Program Accountant

Vacancy Number:  A/057/14

Department:  Animal Science for Sustainable Productivity Program (ASSP)

Duration:  Two years

The position: ILRI seeks a qualified Program Accountant to provide financial and budgetary support to staff in Animal Sciences for Sustainable Productivity Program (ASSP).

General: The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in other regions of Africa (Mali, Mozambique, and Nigeria) as well as in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam) and East Asia (China). 

Specific Duties:

Proposal development – Budget development

• Provides advice on project costing’s to staff toward development of proposal budgets;
• Prepares proposal budgets for review by Programme Management Officer and Project Leaders or budget holders;
• Support annual budget preparation by working with PMO;
• Uploads project budget to the Sun System or other system used by ILRI.

Financial Accounting, Project Management and Donor reporting:

• Prepares all projects’ payment requests for sub-grantees in collaboration with PMO and Project Leaders;
• Follows up with finance to ensure timely payments to sub-grantees and ensures transfer advices are shared with partners in a timely manner;
• Ensures project partners’ financial returns are submitted within set timelines. Reviews advance requests and financial returns by partners with reference to contractual obligations and partner financial obligations with liquidation effected in SUN;
• Develops and maintains appropriate databases to ensure project financial management is done to meet various program financial demands;
• Preparing detailed monthly, quarterly and annual internal financial reports as requested by PMO highlighting issues on over/under expenditure and adjustment of wrong postings in the system and also to facilitate monitoring and tracking of project finances, and decision making by Project leaders;
• Maintains proper financial and non-financial project records of projects both in electronic (soft) and hard copies;
• Prepares donor financial reports/statements in collaboration with PMO, Project Leaders and Finance department and maintains appropriate compliance donor reporting databases;
• Computes project accruals annually and during project close outs and ensures they are captured in the system;
• Ensures that all full costing recovery items are captured in the appropriate project;
• Raises invoices and follows up reimbursements and transfer advices from partners/donors;
• Leads project specific audit and supports external/internal audit as may be found necessary.

Project Settlements Reports, Travel Expense Reports, Travel Authorizations, Requisitions, Petty-Cash Replenish:

• Reviews Project Settlement Reports, Petty Cash Replenish, Travel Expense Reports, Travel Authorizations (TAs) and Payment Request;

• Following up project and travel advance settlements with staff and consultants to close outstanding accounts in short period of time.

Consultancy Management support

• Providing assistance to the Programme Management Officer, Administrative Assistants and Project Leaders in the financial aspects of management of consultancies.

Minimum Requirements

Educational:

• BA degree in Accounting or related field

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in budget and project financial report preparations

Training:

• Professional training in Grants Management and Project Management are advantageous.
• Intermediate to advanced computer literacy, including spreadsheets and accounting software

Skills:

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, but also participates as a team member in accomplishment of duties.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good judgment and a high level of respect for confidentiality.
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritize and organize workload; takes initiative and work under pressure.
• Highly effective planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills with a positive attitude and strong accounting service orientation.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Commitment to ILRI’s mission and core values

Duty Station: Addis Ababa.

Job level:            2C.

Monthly Base Salary: Birr 14,839 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position, initial appointment is fixed term for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc. 

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number: REF: A/057/14should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com on or before 28 October 2014.

Technical Assistant

Vacancy Number:  A/056/14

Department:  Feed and Forages Bioscience

Duration:  Two years

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Technical Assistant who will be a member of the Feed and Forages Bioscience Program in Addis Ababa.

General: The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in other regions of Africa (Mali, Mozambique, and Nigeria) as well as in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam) and East Asia (China). 

Responsibilities:

The Technical Assistant participates and assists in forage seed regeneration activities including:

• Maintains forage plots weed free and labeled and harvest seeds;
• Records field observation and characterization data and prepares update sheets;
• Takes herbarium specimens;
• Monitors plants for pests and diseases in greenhouses and field and takes remedial action;
• Supervises daily labour for field activities;
• Waters and takes care of plants in greenhouses and screen houses;
• Assists with pre-germination, planting and maintaining forage seedlings in the screen house;
• Assists with plant sampling and processing for germplasm health activities;
• Assists in seed processing and packing;
• Keeps the field, greenhouse and screenhouse areas clean and tidy;
• Assists in general implementation of forage research activities at the site.Measurable goals:After training the technical assistant should be able to handle all field, screenhouse and greenhouse activities following standard operation procedures.

