Head of Animal Health Theme at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Centre has an active portfolio of Animal health research focusing on diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, tsetse, sandflies, fleas, and ticks; epidemiology of arthropod-borne diseases; implementing operational research for developing, appraising and promoting biorational tools and strategies for monitoring and controlling arthropod-borne diseases of livestock; one health and multisectoral approach to disease management; and developing sustainable and locally-adapted solutions for feed shortages. Reporting to the Deputy Director General, Research for Development (DDG-R4D), 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, Platforms and Units. The successful candidate will develop and maintain a portfolio of research, with a focus on Animal vector-borne diseases including epidemiology of arthropod borne diseases, zoonotic diseases, parasitology and one health as aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals.

Specific Duties

• Work in collaboration with the icipe leadership team, including the Director General, Deputy
• Director General, Research for Development (DDG-R4D) and Heads of Themes and Platforms, to undertake and facilitate research and capacity building activities as specified in the duties and deliverables above across the Centre.
• Lead and spearhead the development of a coherent vision for the Animal Health Theme.
• Mobilise resources by developing competitive research proposals and expanding partnerships with donors, research institutions, governments, and the private sectors.
• Organise a Theme structure to cost-effectively utilise resources to meet icipe’s research, capacity, and institutional building needs.
• 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.
• Ensure Theme members continually update skills and methodologies, to keep up with global cutting-edge knowledge.
• Promote and establish collaborative linkages with national, regional, and international institutions in the relevant fields of research of the Theme.
• Actively seek and secure external support for the activities of the Theme, including resources to develop and grow personal research portfolio.
• Manage and grow the Theme’s team to foster scientific excellence and ensure long-term staffing needs are met.
• Facilitate peer-review of the performance of Theme members.
• Initiate periodic reviews of the performance of the AH Theme, to ensure relevance and quality.
• Act as a spokesperson and representative of the Theme and adhering to the institutional, donor, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the Theme meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors.
• Promote gender-sensitive research, capacity building, and mentorship for MSc and PhD students and postdoctoral fellows.

Requirements/Qualifications

• PhD degree in medical or veterinary entomology, health ecology 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 records of exemplary leadership qualities are essential.
• Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.
• Proven record of managing complex projects—with financial, human resources and administrative responsibilities.
• High degree of organisation, adaptability, and prioritisation.
• Fluency in English and French will be an added advantage.