAID is partnering with RTI International on a 5-year (Oct 2017 to Sept 2022) cooperative agreement - KCDMS Activity - to help increase agricultural production and reduce poverty and malnutrition in Kenya. The project will also spur competitive, resilient market systems in Kenya's horticulture and dairy sectors. We seek to recruit an Environmental Specialist to be based in the Nairobi office.
Job Summary: The Environmental Specialist will report directly to the Agricultural Productivity Director and provide technical support to project sub-offices and stakeholders on environmentally sustainable agricultural systems, best practices, conservation farming, water harvesting, climate change effects, and compliant environmental impact mitigation measures. Besides, S/he is expected to contribute fully to the overall objectives of the KCDMS project, conducting him/herself properly at all times as a senior representative of the program.
Essential Duties:
- Advise on environmental risks, costs, and legislative compliance associated with KCDMS activities.
- Conduct environmental audits to monitor and risk assess environmental performance, ensuring compliance with USAID and Kenya Environmental Protection Agency regulations and striving for continuous performance improvement.
- Monitor and report on the application of environmental impact mitigation measures as outlined in the KCDMS approved monitoring plan.
- Review USAID Feed the Future policy on environmental issues and remains up to date on new developments that should be incorporated into program activities.
- Develop extension/training modules for safe and effective use of pesticides, fertilizers, etc. based on national and international standards and regulations, and KCDMS approved PERSUAP.
- Provide technical direction and runs test plots on conservation farming technologies, working with staff and other experts on best practices. Train staff and stakeholders on best practices for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices (crop rotation, fallowing, intercropping, low tillage, contouring, etc.).
- Provide technical direction for drought mitigation practices and lead and or support the technical activities for weather forecasting, crop insurance, water harvesting, and other environmentally sound practices and technologies that apply to the field.
- Contribute to farm and enterprise-level economic modeling of the impact of environmentally sustainable best practices.
- Visit field sites and project grantees to determine whether the proposed activity encompasses the potential for environmental pollution or damage and if so, to determine the scope and extent of the additional evaluation, mitigation, and monitoring necessary to fulfill environmental requirements.
- Prepare monthly and quarterly field reports that include learning points and success stories. Contribute to the annual data gathering process for key USAID indicators. Ensure data accuracy via site visits, data audits, etc.
- For environmental concerns, and as necessary, plan and participates in evaluations, selected research activities, and baselines surveys by providing the critical program and organizational support; and in knowledge capture events that include staff and partner exchanges and all staff meetings.
- Monitor closely the performance of environmental activities and document all changes (both qualitatively and quantitatively). Using the program's M&E framework and guidelines for tracking the transformation process, ensure data and information are shared within the program and assist the M&E Officers in feeding data into the MIS system.
- Identify STTA needs in the environment sector and assists in the process (needs identification, SOW, requests) and reviews their reports and other deliverables
- Working with the grants team, utilize the project grants program through appropriate grant concepts and implementation.
- Guides the environmental process through the KCDMS gender mainstreaming plan to ensure they are incorporated into the process.
- Works closely with the Regional Coordinators and other sector Technical Leaders and staff to coordinate environmental program activities, effectively utilize project equipment and resources, and communicate well with multi-program actors on standard message and united assistance.
- Contributes to preparing and drafting the environment sector components of the quarterly and annual reports and any other project publications as required.
- Contribute to the annual implementation plan for the environment, lead in its implementation, and monitor and report results.
- Actively engage in collaborating with program stakeholders as they relate to the environment program, including trade associations, NGOs, government agencies, universities, research agencies, value chain actors, other donor programs, and strategic partners.
- Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness or Environmental Science /Natural Resource and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Interested Candidates should visit this link http://m.rfer.us/RTIOOsAY9 and apply by Friday, July 23,2021 at 5:00 pm.
Only shortlisted Candidates will be contacted.
No applicant will ever be asked for any payment either to secure a role with RTI International or as a follow-up to having been awarded a position with RTI International. If anyone ever approaches you asking for any such payment, please immediately email ethics@rti.org