Careers at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

To provide laboratory and field support for wheat pathology research activities through sample handling, trial management, greenhouse work, and basic data collection.

Duties and responsibilities

Laboratory and greenhouse activities

• Prepare basic growth media and clean glassware and laboratory tools
• Help sterilize simple laboratory materials under supervision
• Assist in maintaining stem rust cultures and wheat plants in the greenhouse
• Keep laboratory and greenhouse areas clean and organized
• Prepare simple solutions and media using the provided instructions
• Help collect and handle infected plant samples carefully
• Support basic record keeping for samples and greenhouse activities
• Assist in checking and updating laboratory supplies
• Help clean and maintain basic laboratory equipment
• Follow safety rules when working with infected plant materials
• Support planting of wheat in the greenhouse.

Field activities

• Support field work such as plot preparation, planting, and weeding
• Assist in disease scoring activities under supervision
• Support maintenance of trap nurseries during the season
• Help with the collection of field samples and related field activities
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of field equipment and materials.

 Occupational health, safety, and compliance

• Follow workplace safety procedures and use protective equipment during field and laboratory activities.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety within the field, seed storage, and working environments.
• Report accidents, hazards, or damaged equipment to supervisors immediately.
• Perform any other field, greenhouse, or laboratory-related duties assigned by the supervisor or research team.

​​​​Requirements

• KCSE (O-Level) certificate, or Certificate/Diploma. Additional training in agriculture, laboratory work, greenhouse operations, or related fields is an added advantage.
• At least one (1) year of experience in laboratory, greenhouse, farm, or agricultural research support activities.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety, cleanliness, and handling of research materials.
• Experience working in a plant pathology or agricultural research setting
• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment and procedures
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations and plant care
• Understanding of basic plant disease concepts

Education, knowledge and experience

• KCSE (O-Level) certificate, or Certificate/Diploma. Additional training in agriculture, laboratory work, greenhouse operations, or related fields is an added advantage.
• At least one (1) year of experience in laboratory, greenhouse, farm, or agricultural research support activities.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety, cleanliness, and handling of research materials.
• Experience working in a plant pathology or agricultural research setting
• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment and procedures
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations and plant care
• Understanding of basic plant disease concepts

End Date: 25th June 2026

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The job holder will ensure accurate and compliant payroll administration for CIMMYT Kenya-based employees while providing effective administrative support for internationally recruited staff processes, relocation, and related protocol requirements.

Duties and responsibilities

Payroll Management & Statutory Compliance

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing for all categories of Kenya-based employees, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, completeness, and timely delivery.
• Validate and process payroll inputs including; overtime, leave, deductions, new hires, salary changes, benefits, allowances, and final dues.
• Process and reconcile payroll elements including salaries, benefits, deductions, taxes, pension contributions, loans, and other applicable payments or recoveries.
• Ensure compliance with Kenyan statutory and regulatory requirements, including PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy, pension administration, and other applicable employer obligations.
• Coordinate timely preparation, filing, and remittance of statutory deductions and payroll-related returns to relevant authorities.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations and coordinate with Finance to ensure payroll outputs, statutory payments, and related reports are accurately accounted for.
• Review payroll variances, investigate discrepancies, and resolve payroll exceptions or escalated issues in a timely manner.
• Support internal and external payroll audits by maintaining accurate, complete, and audit-ready payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Monitor changes in payroll-related legislation and support timely updates to payroll processes, controls, and statutory compliance requirements.

Payroll Administration & Reporting

• Prepare payroll-related documentation and annual employee tax records, including P9 forms and other statutory payroll support documents.
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll master data and employee payroll records within the payroll system.
• Communicate payroll procedures, timelines, and documentation requirements with relevant stakeholders to support timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Maintain payroll procedures, process documentation, and internal controls to strengthen operational efficiency, consistency, and compliance.
• Support continuous improvement of payroll administration processes, records management practices, and related operational controls.

International Recruited Staff (IRS) Global Mobility Support

• Provide Support with onboarding, relocation, and administrative support for internationally recruited staff (IRS) and their dependents during assignment in Kenya.
• Provide guidance to IRS staff on administrative, logistical, and country settlement matters in line with organizational policies and procedures.
• Support cross-cultural orientation and related onboarding initiatives for internationally recruited staff.
• Coordinate security-related support services for IRS staff in accordance with organizational policies and applicable procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date IRS records within the Human Resources Information System, ensuring high levels of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Prepare and review documentation relating to tax exemptions, immigration, protocol requirements, and other compliance-related processes for international staff in accordance with Kenyan regulations.
• Liaise with relevant government authorities, service providers, and internal stakeholders on IRS administrative and protocol-related matters.
• Provide administrative and coordination support to the Global Mobility and IRS HR function.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in payroll administration, statutory compliance, and HR support within Kenya.
• Knowledge of Kenyan labour laws and statutory requirements, including PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy, pension administration, and other relevant employer obligations.
• Proven experience in end-to-end payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, statutory remittances, and management of payroll-related records.