Skills Required:

• Basic knowledge of plant propagation or seed production
• Good communication skills in English
• Good interpersonal relationships

Personal qualities required 

• Careful
• Accurate
• Reliable and honest
• Punctual

Education:

• 10^th and 12^th grade complete minimum and College Diploma preferred

Experience:

• 5 (Five) years for grade 10^th and 12^th completed or 2 (Two) years practical experience in plant propagation or seed production
• On the job training will be provided

Special requirements:

• The job requires work on weekends with day off during week days.

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Grade: 1C

Minimum Base:          Birr 6,529 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position, initial appointment is fixed term for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number: REF: A/056/14should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 27 October 2014.

Communications Officer – Bioinnovate Program

The Bio-resources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development (Bio-Innovate) Program, seeking to recruit a Communications Officer as part of the Program Management Team. S/he will be responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of information within the Program, its projects and stakeholders and the general public

The Bio-resources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development (Bio-Innovate) Program, hosted at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is a regional initiative established to support multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder biosciences and product-oriented innovation activities in the eastern Africa countries of Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The purpose of the Program is to strengthen the link between research, bio-innovation and end users with the aim of initiating and commercializing/deploying innovations for sustainable utilization and integration of the region’s bio-resources for economic growth and development. Phase I of the Program that commenced in 2010 is projected to end in 2015 (www.bioinnovate-africa.org).

Responsibilities:

• Design and oversee the communication activities of the Program and supported projects.
• Support the production of Bio-Innovate Program reports, publications, including print, CD and web materials and other multimedia and promotional products such as posters, information packets and documentary.
• Oversee the design, management and content of the Program website and provide web-friendly content to keep the site interesting and up to date.
• Work with the nine consortium project leaders and teams in the six countries of eastern Africa in sourcing stories about their project activities, achievements, outputs and impacts for the Bio-Innovate website and e-newsletter, ensuring the accuracy of the science as well as the liveliness of the news and pictorial presentation.
• Provide mentoring and advice to Bio-Innovate Project leaders and their project teams on generating appropriate communications materials to reflect the work of the Bio-Innovate Program and its partners.
• Manage public awareness for Program events like conferences among others.
• Identify and liaise with journalists in respective participating countries to publicize project and Program activities.
• Prepare and maintaining program web pages on internet and intranet; facilitate links with other communication functions at ILRI on a regular basis.
• Edit, proof read Program documents, and write articles about Bio-Innovate Program work as requested.
• Work with graphic designers and printers in producing high quality Program promotional materials.
• Maintain a Bio-Innovate publications inventory and keep the publications archives and website pages up to date.
• Keep up to date about current trends in research communication and methods so as to advise the Program on ways to improve the Program communications cost-effectively.
• Support other Bio-Innovate Program communications activities as requested.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in journalism’ communications or a related field.
• At least three years’ experience in writing, editing, design, web design management, blogging, use of Web 2.0 and new media tools.
• Experience in supporting communications and/or media relations in the area of agricultural/environmental research for development is an added advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office packages.
• Ability to read, understand and assimilate complex technical information to produce clear, well-written summaries.
• Ability to present and package scientific information into various formats to a wide range of readership.
• Basic knowledge of and skills in desktop publishing, HTML, photography and photo editing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Excellent communication, organizational and documentation skills.

Terms of appointment: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is for a 1 year contract period; renewable subject to availability of funds and individual performance. Salary and benefits will be in line with those provided by ILRI.

Job level and salary: This position is job grade 2D with a starting gross salary of KES 154,711 per month, negotiable based on experience. In addition ILRI currently 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.

Applications: 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. The position title and reference number REF: CO/BI/08/14 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com by 12 September 2014.

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

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer

Capacity Development Impact Narrative Consultant

Vacancy Number: TA/CapDev/03/14
Department: CapDev
Duration: 3 month’s

ILRI seeks to recruit a Capacity Development Impact Narrative Consultant who will support the development of a Capacity Development (CapDev) narrative to be showcased at various celebrative events as planned. The post-holder will also use the opportunity to promote alumni engagement, and communications through working closely with the ILRI alumni fellows and CapDev staff to build an enduring and positive relationship.

Principal Scientists “Livestock genetics and informatics”

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit three outstanding research scientists to join its newly formed global livestock genetics program.

Reporting to the leader of LiveGene, the global livestock genetics program, the individuals appointed will each have an outstanding international profile in their relevant fields. They will have a strong record of

Audio Visual Technician

Vacancy Number: AV/ICT/3/14
Department: ICT
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit an Audio Visual Technician to provide Audio Visual support for all meetings (Physical and Virtual) on campus as well as regional offices when required.

