Research Assistant II CCAFS

The international Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Assistant-II to work in Wote, Makueni County on the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) program.CCAFS is a strategic collaboration between the CGIAR and Future Earth that seeks to promote a food-secure world through the provision of science-based efforts that support sustainable agriculture and enhance livelihoods while adapting to climate change and conserving natural resources. East Africa is one of five CCAFS implementing regions. The CCAFS East Africa Program is based at ILRI in Nairobi and the regional activities are carried out in 4 countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda).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.orgILRI is a not-for-profit institution with a staff of about 700 and in 2015, 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.orgKey ResponsibilitiesMonitor inclusion of all CCAFS household baseline survey farmers in Wote, in the climate smart agriculture (CSA) and participatory action research (PAR) work.Ensure timely land preparation, planting, and improved agronomic practices by the farmers growing crops for adaptation towards the changing climate.Undertake crop production surveys and post-harvest assessments for ended crop seasons in accordance to the CCAFS monitoring tools.Promote improved livestock husbandry focusing on good health and adequate feeding.Work with farmers  on-farm crop and livestock enterprise diversification and guide them in land management and tree nursery establishment for growing of agroforestry trees; for improved soil fertility and conservation, and increased tree cover.Support champion farmers in the CCAFS villages in their attempts to practice climate smart agriculture, and dissemination of the best practices to neighbouring farmers and provide support to community based organizations that actively engage both women and youth, in prudent use of the Innovation Fund.Document and monitor specific PAR and CSA interests. RequirementsA first degree holder with a BSc in any of the following fields: Agriculture, Environmental Sciences.2 years relevant work experience.2 years relevant work experience.Knowledge of agroeocological zones and farming systems.Computer literate with basic skills in Microsoft packages.Excellent demonstrable English writing skills.Strong analytical thinker with a problem-solving attitude; Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work flexibly in multidisciplinary teams.A sense of creativity and ability to work independently.Willingness to work with rural communities in drylands.Terms of AppointmentThis is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus.  It is open to Kenyan nationals only.  The position is on 1 year fixed term contract renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.Job level and salaryThis position is job level 2B Level 2 with a starting gross salary ofKES 81,520.00 per month. The benefits package includes pension, medical and other insurances for ILRI’s Nationally Recruited Staff.Location: The position will be based in Wote, MakueniHow to ApplyApplicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document addressed to the Director, People and Organisational Development 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.  The REF: RT/CCAFS/01/2015 should be clearly marked on the cover letter. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal:http://ilri.simplicant.com by 6 February, 2015.To find more about ILRI, visit our Website at www.ilri.orgTo find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.