Science Manager at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The Platform

The gender platform, hosted by ILRI in Nairobi, brings together CGIAR centres and numerous partners from around the world in a collaborative effort to make CGIAR the thought leader for gender in agricultural research for development (AR4D) and support the transformation of agriculture and food systems to be equitable, sustainable and climate resilient. The GENDER Platform aims to (1) generate high-quality research-based evidence to influence the broader AR4D ecosystem to integrate gender and achieve gender-equal outcomes (2) create an enabling environment in which gender equality is embraced as a core principle in priority setting, research and communication within CGIAR and its partners, and (3) facilitate the capacity development of CGIAR and its partners to carry out gender-integrated and gender-strategic research that is transformative and strengthens global, regional and national food systems. The Platform builds on and expands the work of CGIAR’s current gender platform.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and management

• Working with the Platform Director and the Platform management committee plan strategies and develop goals for the platform
• Meet with the Platform Director and the platform’s management committee regularly to outline scientific and technical goals
• Make detailed plans to achieve scientific and technical goals set up by the Platform top managers
• Manage consultants and develop research and information-based resources for diverse audiences, as directed by the Platform Director and the management committee
• Provide technical assistance to module leaders, research teams and partners when required
• Monitor progress of the various research projects, draft operational reports and review research performed to ensure quality
• Provide oversight on database development and maintenance
• Ensure that science done by the platform complies with set standards, procedures and meet ethical requirements
• In collaboration with the project manager prepare and administer budgets, approve review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.

Coordination roles

• Coordinating with gender researchers and module leaders to ensure science deliverables are met and are of high quality
• Assist module leaders and gender researchers with trouble shooting in the event of problems with specific research projects
• Work with module leaders to develop and implement integrated projects, including knowledge management
• Promote engagement between the different modules to ensure science work is integrated
• Maintain a good data base of consultants and manage relationships with consultants
• Update the platform on any new funding opportunities and actively liaise with teams to ensure appropriate response to new funding opportunities
• Provide stewardship of the research products by platform members

Reporting and communicating science

• Meet with new clients and develop relationships to propose new research and development
• In liaison with the communication department and scientists, develop communication material explaining research findings at the completion of each project, for donors and other target audiences
• Ensure effective information resources are available for key audiences and that resources are available online

• Provide technical and policy comment based on the work of the platform when required by the media or key stakeholders and donors
• Represent the platform in a wide range of environments, including academic, policy and the media

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant discipline, including agricultural economics, economics, public policy, sociology, political science, or other social sciences;
• 5 years of experience working in a research or science-based organization
• Internationally recognized expertise in gender and development policy research, preferably in the food and agriculture sphere;
• Evidence of scientific publications
• Evidence of high-quality science communication products for different audiences
• Record of past successful research and/or development projects
• Strong leadership and management skills;
• Ability to connect policy research into policy options and to get those options into policy dialogues;
• Exposure to Africa and Asia with a knowledge of the CGIAR;
• Ability to manage people, partnerships and build coalitions;
• Proven fundraising record would be an advantage;
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in other international languages preferred

Terms of Appointment

This is position is at job level HG 18 and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; pension, medical and other insurances