Business Systems Administrator

Vacancy Number: BSA/ICT/03/14
Department: ICT
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit an ICT Business Systems Administrator to manage and administer ILRI’s business systems, specifically the new Agresso Business World, from the One Corporate System (OCS) project. The job holder will  be responsible for user roles and rights to access the system, alerts and workflows implemented within the business system.

Research Technician

Vacancy Number: RT/AB/03/14
Department: Animal Biosciences
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit two Research Technicians to support research within the Urban Zoo suite of projects. He/ She will provide support for the investigation of the livestock value chains operating in the urban and peri-urban areas of

Business Data Manager

Vacancy Number: BDA/ICT/03/14
Department: ICT
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit an ICT Business Data Manager to carry out data manipulation for the ILRI’s business systems, specifically the new Agresso Business World, from the One Corporate System (OCS) project. The jobholder will be responsible collating the data, data migration and import into the business system and offers continued support on data related aspects including reporting.

ILRI Vacancy: Analytical Chemist

Vacancy Number: AC/LSE/03/14
Livestock Systems and Environment
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit an Analytical Chemist to provide support to the research projects of Forests, Trees and Agroforestry and Climate Change, Agroforestry and Food Security on estimation and mitigation of greenhouse gases in forest and forest transitions.

Bioinformatics Research Group Leader

ILRI seeks to recruit a senior computational biologist, to lead the bioinformatics team. This is an international appointment reporting to the Animal Biosciences Program Leader.  The position holder requires an outstanding record of internationally competitive research accomplishments in bioinformatics. The role will require management of a group of bioinformaticians and systems specialists, liaison with a broader group of scientists and management of collaborations with multi-disciplinary groups on challenges relating to capturing, managing, analyzing and interpreting large sets of biological data.

ILRI Vacancy: ICT Business Systems Specialist

Vacancy Number: A/014/2014
Division/Unit: Corporate Services/Information and Technology (ICT)
Duration: Two years contract

General:  The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in Africa (Botswana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda) as well as Asia (China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka).

The position: ILRI is recruiting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Business Systems Specialist based in Addis Ababa. The position holder will be a member of Information and Technology team within Corporate Services Division.

Main Duties:

• Assists in building and implementing the Agresso Business World (ABW) system for ILRI as part of the Once Corporate System project (OCS);
• Manages and administers the OCS and other business systems in use at ILRI;
• Manages and administer the MS SQL databases that are used by the business systems;
• Writes scripts (SQL, XML, web services) to for data migration, reporting and data integration;
• Assists in the interfacing of existing systems with the OCS to extend the capabilities of the systems;
• Assists the business units and research managers to obtain reports that will assist them to manage and make informed decisions for their areas of responsibility;
• Provides training to staff in the use of the business systems;
• Ensures all required documentation; including user and ILRI procedure manuals are available and up-to-date;
• Liaises with partners, service providers and suppliers to troubleshoot and resolves problems with the systems and to implement their service and maintenance contracts;
• Ensures that disaster recovery plans are in place, tested and monitored for all the systems being managed;
• Follows change management processes to document all changes to live servers and applications;
• Carries out regular risk assessments and implement mechanisms to mitigate the identified risks. This will include monthly reviews with business unit and ICT supervisors of access rights, operator and ledger definitions and the chart of accounts;
• Works with other ICT staff to ensure all regional, country and project offices have access to business systems and are able to use them;
• Provides advice and assistance to staff and hosted organisations on developing and managing business applications;
• Communicates with all staff concerning updates and changes made to the systems;
• Researches into finding more effective ways of using and configuring applications that can then be rolled out across the campuses or posted to the intranet and communicated to staff for their use;
• Keeps up-to-date with changes and advancements in ICT Applications and in particular ABW and makes suggestions for improvements and further developments to the services provided.

Education:

• First Degree in Computer Science or equivalent or Higher Diploma.

Experience:     

• At least 5 years’ of relevant work experience most of which should be in an ICT database systems environment

Training:    

• Customer service training

• An advantage if the candidate has training in Agresso Business World or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) products, MS SQL server, database management and scripting, data migration and data load. ITIL foundation.

