International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Position Announcement: Research Technician - Crops

Position Announcement: Research Technician - Crops

Ref: RT/BeCA Platform/09/2009

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries, working in partnership with organisations in developing countries.

ILRI hosts Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) a new centre for excellence in modern plant and animal biology in Africa.

It will consist of a Hub based on the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya and a network of regional nodes and other affiliated laboratories and organizations throughout the region.

BecA will facilitate, host and conduct research in crop and livestock research areas where new developments in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems constraining Africa’s development.

Further information is available at http://hub.africabiosciences.org/

ILRI seeks to recruit a Research Technician - Crops to provide technical support to scientists and graduate students using the BecA-ILRI Hub facilities for research and training in livestock related sciences.


Specific duties will include:

Provide technical support to scientists and graduate students conducting a wide range of crops related research projects
Assist with developing and conducting individual and group training in molecular-based technologies.
Maintaining databases of research and training activities
Conduct research under supervision of research scientists.
Ensure observation of good laboratory practice including proper maintenance of equipment and managing the training laboratory
Coordinating purchase requisition of consumable stock items.
The successful candidate should have:

A Master’s degree in Biological Sciences with 2 years of experience or equivalent or alternatively a Bachelor of Science degree or Higher National Diploma in Biomedical Sciences with 5 years experience.
Experience in a research environment, specifically in molecular sciences including PCR, sequencing, genotyping, protein techniques, tissue culture and microbiology plus a good working knowledge of bioinformatics.
Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures
Computer literacy in Ms Office programs a MUST.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team setting.
Strong English language skills, both written and spoken.
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is on a 2-year contract renewable subject to availability of funds and individual performance.

Salary and benefits will be in line with those provided within ILRI’s NRS scheme.

Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest and expectations from the position, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details (Telephone, E-mail) of three professional referees to the Human Resources Office, ILRI, e-mail: recruit-ilri @ cgiar.org by 30th October 2009.

The title and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the envelope mailed, or on the fax or email application.

Only those short listed candidates will be contacted

To find out more about ILRI, visit our website at http://www.ilri.org

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage women to apply for this position.

Read more...

Sr Technical Advisor, Research and Strategic Information

Closing date: 30 Oct 2009
Location: United Republic of Tanzania - Dar Es Salaam

The Senior Technical Advisor, Research and Strategic Information (STA-RSI) has the responsibility for ensuring an effective delivery of EGPAF Tanzania’s projects and contracts.

As a member of the senior management team, working hand in hand with the TD and the Associate TD Clinical Services (ATD-CS), the STA-RSI provides leadership, management, support, co-ordination and technical expertise for the implementation of high quality PMTCT, Care and Treatment and several related cross-cutting programs in Tanzania, in close collaboration with the government of Tanzania and its international donor community.

Reporting to the Technical Director (TD), the STA-RSI will assist the TD in the supervision and capacity building of the Technical Advisors, Program Co-ordinators and Program Officers responsible for PMTCT, Care and Treatment, Training and Capacity Building, Community Linkages, Early Infant Diagnosis, Quality Improvement, Laboratory Services, M&E and Public Health Evaluations.

The STA-RSI will ensure that each assigned project will reach its objectives and impact, essential for the fulfilment of the EGPAF Country Operating Plan (COP).

The main responsibilities of the STA-RSI are two-fold:

- Development of EGPAF Tanzania’s research potential and activities
- Strengthening data-driven management and effective use of M&E in EGPAF Tanzania’s program RESPONSIBILITIES Development of EGPAF Tanzania’s research potential and activities
- Coordinating EGPAF Tanzania’s research activities
- Work with EGPAF staff in the identification of research areas and public health evaluations; leading the development of a research agenda for EGPAF Tanzania
- Leading the development of research and grants proposals and building the capacity of EGPAF staff doing so
- Building capacity of EGPAF staff in writing high quality reports and dissemination of success stories, best practices, lessons learned, scientific abstracts and -papers
- Building capacity of EGPAF staff in performing impact assessments and research activities
- Supervising and strengthening EGPAFs Program Officer Public Health Evaluations Strengthening data driven management and effective use of M&E
- Supervising and strengthening EGPAF Tanzania’s M&E department (currently consisting of one Program Coordinator, eight Program Officers and one Data Clerk)
- Leading and strengthening EGPAF Tanzania’s Quality Improvement activities
- Assuring accurate monitoring of EGPAF Tanzania’s programmatic performance from sub-grantee to country program level
- Assuring active and effective sharing of data and information within EGPAF and between EGPAF and relevant stakeholders
- Organizing quarterly data discussion and feedback meetings between EGPAF and sub-grantees at each supported region
- Building capacity of EGPAF staff and sub-grantees to collect, analyze and use data for management and decision making
- Assure the timely submission of high quality reports to donors, MOHSW, EGPAF head quarters and other stakeholders as required Supervision of program staff
- Participating in the recruitment of new personnel
- Performing performance evaluations of supervised staff
- Ensuring timely reporting and co-ordination of individual work plans of supervised staff
- Maintaining a register of individual travel plans of supervised staff
- Authorising travel advances and approving expense reports of supervised staff Represent EGPAF to donors, government bodies and other partners and stakeholders
- Representing EGPAF in national and international consultations, meetings and correspondence with other stakeholders, with a focus on research and strategic use of information and M&E
- Assisting in the management of national and international visitors by developing scopes of work and co-ordinating schedules and travel as needed
- Maintaining strong links with EGPAF’s partners and other senior program team, developing shared approaches to realise EGPAF’s global strategy Management and planning
- Work closely with the TD to provide technical guidance to the initiatives of the country program
- Assist the TD and Country Director in the development and planning of reports, project proposals, COPs and budgets
- Facilitate development of quarterly and annual work plans for staff at country and field offices Other Duties The STA-RSI will be expected to undertake other duties from time to time, as discussed and agreed with the TD and the Country Director.

