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Education: Bachelor (BA, BS, etc.) Location: Kilifi, Coast, Kenya
Posted by: KOMAZA
Job Category: Project management, Research
Sector: Nonprofit
Last day to apply: November 30, 2010
Last updated: October 27, 2010
Type: Full time
Language(s): English
Job posted on: October 1, 2010
Area of Focus: Economic Development, Environment and Ecology, Farming and Agriculture, Poverty and Hunger, Social Enterprise and Economic Development
KOMAZA is an award-winning non-profit social enterprise working to end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions. Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, our innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value climate-appropriate crops on their previously degraded land.
WE ARE HIRING: an experienced professional with research background to lead major research and development projects for our operations work.
Industry: Social Business / Non-profit / International Development / Start-Up
Function: Crop Production
Commitment: 1 year minimum, 2+ years much preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Compensation/Benefits: Associate-level (see below)
Application Deadline: 1 December 2010
Start Date: 1 February 2011
THE ROLE
As the Associate for Research and Development you will contribute to our work by leading major R&D projects in three key areas: identifying cost-effective agricultural best-practices, applying appropriate technologies to boost agricultural yields, and designing value capture systems that maximize the profitability of small-scale farmers’ crops. You will:
• Assist in Setting R&D Priorities:
Work with KOMAZA strategic leadership to assess short- and long-term research and development needs and goals. This will involve the prioritization of R&D activities as well as the development of high-level projects, the R&D budget, and a strategy for achieving R&D objectives.
• Lead Experimental Design and Implementation:
Design and run field experiments to fill gaps in existing knowledge. This will involve managing experimental agricultural trials and pilot projects with individual farmers to improve our current process and crop portfolio.
• Review Literature:
Review and write summaries of existing literature that can better inform KOMAZA’s practices and form a basis for our own field research. This will involve developing a good understanding of agronomy, relevant appropriate technologies (e.g. low-cost rainwater harvesting), and decentralized crop value capture.
• Consult with Experts:
Identify and consult with relevant experts in order to build KOMAZA’s technical knowledge base. In some cases, this role may require hiring specialized consultants in specific fields for short-term engagements in the areas where we operate.
• Manage Ongoing Experiments:
Take ownership over existing field experiments and experimental farms, including the management of staff in experiment maintenance and measurement.
This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, will have a significant field component – which can be challenging but highly rewarding. This work will involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat. KOMAZA is constructing its first dedicated field operations office in Ganze, which will facilitate any field work.
QUALIFICATIONS
*Applicants who do not meet the following criteria will not be considered*
• Education:
A top performing academic background with a bachelor of science in a relevant field (natural resource management, forestry, biology, plant science, agriculture, or similar)
• Relevant work experience:
A minimum of 2+ YEARS EXPERIENCE in scientific research in an agricultural, or environmental field (e.g. conservation biology/ecology). Experience with agriculture/forestry and knowledge of plant production and agro-ecology.
• Experimental Design:
Demonstrated experience designing experiments, preferably field-based and with an inclination toward practical application.
• Project management experience:
A holistic approach to project management from scoping needs, project design and experimental analysis, with strong record keeping skills.
• Strong organizational skills:
Ability to balance multiple projects, work across all aspects of operations, and take ownership of projects to achieve targets in a highly independent capacity
• Analytical thinking:
Excellent problem-solving skills, at a high and granular level
• Strong communication skills and commitment to:
Being personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles given close collaboration with local staff
• Patience and a sense of humor:
Please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
• Preferred:
- Kiswahili
- Work experience in a role that involved: significant project management or other leadership in an operational role, staff management
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS dependent on experience
For Non-East Africans:
In their first year, KOMAZA Associates receive a monthly stipend AND the following benefits:
• Food and housing
• Travel stipend covering arrival and departure flights and visa costs (or equivalent compensation for East Africans)
• Comprehensive international health insurance (or equivalent compensation for East Africans) including immunizations
The starting package provides for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, Kenya. For Associates who work for more than one year, compensation and benefits will increase significantly. This is a career-track role in international development and social business, offering significant opportunities for advancement as KOMAZA continues to grow.
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