Skills:  

• Specialised skills required for this job (communication, report writing, computer skills etc)
• Well organised to manage projects in several locations.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to pass on information clearly to users and to grasp difficulties perceived by users.
• Strong customer service orientation that establishes a good working relationship with customers, with the attitude of wanting to assist people and pass-on their knowledge and experience to others.
• Excellent technical knowledge of database platforms e.g. MS SQL Server, MySQL
• Excellent technical knowledge of building Business Enterprise Systems mainly Agresso Business World.
• Experience with development environments such as Visual Studio, XML to create custom computer applications
• Good logical diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgment in the resolution of problems.
• Ability to multi-task in dealing with several different problems at a time.
• Ability to work under high pressure, meet deadlines, monitor and follow-up on pending matters under minimum supervision.
• Ability to communicate fluently in written and verbal English.

Duty Station:  Addis Abeba

Job level

• This position is job Grade 2D.

Monthly Base Salary:    Birr 15,262 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position.  Initial appointment is fixed term for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.
The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV (3 pages maximum) explaining their interest in the position, relevant documents and testimonials and the names and addresses (telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office, ILRI, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Telephone: (251-11)-617-20-00; Fax (251-11) 646 46-45 or 617 20-01 name and reference number of the position for which the application is made A/014/2014 should be clearly marked on the envelopes if mailed or fax applications.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date:    February 28, 2014.

ILRI Vacancy: Research Assistant -PTVC

Vacancy Number: RA/PTVC/02/14
Department: Policy, Trade, Value Chains/ReSAKSS
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to join a small team of professionals working on the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) initiative. The objective of ReSAKSS is to provide data, information and knowledge to stakeholders in order to improve the formulation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of agricultural and rural development strategies in Africa. The successful candidate will work with the Eastern and Central Africa Node of ReSAKSS based at ILRI-Nairobi which is set up to serve the COMESA region in the implementation of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP).

ILRI works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in West and southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. 

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ReSAKSS’ analytical work based on regional priorities in agriculture and rural development. Areas of research may include regional trade analysis, food security research, agricultural investment analysis, agricultural investment modeling and other related areas

• Contribute to synthesis of studies and literature around topical issues affecting agriculture and rural development in the region to generate policy relevant messages

• Participate in the communication of ReSAKSS’ work, e.g. through preparation of ReSAKSS publications such as working papers,  policy briefs, technical reports, journal publications, conference papers, posters, brochures and presentations at various policy forums
• Contribute to the capacity building component of ReSAKSS including organizing and implementing policy relevant training for ReSAKSS’ stakeholders.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of CAADP indicators  in the COMESA region especially tracking changes in volume and value of intra-regional trade in staple commodities and agricultural inputs in the COMESA region
• Contribute to the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops organized or co-organized by ReSAKSS

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree with 3 years’ experience in Agricultural Economics, Economics or MSc with limited post masters experience in other related field with application to agriculture and rural development.

• Experience in econometrics and other forms of quantitative analysis, demonstrated in appropriate written outputs; conducting literature searches and writing professional papers; working in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in a developing country setting

• Knowledge and experience in agricultural and rural development issues in Sub Saharan Africa

• Applied knowledge of quantitative analytical methods ; proven experience in  database management and analyzing large datasets to answer analytical questions

• Proficiency in using MS Office and statistical packages

• Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality analytical and policy documents and related correspondence

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize a large body of knowledge into simple, easy to understand papers and policy briefs

• Demonstrated good organizational skills and ability to work with a minimum of supervision

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional contacts, and to interact with national officials and experts, other researchers, international organizations, development partners, and other ReSAKSS’ stakeholders

• A willingness to travel frequently within and outside the COMESA region and knowledge of French language is an added advantage

Terms of appointment:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) positions based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is for a 2 year contract period.

Job level and salary:

This position is job level 2C with a starting salary of KES 116,417 per month. This is exclusive of other benefits provided within ILRI’s National Recruited Staff Scheme

How to apply:

Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position title and reference number REF: RA/PTVC/02/14should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com by 28 February 2014.

ILRI Vacancy: General Laboratory Assistant

Vacancy Number: GA/BecA/02/14
Department: Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA)
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit a dynamic and competent General Laboratory Assistant to provide quality and efficient services to all the BecA-ILRI hub laboratory users.

ILRI works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries.

ILRI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in West and southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. 

