icipe Regional Manager 2015

icipe Regional Manager 2015
March 18, 2015 Job Description
Vacancy Announcement: Regional Manager for the Infonet-Biovison Online Database
Ref. No. NRS/100/032015
icipe – African Insect Science for Food and Health is a world-class research centre with a mission to alleviate poverty by ensuring food security, improving health, protecting the environment and building the capacity of researchers and communities across the developing world through the
application of insect sciences.
Employing more than 450 national and international staff, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with outposts in Ethiopia and on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya.
icipe has a proud reputation and history of delivering world-quality science that has made crucial contributions to African food and health policy, delivered development outcomes to rural communities and has been at the forefront of building Africa’s biological research capacity.
The Centre’s research activities span the African continent with partnerships linking research organisations not only across Africa but also the globe.
icipe wishes to recruit a Regional Manager for the Infonet-Biovison Online Database (www.infonet-biovision.org) under the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme (FCP).
The overall goal of the FCP is to enable small-scale farmers and other users to access and utilise information on ecologically sustainable agriculture through integrated communication channels that include the Infonet-Biovision web-based knowledge platform, The Organic Farmer (TOF) magazine, The Organic Farmer Radio (TOF Radio) programme and Farmer Communication Outreach. Work at FCP is one of collaboration, high energy, and mutual support.The Infonet-Biovision platform has been recently re-designed by addressing gaps in its architecture and deriving an integrated content management system (CMS) based on drupal to make the Infonet platform easy to access, more user-friendly, easy to manage, host and update locally for use by different user groups and partners (country and language versions).
The platform offers practical and locally applicable information and knowledge, developed in collaboration with scientific and local experts.
The content is assembled according to needs and input of users including farmer groups and completed, edited and proof-read by relevant experts.
Content examples include organic crop protection and sustainable pest/disease management, animal husbandry, disease management and animal welfare, public health and basic hygiene, alternative energy sources, soil- and water management, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation and income generation.The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya at the icipe Duduville Campus. This is a two-year contract, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract.
A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the most suitable candidate.
Role of the Infonet Database Regional Manager: In collaboration with the Project Manager/Chief Administrator, FCP Coordinator and the other FCP managers, the Infonet Database Regional Manager’s overall objective and responsibility is to ensure that the content is highly relevant and complete, relevant research results are regularly integrated, content is compiled according to user needs.
The candidate should be able to capture the essence of diverse content and be able to simplify scientific language so that it can be used by wide range of users, and particularly farmers.The Regional Manager will report to the Biovision FCP Coordinator but work closely with the Infonet Project Manager who doubles as the Chief Administrator and is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Specific Responsibilities and Duties:
The successful candidate is expected to undertake four main tasks:
a) Content development
Coordinate regular review of content in collaboration with Project Manager and other FCP team members, identify content gaps and update the content;
Produce basic content templates and structures for new datasheets that keep abreast of latest developments in relevant fields in collaboration with subject matter experts;
Find and engage suitable local and international experts to produce content to the highest standards and in line with brand guidelines, collate their inputs, compile into final datasheets and upload the datasheets;
Ensure relevant high quality photographs are used in all the 4-H areas and pay attention to copyright issues;
Ensure that contributions, both solicited and unsolicited, are consistent with Biovision’s ecological development strategy and positions and in line with principles of ecological and sustainable agriculture;
Build and maintain a strong network of national and international experts of Infonet content producers.
b) Content and Website Management
Collect and analyse feedback from users and Google analytics to inform considerations and recommendations for updating and improving Infonet content;
Work closely with the TOF Knowledge Management System (KMS), to draw on feedback on what content could be improved on or developed;
Monitor daily and ensure smooth functioning of the website and take appropriate actions to respond to any technical issues that may arise with the platform;
Ensure the database is maintained by a valid Service Level Agreement (SLA) for security management, regular back-ups, renewal of domain names, hosting and related functions.
c) Support use of Infonet platform by a wide range of users
Provide trainings on infonet content and use, to interested farmers, individuals, organizations and institutions working with farmers and students.
Work closely with other FCP programmes (TOF Magazine, MkM, TOF Radio, and Outreach) on how to increase use of Infonet by farmers, consumers, practitioners and other users.
Promote the visibility and value of the Infonet database to like-minded institutional partners, networks and platforms (e.g. iCOW) to amplify its access and use.
Liaise with Infonet Project Manager to prepare and produce off-line versions of the Infonet database regularly (annually).
Develop information, training materials and products to increase understanding of Infonet with appeals to users especially farmers, practitioners, other platforms, networks and development partners
Optimise the use of Infonet functionalities, both current and currently inactive, including social media, FAQs, mobile apps, etc.
Develop relevant performance criteria and indicators to evaluate the use/impact of Infonet database.
d) Coordination, Fundraising and Reporting
Liaise with FCP Coordinator, FCP managers, FCP/BvAT Finance and Biovision HO over issues of general management of the project;
Develop project concept notes and proposals including budgets for sustaining and improving the functioning of the database;
Report periodically, and on schedule, on progress/performance/budget execution against the M&E framework and budget lines of the project.
Requirements / Qualifications: The position requires an individual with proven understanding and experience in agroecology, knowledge management and systems analysis, design and development.
The following specific qualifications are needed:
At least a Bachelor’s degree in Agroecology, Agronomy, Biology /Ecology or Environmental Sciences or a related field with good understanding of the subjects of infonet (Animal, Plant, Environment and Human Health);
A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in ecologically sustainable agricultural programmes/projects using information management systems and software packages for data collection, storage, retrieval, security and sharing or related field;
Ability to work within a defined time-frame and to develop clear objectives as per agreed tasks, prioritising activities and assignments, preparing realistic work schedules, and using time efficiently;
Excellent writing and communication skills that encourage two-way communication, speaks and writes clearly and effectively, and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with programme colleagues;
Analytical skills to analyze how content is being developed, and how it will need to be organized so that it can be easily accessed and used.
Ability to manage a high amount of information and be able to capture user needs and simplify scientific language to practical needs of users.
Good networking abilities and ability to recognize and enlist suitable experts (get their profiles) for content development.
Ability to plan and work with limited supervision.
Evidence of a well established network with NGO’s, Government Departments and Development partners.
 How to Apply
All applications must arrive via email on or before 31st March 2015.
Please quote the job Ref No. NRS/100/032015 on the email subject line.Please send your application, together with an indication of your availability, detailed curriculum vitae, university certificates and relevant supporting documents, expected remuneration, and names / addresses of three referees (with daytime telephone numbers, and email and fax numbers), and a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the above position. Electronic copies must be sent to: BiovisionDatabaseManager@icipe.orgicipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.