WORKING STATION

The position is based in Dar es Salaam, and frequent travel (30%) to other parts of the country is a core requirement of this position.

Occasional travel outside Tanzania may be necessary.

Education and experience
- Masters or PhD in Epidemiology (or proven equivalent experience)
- Proven experience in Pubic Health with a Masters of Public Health or equivalent degree or experience
- Extensive experience in the design, planning, implementation and management of HIV and Public Health related research projects, preferably in developing countries
- At least five years of proven experience in HIV-project management in the design, administration, management and implementation of international health programs in developing countries, including M&E, supervision and reporting
- Proven experience in the development of quality improvement tools and -systems in developing countries
- Proven experience in the writing of abstracts, proposals and reports
- At least five years of relevant work experience in developing countries, preferably in Tanzania Essential Skills and Knowledge - Energetic, pro-active independent and self motivated
- Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills
- Excellent management and diplomatic skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects while working as part of team
- Skills and knowledge in program sustainability and capacity building
- Extensive knowledge on HIV prevention and care
- Excellent understanding of MS Office; excellent understanding of statistical packages
- Fluency in English, both oral and written Desirable Skills and Knowledge - M.D.
- Knowledge of existing in country key stakeholders in HIV related activities
- Experience in working for an international NGO
- Knowledge of USAID / CDC procedures, rules and regulations - Knowledge of Kiswahili language an advantage.

How to apply

Please visit our Careers website at: www.pedaids.org

Read more...

AFRICAN POPULATION AND HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER

AFRICAN POPULATION AND HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER

Promoting the well-being of Africans through policy-relevant research on population and health
RESEARCH OFFICERS

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization that carries out policy relevant research on population, health, education and development issues facing sub-Saharan Africa.

The Center seeks to recruit a Research Officer to work in its Education Research Program (ERP).

The overall purpose of the job is to participate in the design and implementation of the ERP research projects.

Duties

Coordination of data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities
Participation in community mobilization
Liaison with various government agencies and partner organizations
Assisting in writing scientific papers including literature review
Preparing project reports and policy briefs

Essential Skills

MA, MSc, MEd in Economics, Education Planning or Administration
Experience in program design, implementation, coordination
Familiarity and experience with social science/health research protocol
Good computer literacy
Excellent monitoring and evaluation and report writing skills

Desirable

Knowledge of multiple statistical/qualitative software packages.
Evidence of scientific writing (e.g publication in journals)
Experience of working in urban slum settings
Ability to work independently, set priorities, juggle tasks, meet deadlines
Initiative and innovation in assessing situations, conflict resolution, team building
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Excellent oral and written communication in English

Please apply enclosing a detailed CV, quoting current and expected salary and providing contact details of three referees (at least one of whom must be a current/former employer) to the address below by September 23, 2009.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Please indicate the position you are applying for on the envelop or on the subject line for those applying by email (jobs@aphrc.org).

The Human Resources Manager
African Population and Health Research Center
P.O. Box 10787-00100 GPO, Nairobi
www.aphrc.org

Read more...

Research Technician - 2 Positions

Job Title : Research Technician - 2 Positions

Requirements : At least a diploma in general agriculture

Job Description :Support research on mainly but not limited to cassava and yam breeding

Apply To : Officer-in Charge

Full Address : The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 34441,

Dar es Salaam
Email Applications: e.kazimoto@cgiar.org
Closing Date : 31/Aug/2009

Read more...