 ILRI also manages the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub at ILRI, the centre for excellence in modern plant and animal biology in Africa. BecA is an initiative developed within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)/ African Union African Biosciences initiative. It consists 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. The BecA Hub facilities are world class, including a range of molecular, plant transformation, and genomics laboratories and equipment (e.g. 454 and Illumina next generation sequencing, Biosafety level 3 laboratory, plant growth facilities). The Hub hosts and conducts research in crop, microbe and livestock areas where new developments in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems constraining Africa’s development.  Capacity building is a major goal of all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food security and their intersections with human health and nutrition, and the sustainable use of Africa’s natural resources.  Further information is available at http://hub.africabiosciences.org

Responsibilities

• Laboratory waste management: – Routine collection and disposal of laboratory generated waste. Maintaining  accurate daily data of all waste collected, Collection of waste from the transgenic laboratory in the plant facilities; Transfer of Collected waste to the laboratory services unit for disposal;
• Management of Laboratory Glassware: Collecting dirty glassware from the laboratories to the laboratory services unit for cleaning, sterilizing, drying and wrapping all the glassware for re-distribution to the laboratories; Monitoring and replenishing glassware cabinets in the laboratories
• Laboratory supplies: Coordination with the procurement officer to assist in sorting of laboratory supplies and delivering to users within the labs;
• Routine cleaning of laboratory floors, corridors, wash rooms and freezer rooms;
• Scheduled cleaning of internal and external laboratory windows and other surfaces;
• Cleaning  of sensitive laboratory areas, such as tissue culture and radio-active laboratories;
• Laundry- garments.: Collection and transfer of all dirty laboratory coats and other protective clothing to the laundry unit; Washing, ironing of the garments; re-distribution of the clean garments to respective laboratory units;
• Office assistant duties: occasional assistance with messegerial duties as allocated within the BecA hub offices.
• General duties within the plant growth facility.

 Requirements

• ‘O’ Level Certificate with relevant experience;
• Proven Skills and experience in laboratory techniques;
• General knowledge of laboratory safety;
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment;
• Ability to co-ordinate, prioritize and organize work;
• Effective planning and multi-tasking skills with positive attitude;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Self-driven and ability to work with minimal supervision;
• Team player;

Terms of appointment:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) positions based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is a 2 years contract period.

Job level and salary:

This position is job Grade 1A with a start salary of  KES32,340 per month. This is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.

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 Human Resources Director through: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ before 28 February 2014.  The position title and reference number GA/BECA/02/14 which should be clearly marked on the cover letter.

To find out more about ILRI and the BecA-ILRI Hub, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org and http://hub.africabiosciences.org

ILRI Vacancy: Research Technician-BecA

Vacancy Number: RT/BecA/02/14
Department: Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA)
Duration: 2 years 

ILRI seeks to recruit a Research Technician for Brachiaria Grasses Research Program funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) to provide technical support on laboratory, growth chamber, greenhouse and field research on Brachiaria grasses and associated fungal and bacterial endophytes. This position involves 20% of the field work often during hot, dry and wet weather.

ILRI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in West and southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia. 

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. 

ILRI also manages the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub at ILRI, the centre for excellence in modern plant and animal biology in Africa. BecA is an initiative developed within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)/ African Union African Biosciences initiative. It consists 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. The BecA Hub facilities are world class, including a range of molecular, plant transformation, and genomics laboratories and equipment (e.g. 454 and Illumina next generation sequencing, Biosafety level 3 laboratory, plant growth facilities). The Hub hosts and conducts research in crop, microbe and livestock areas where new developments in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems constraining Africa’s development.  Capacity building is a major goal of all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food security and their intersections with human health and nutrition, and the sustainable use of Africa’s natural resources.  Further information is available at http://hub.africabiosciences.org

Responsibilities

• Collection of plant materials from greenhouse and natural environment, surface sterilization of plant materials, microbial isolations, purification of microbial cultures, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, nucleic acid quantification, DNA sample preparation for sequencing and sequence data analysis.
• Evaluation of microbes for potential agricultural applications. This includes microbial inoculum preparation, plate based assays, plant inoculation, and monitoring plant growth and development in laboratory, growth chamber and greenhouse environments.
• Preparation and curation of microbial cultures for routine and long term uses.
• Execution of field experiments that include land and seed bed preparation, field layout, planting/transplanting, weeding, irrigation, application of fertilizers and pesticides, other intercultural operations and data recording.
• Collection of soil and plant samples for microbial and nutritional analyses.
• Assist in laboratory and field trainings.
• Follow good laboratory practices, and help in the preparation and refinement of SOPs.
• Coordinate with the lab manager and ILRI engineering to ensure that laboratories and equipment are in good working order.
• Analyze research data; prepare progress reports, presentations and manuscripts for publication in referred journals.
• Participate in institutional trainings and seminars.
• Conduct other research activities as directed by Principal Investigator.

