Research Assistant

Vacancy Number: REF: RA/IRRI/09/14
Department: IRRI
Duration: 2 years’ fixed term contract

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to supervise and plan the implementation of experiment(s), survey(s) and other research studies and conduct them as specified / defined in the research outline. The incumbent will collect and analyse data while working closely with collaborating partners.  S/he will contribute to data analysis and the preparation of manuscripts for reports, publications and presentations/posters. Assist in training activities. This position will be based at  KARI Kibos with fields in Ahero. To find out more about IRRI visit our website at www.irri.org

ILRI works with partners worldwide to enhance the roles that livestock play in food security and poverty alleviation, principally in Africa and Asia. The outcomes of these research partnerships help people in developing countries keep their farm animals alive and productive, increase and sustain their livestock and farm productivity, find profitable markets for their animal products, and reduce the risk of livestock-related diseases.www.ilri.org.

ILRI is a not-for-profit institution with a staff of about 700 and, in 2014 an operating budget of about USD83 million. A member of the CGIAR Consortium working for a food-secure future, ILRI has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, a principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and offices in other countries in East, West and Southern Africa and in South, Southeast and East Asia. www.cgiar.org.

Responsibilities

1. Plan the implementation of routine experiment(s) in the field and lab to support projects goals of the Organizational Unit’s (OU’s), research objectives related to (plant biotechnology);

• Plan the support/manpower needed and set up field work schedule.
• Prepare the material and equipment needed based on research outline provided.
• Assist in applying plant breeding techniques that guarantee the success of the experiment.

2. Assist in supervising the implementation of experiments, surveys and other research studies in the field of (Plant breeding);

• Supervise and oversee the work of research technician and/or contract workers to ensure that research activities are implemented according to plan and specific standards.
• Contribute to the preservation of research areas and direct the maintenance of technical equipment (repair/replacement).

3. Collect and analyse research data in the field of (Plant breeding);

• Collect and process data to its required form.
• Identify inconsistencies in the data collection and/or missing information.
• Carry out graphical and basic statistical data analysis.
• Update database for storage and retrieval of information/data.

4. Contribute to preparation of reports, manuscripts and presentations;

• Provide appropriate data and information about experiment(s)/research experiment.
• Contribute to manuscripts/write –ups for annual reports and publications in referred journals as well as presentation/posters for national and international conferences.

5. Contribute to training of on-the-job trainees and students in the field as required;
6. Act as resource person for training students in field and visitors;

• Supervise the work of Research Technicians.
• Provide feedback on performance of Research Technician to immediate supervisor.
• Assist students and trainees.

7. Perform any other duties assigned by supervisor from time to time.

 Requirements

• Bachelor of science degree in agriculture or related field;
• Minimum 3 years field experience working on rice or related crop;
• Experience on experimental designs;
• Experience in Field data analysis packages.

 Terms of appointment:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) positions based KARI Kibos with field work at Ahero in Ahero and is for a 2 years’ fixed term period.

Job level and salary:

This position is job grade 2C with a starting gross salary of KES 125,148 per month. In addition to salary, ILRI offers Medical insurance for staff and dependents, Life insurance, Pension at 12.5% employers contribution, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days+ public holidays within ILRI’s National Recruited Staff Scheme.

How to apply:

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ before 8 October 2014. The position title and reference number REF: RA/ IRRI /09/14 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.

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