Senior Scientist - Invasive Species Management at CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International)

THE ROLE

Job title: Senior Scientist – Invasive Species Management
Grade: 6
Reporting to: Coordinator – Invasive Species Management
Salary: We offer a competitive package in the not-for-profit development sector
Term: The role is offered as an initial appointment of three years subject to renewal and extension
Direct reports: None
Key peer group: Scientist working within Invasives Theme, Project Scientist
Location: Nairobi - Kenya

Purpose of the role

The Senior Scientist Invasive Species Management will support the development and implementation of effective invasive species management projects, following an integrated pest management approach, in collaboration with national, regional and international stakeholders with a view to supporting local economic development, sustainable resource management, increased food security and improved livelihoods. The job holder will be expected to develop and manage projects on both a technical and financial level and be able to communicate results to a broad stakeholder audience in the form of reports; peer-reviewed publications; and presentations at national, regional and international fora.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the development of strategic partnerships in Kenya, and regionally, to facilitate the implementation of international conventions and agreements, and representing the Invasives Programme at national, regional and international fora, to foster strong relationships and productive collaboration;
• Work with national, regional and international partners on project planning (i.e. the design of concept notes, proposals and logical frameworks), as well as project implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Undertake and manage project delivery (with CABI colleagues) according to agreed Terms of Reference (ToR) within the Invasives Species Theme and provide feedback to all relevant project stakeholders via timely submission of reports;
• Assist in the development and implementation of IAS policies, capacity building initiatives, awareness raising programmes, and best management practices to support national and regional implementation of CABI’s invasive species programme;
• Provide support in the coordination of applied research activities on biological control as a key cornerstone of integrated approaches to invasive species management in collaboration with national partners;
• Provide support to write advisory leaflets, farmer manuals, technical notes, press releases and other awareness creation and capacity development material;
• Support development of concept notes and proposals in the field of invasive species management in accordance with the Prince2 management system or other project design method agreed with the envisaged donor (e.g. Outcome Mapping, Logical Project Framework or Project Cycle Management);
• Undertake administrative duties (compilation of progress-, annual- and final reports) and support project management according to predefined yearly plans of operation to satisfy customer expectations;
• Adhere to CABI policies and procedures at the Centre, including HR procedures, health and safety requirements, financial and project management procedures, and IPR procedures.

Candidate profile

We are seeking a dynamic researcher with an excellent background in biological control, integrated approaches to Invasive Species Management, an internationally-recognized scientific background, and outstanding and proven networking abilities.

Qualifications and language skills

• PHD in a relevant Life Science ideally biological control / integrated pest management / ecology / entomology / pathology / weed management
• Broad knowledge of invasive species issues in developing countries and relevant institutional settings, as well as the gaps in stakeholder abilities to manage invasive species;
• Understanding of a range of extension approaches and methods, in particular understanding of participatory approaches and communication for development;
• Good understanding of issues related to IAS policies, awareness creation, capacity development and IAS best management practices;
• Prince II qualifications will be considered an added advantage;
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Previous experience

• At least 3 years’ post-doctoral experience in relevant research;
• Good publication record;
• Proven experience in successful project planning and management, both technically and financially;
• Proven experience in project proposal development and obtaining of funds;
• Field and lab experimental design, data collection and handling, statistical analysis and reporting;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of packages;
• Direct experience working with invasive species, biocontrol, weeds and/or arthropods would be advantageous;
• Experience from working in developing countries is an advantage

Personal characteristics

• A team player with good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Self-motivated;
• Strong negotiation and networking skills;
• Excellent presentation and writing skills;
• Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving;
• Robust with the operational grip and capacity to handle a demanding workload;
• Willingness to undertake accompanied and unaccompanied international travel;
• Good personal organisational skills;
• Able to work independently and remain focussed.
• Ability to deal with cultural differences of colleagues, customers and partners globally.

NOTE

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It is expected that the post holder and CABI will adopt a flexible attitude and accept that the duties may have to be varied according to circumstances, in particular changing corporate requirements and individual development needs.