Head, Human Health Theme (Mbita, South Nyanza) at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Duties/activities/deliverables

The Centre has an active portfolio of human health research focusing on diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, tsetse, sandflies, and ticks. Reporting to the Director of Research & Partnerships (DRP), the successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team contributing leadership and research strategy to the Centre in collaboration with icipe’s other Themes and Units. The successful candidate will develop and maintain a portfolio of research, with a focus on mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases that is aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals.

Specific duties

The successful candidate is expected to:

1. Work in collaboration with the icipe leadership team including the Director General, Director of Research and Partnerships (DRP) as well as Heads of Themes and Units, to undertake and facilitate research and capacity building activities across the Centre;
2. Lead and spearhead the development of a coherent vision for the HH Theme;
3. Organise a Theme structure to cost-effectively utilise resources to meet icipe’s research, capacity and institutional building needs;
4. Guide programme/project leaders within the Theme to ensure timely preparation of the Theme’s annual work-plans, budgets, and scientific and technical reports for donors;
5. Ensure Theme members continually update skills and methodologies, to keep up with global cutting-edge knowledge;
6. Promote and establish collaborative linkages with national, regional and international institutions in the relevant fields of research of the Theme;
7. Actively seek and secure external support for the activities of the Theme, including resources to develop and grow a personal research portfolio;
8. Manage and develop the staff of the Theme to create and foster a culture of science excellence and to ensure the Theme has the human resources required now and into the future;
9. Facilitate peer-review of the performance of Theme members;
10. Initiate periodic reviews of the performance of the HH Theme, to ensure relevance and quality;
11. Act as a spokesperson and representative of the Theme;
12. Ensure the Theme meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors.

Requirements/Qualifications

• PhD degree in medical or veterinary entomology, or a relevant field, from a reputable university.
• Ten (10) years’ experience gained at a senior level in either a research organisation or university.
• Excellent research and publication track record.
• Experience with downstream work that ensures impact through partnerships.
• Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and PhD students.
• Excellent communication skills.

Core Competencies

• Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.
• Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.
• Proven record of managing complex projects—with financial, human resource and administrative responsibilities.

Other desirable attributes

• High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation.

Reporting

• This position reports to the Director of Research & Partnerships (DRP).

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.