Research and Learning Manager at Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)

The primary science partnership programme between UK and Kenya is known as the Newton-Utafiti Fund. This is part of the wider £735m global Newton Fund aimed at increasing UK research and innovation engagement with 18 emerging powers, including Kenya.

The UK-Kenya Programme was officially established in July 2016 and it  involves a range of UK and Kenyan stakeholders. Since the establishment of the Newton-Utafiti Fund, a number of collaborative science and innovation programmes have been set up. These include  capacity building, research collaborations, people exchange and innovation fellowships. The programmes focus around the thematic areas of foodsecurity, sustainable and renewable energy; health; environment and climate change,   with the ultimate aim of promoting economic development and social welfare.

This is an interesting role for a resourceful candidate. The role will support the delivery of the Newton-Utafiti  Fund, with a significant focus on  outreach to beneficiaries, monitoring and promoting the Fund. The role is funded entirely by official development assistance (ODA) and focuses exclusively on work associated with the Fund. The position is located within the High Commission’s Science and Innovation team based in Nairobi

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

Programme Management and Outreach 40%

• Primary responsibility for keeping track of all Newton Fund activity in Kenya, building up a database of all activity and beneficiaries to provide the Newton Central Team, Country Manager and High Commission with information as necessary;
• Developing and managing a programme of visits and contact with projects underway, linked to impact assessment and monitoring first point of contact for UK and SA delivery partners on activity-related issues;
• Working with the Newton Fund Country Manager and Science & Innovation team to identify opportunities for future collaboration;
• Engagement with Institutions to promote the Fund and generate high quality applications. Outreach and support to relevant research and higher education  institutions;
• Event Planning and Management. Logistical support for meetings and visits;
• Primary responsibility for in-country budget and spend monitoring to feed into monthly and quarterly reporting and ensure spend as profiled;
• Supporting the Country Manager in Newton Fund central monitoring and evaluation process.

Communications 30%

• Maintenance of Newton Fund communications tools:  web content, events calendar, Newton Fund content on social media platforms;
• Create and maintain a Newton-Utafiti  alumni network, including organisation of alumni events
• Identify promotional and marketing opportunities, such as receptions, conferences, workshops etc to promote the Newton Fund and its activities
• Outreach to beneficiaries to gather examples of impact and progress.
• Work with the in-country Science and Innovation Officer  to build evidence to demonstrate the value the Newton Fund in delivering for the UK in Kenya..

Monitoring and Evaluation 20%

• Ongoing monitoring of programme activities including gathering examples of impact, identifying and drafting case studies.
• Data gathering and analytical support to the Funds external evaluators where necessary.
• Tracking the programme spend profile against forecasts in order to identify areas of risk and opportunity.

Policy 10%

• Working together with the Science and Innovation Officer to analyse board documents and provide input to the  High Commissioner’s briefing ahead of -annual Science and Innovation High Level  Board
• Providing cover support to the Science and Innovation Officer whenever necessary.