Research Associate

Job Title : Research Associate

Requirements : At least a masters degree in crop science with specializatin in plant breeding or related field

Job Description :Support research on mainly but not limited to cassava and yam breeding

Apply To : Officer-in Charge

Full Address : The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 34441,
Dar es Salaam
Email Applications: e.kazimoto@cgiar.org
Closing Date : 31/Aug/2009

Read more...

Researcher

Save the Children UK fights for the rights of children. In Rwanda over one in ten children dies before their fifth birthday and 45% of children are stunted due to malnutrition. We believe that this is unacceptable and our programme is working to bring about change for children by helping communities and Government to improve healthcare for children and mothers and to protect children from abuse and exploitation.

Closing date: 10 Jun 2009
Location: Rwanda - Some trip in the field

Save the Children (UK) Rwanda Programme

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultancy Role: Researcher; Barriers to access to maternal health services in Rwanda

Reports to: Health Program Manager, Rwanda

Child Protection Level: 3 - The responsibilities of the post may require the postholder to have regular contact with children or young people

Introduction

Despite significant improvements since the genocide, Rwanda still has the 11th highest under five mortality rate in the world.

The neonatal and infant mortality rates and maternal mortality ratio are also very high and the utilisation of family planning methods and delivery services available at health facilities are very low.

In some of the administrative Sectors of Burera District the hospital delivery rate is as low as 11%, even if the health facility is at a reasonable distance.

It has been documented that user fees are one of the major barriers to access (28% according to OSSREA 2006).

However other barriers such as perceptions of quality of care, opportunity costs, transportation costs, patient-nurse relationship etc are likely to also play a key role in the low health service utilization and hospital delivery rates.

In the Rwanda Citizen Report and Community Score Card Report (OSSREA, 2006) 'not being treated well’ and ‘health facility staff being impolite’ emerged as important factors limiting use of health facilities for antenatal care and delivery.

Purpose of Consultancy

Save the Children has concluded that in order to effectively help increase access to maternal health services we firstly need to fully understand the barriers.

This study will examine these factors in detail, with a particular focus on non-financial barriers, since these have been less well studied to date.

It will also provide recommendations on cost effective ways to address the barriers identified. Methodology

The consultant is asked to detail their approach as part of the selection process. We expect that the approach will include at least the following elements:

1. Literature review
– The consultant will need to be familiar with the Government of Rwanda Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), Health Sector Policy and Health Financing Policies, Mutuelle policy, Save the Children studies and Health Thematic Programme Plan, and other previous studies on barriers to access

2. Meetings/ focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including Save the Children staff, health providers, local authorities, Ministry of Health and NGOs working in the health sector to collect background information and discuss study methodology

3. Field research with women users of maternity health services to identify:
- the key barriers to access to maternal health services in Burera District;
- the main reasons for differential uptake of maternal health services at the different health centres in the District;
- women’s priorities with respect to addressing the barriers identified

The role of the consultant will include design and coordination of the survey, including design of questionnaires, training of interviewers, tabulation and analysis of data. The consultant will be expected to use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and the results of this field research are expected to be statistically valid (with a 90% power) for Burera District

Outputs

An initial inception report detailing the schedule and methodology to be used, including an estimation of the sample size required, and human resources and financial requirements, within two weeks of the start of the assignment

1. A draft report outlining:- the key findings from the study on barriers to access - and recommendations to Save the Children and District Authority partners as to how best to address these

2. Final report incorporating feedback from Save the Children staff.
This must be delivered within two weeks of receiving SC feedback on draft report and by 30 September at the latest.

Person specification

Essential

- Extensive experience of operational field research with communities, including with rural women
- Experience of leading research design
- Knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
- Relevant higher degree
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to think creatively
- Availability to conduct the research at some time during July – September period

Desirable

- Prior experience in health sector and / or health related academic qualification
- Previous experience of programme design / management
- Ability to speak Kinyarwanda and / or French
- Previous experience of working in Rwanda / the East Africa region

Fee Structure

The budget ceiling is ₤20,000. Cost effectiveness will be a key consideration when evaluating bids, so bidders are encouraged to cost their proposals well below this ceiling.

Child Protection

The responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with children or young people.
Save the Children for purposes of child protection classifies this position as Level

3. It is mandatory for those who will be working directly with children to complete a criminal record disclosure check and every one who is recruited to Save the Children shall sign the child protection code of conduct.

How to apply

In response to these terms of reference, potential consultants are requested to submit, by the 10th of June 2009, a document of 2 to 4 pages outlining how they propose to address the objectives, their proposed methodology, time frame and costs and send it to the following addresses:

1. binyamhealthpm@savethechildren.org.rw
2. biniwts@gmail.com

Consultants should also attach a current CV with referees.

Read more...