Current Vacancies at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

• The student will implement a project on syndromic surveillance of RVF in livestock. S/he will work with a group of pastoralists to investigate the occurrence patterns and causes of periodic abortions  in livestock. Utilising participatory epidemiology, the student will  detect and map these events, while also collecting  standard epidemiological data and appropriate samples for laboratory investigation of infectious agents that cause these events. During fieldwork, the student will use the available rapid tests for preliminary screening of the collected blood and serum samples. Subsequently, additional laboratory analyses of the samples will be conducted at ILRI Nairobi for confirmatory diagnosis. At the end of the study, the student will analyse the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic tests used in the field in the detection of RVF infections in livestock.

Key responsibilities:

The MSc fellow to be recruited into the project will:

• Develop an MSc research proposal in line with the admission requirements of the university.
• Develop a protocol for collecting biological samples required for diagnosis of the causes of abortion in livestock.
• Process the samples mentioned above for a preliminary analysis of the samples using rapid test.
• Process the samples collected for storage and transportation to our laboratories in ILRI Nairobi for confirmatory diagosis.
• Collect epidemiological data that can be used to analyse the incidence and spatial distribution of abortion cases in livestock.
• Analyze the obtained results and prepare a thesis and at least one journal publication.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should:

• Have registered in a recognized university and is currently pursuing an MSc in either One Health, veterinary epidemiology, animal health, molecular biology or related field.
• Have completed their course work and is ready to begin the research component of their study.
• Possess working experience in working in the field, especially in pastoral production systems.
• Possess working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Demonstrate good understanding of data handling techniques, analysis, especially involving use of statistical packages such as STATA, R or Python.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

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Key Responsibilities

Purpose

• Provide overall day to day secretarial and administrative support to the Office Manager and to all unit employees. Responsible for the daily activities needed to run IRRI-Africa’s Regional Office administration
• Manage filing and distributing all incoming and outgoing mail/faxes/letters/documents.
• Receive incoming mail, shipments and invoices and direct them to the appropriate departments.
• Assist in organizing logistics for workshops, meetings and other events. Assist with visitors’ travel arrangements and bookings for flights, accommodation and local transport as requested.
• Photocopy, file and scan documents.
• Manage meetings and appointments for the regional office and write minutes of the meetings as required.
• Keep track of basic office supplies by maintaining inventory and assist in ordering new/additional basic office supplies as needed.
• Facilitate requests related to IT, work orders, meetings, visit requests and materials for publications.
• Assist in the application and processing of import and export permits for research and other materials.
• Assist in the procurement of goods and services for the Kenya Country office and other Country offices in the region when needed.
•  Assist to prepare documents for visa applications, Travel and Miscellaneous Expenses (T&ME) for Kenya country office.
• Assist to facilitate the orientation and onboarding of new staff as well as offboarding staff.
• Coordinate with the Finance team to ensure suppliers are paid on time.
• Assist in maintaining the online office directory and photo depository for the region.
• Assist to update the regional calendar of events and follow up with the event owners for logistics arrangements.

Engagement

• Efficient and effective administrative support for staff and visitors
• Ensuring all programs and operations have adequate support needed.
• Reporting discrepancies he/she finds within the accounts to his/her supervisor.
• Compliance with expenditure commitment procedures

Delivery

• Improve efficiency and dealing with a diverse group of callers and visitors at all levels, both internal and external to IRRI, and ensure all are treated in a professional and courteous manner

Generic

• All documentation and arrangements are accurate and processed in a timely manner.
• Timely submission of reports and inventory

Requirements

• Diploma in business administration/management, project management
• At least two years relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task
• Good oral and written communication skills -Fluency in written English
• Communicates status of work regularly and in a timely manner
• knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to perform fast, efficient and maintain discretion and confidentiality
• Have basic knowledge of office administration and procurement skills
• Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.