Project Manager at Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT)

About the Transdisciplinary Learning Initiative (TDLI).

Transdisciplinary Learning Initiative (TDLI) is a programme within Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) which connects university students from different disciplines with Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity (AA) experts from different sectors. Transdisciplinary learning recognizes that addressing real world problems in complex systems requires an integrative approach which includes the participation of the academia, non-academic stakeholders (practitioners) and other actors, and that knowledge co-creation will more likely result in appropriate action if all concerned actors are involved. Such approaches help high level learning institutions to educate and prepare graduate degree qualifies to have the skills and knowledge necessary to design, communicate, and collaborate in ways that allow for innovative solutions to complex socio-technical challenges.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish a secretariat that coordinates activities of the TDLI.
• Work closely with key stakeholders, especially education and training institutions, to ensure joint planning, curriculum development, and implementation of TDLI agroecology courses.
• Develop a 3-year programme guided by the theory of change, programme objectives and workplans – together with the involved institutions – and to institutionalize the programme from 2026.
• Develop TDLI course structure and training modules with detailed content for each training module including a guide for trainers/facilitators, participant handouts/workbooks, audio-visual aids (e.g. PPT slides), and assessment tools.
• Develop guidelines of transdisciplinary approaches for stakeholder engagement (including outline principles, methodologies, tools, and best practices for applying transdisciplinary approaches in various agroecology contexts).
• Working closely with key institutions, coordinate the implementation of the TDLI agroecology courses.
• Complementary to TDLI courses and networking activities, organize and implement high level webinars premised on critical trends, emerging issues in the agroecology landscape from policy developments, agroecology conferences and other key events.
• Liaising with Partnership and Business Development department, secure funding for a comprehensive implementation of the current three-year TDLI phase.
• Establish and coordinate a vibrant TDLI alumni network based on thorough needs assessments, facilitating continuous exchange, professional development, and sustained engagement among alumni and their respective institutions
• Establish concrete links with the broader agroecology networks in Eastern Africa and internationally and develop enduring strategies to maintain and leverage the international perspective of TDLI programs.
• Ensure TDLI progress and achievements are documented in monthly, biannual and annual progress reports and into formats for demonstrating impact to a wide range of TDLI stakeholders.

Education, Experience and Competencies

• At least a Masters in Natural Sciences such as Agriculture, Ecology, Biology, One Health, Environmental Sciences or related fields.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience including the development of successful funding proposals
• An active network among East African universities and with stakeholders in agroecology
• The successful completion of a TDLF course would be an advantage
• At least 5 years’ relevant experience in ecologically organic agricultural programs and projects.
• The ability to plan, execute, and evaluate training programs, workshops, and seminars/webinars from conception to completion.
• A strong understanding of transdisciplinary approaches and the ability to work with faculty from various departments to develop relevant and engaging content for students
• Skills in logistical coordination, including venue booking, speaker management, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Proven ability to build and nurture a vibrant professional network. This includes creating and implementing strategies to keep alumni connected to TDLI and to each other.
• Expertise in planning and executing networking events, reunions, mentorship programmes, and professional development opportunities for alumni.
• Experience in leveraging alumni networks to support current students (e.g., through mentorship, internships, guest lectures).
• The capacity to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including university administration, faculty members, current students, alumni, and potential industry partners or sponsors.
• Familiarity with the Kenyan and Eastern African higher education landscape would be a significant advantage.
• Experience in budget management, financial tracking, and preparing reports for management and donors.

Personal Attributes

• Team player, good communicator (both written and spoken), excellent interpersonal skills, self-motivated and go-getter.
• High regard for ecological farming, sustainable practices and farmer needs.
• Strong relationship management and capable networking.
• Excellent time management
• Ability to prioritize workload and demonstrate deliverables/outcomes.
• Good understanding of financial management and reporting processes
• Fluency in oral and written english.