Requirements

• BSc. degree with  3 years experience in biological sciences or MSc. with limited post masters experiences with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experiences in microbiology, molecular biology, greenhouse and field based plant sciences research and assessment of plant fitness parameters are essential.
• Knowledge of microbial meta-genomics, tissue culture of monocots, and statistic and biometrics procedures used in biological sciences research are highly desirable.
• Candidate should have strong written and spoken English, excellent organizational and problem solving skills as well as computer literacy in MS Office.
• As the position requires 20% field work candidate should be prepared to work in field even during hot, dry and wet weather.

Terms of Appointment

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position, whose initial contract will be for a two (2) year term.

Job level and salary

This position is job Grade 2C, level 2 with a starting gross salary of KES 116,417 per month. This is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.

Location: The position will be based at the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya.

How to Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document 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 position title and reference number REF: RT/BECA/02/2014 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email applications.  Only applications sent via the above link will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find out more about ILRI and the BecA Hub, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org and http://hub.africabiosciences.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer

ILRI Vacancy: ICT Customer Services Officer

Vacancy Number: A/010/2014
Division/Unit: Corporate Services/ICT
Duration: Two years contract

General:  The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in Africa (Botswana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda) as well as Asia (China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka).

The position: ILRI is recruiting an ICT Customer Services Officer position exists on the Addis Ababa campus of ILRI to provide a high level ICT Customer Service support to the power users and to assist the Infrastructure Specialist and Business Systems specialist Addis Ababa to manage the infrastructure and applications. The position is central to ensuring the efficient use of ICT equipment, applications and resources on the campuses through the resolution of high-end problems and passing-on of their knowledge and experience.

Main Duties:

• Provides high level technical support to the “power users” and “non-core application users” on the campus by diagnoses and resolution of ICT problems.
• Provides specialized support for one or more non-core applications that the customers have asked the Department to help support.
• Takes over the resolution of problems that have been escalated by the ICT Customer Service technicians when they have been unable to resolve a problem within the assigned timeframe.
• Leads ICT projects that are implemented by the ICT Customer Service team, including the roll-out of new applications and equipment.
• Provides the main link between ICT Customer Service team and the Infrastructure team to ensure that essential tasks are carried out and do not fall between the two teams.
• Keeps the helpdesk status for requests up-to-date, attempt to resolve the problem as soon as possible but definitely within the timeframe set by the priority level and close the call as soon as the problem has been resolved to the satisfaction of the customer.
• Provides guidance and mentoring to the ICT Customer Service helpdesk/support technicians.
• Supervises students that are on attachment to the ICT Department.
• Monitor the implementation of policies, procedures and standards on the campus and make the necessary corrections where necessary.
• Identifies commonly recurring requests for assistance and provide advice on how these can be prevented or minimized, through training, user awareness, changes in configuration etc.
• Research into finding more effective ways of using and configuring applications that can then be rolled out across the campuses or posted to the intranet and communicated to staff for their use.
• Provides “tips of the week” that will help staff work more efficiently or provide them with options when working with commonly used problems.
• Keeps up-to-date with changes and advancements in ICT Customer Services and the type of applications that are supported and make suggestions for improvements to the services provided.
• Provides 2nd level support in Addis Ababa to ensure availability and efficient operation and use of infrastructure, assist and ensure the systems are well maintained and can be quickly repaired or replaced in the event of problems through the management of a service.

Education:
•    First Degree in Computer Science or related field

Experience:     
•    A minimum of 3 years related experience

• Training:    
• Certification as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
• Skills:
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to pass on information clearly to users and to grasp difficulties perceived by users.
• Strong customer service orientation that establishes a good working relationship with customers, with the attitude of wanting to assist people and pass-on their knowledge and experience to others.
• Organized, dynamic self-starter who sees the position as a step in their career development.
• Good logical diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgment in the resolution of problems.
• Ability to multi-task in dealing with several different problems at a time.
• Advanced proficiency in the core applications used at ILRI including MS Office Suite, and at least one of the non-core applications supported by the ICT Department.
• Ability to meet deadlines, monitor and follow-up on pending matters under minimum supervision.
• Ability to work under high pressure to tight deadlines.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English.

Experience:     

•    A minimum of 3 years related experience

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa

Job level
•    This position is job Grade 2C.

Monthly Base Salary:     Birr 11,871 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Addis Ababa campus.  Initial appointment is fixed term for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.
The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications
Applicants should send a cover letter and CV (3 pages maximum) explaining their interest in the position, relevant documents and testimonials and the names and addresses (telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office, ILRI, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Telephone: (251-11)-617-20-00; Fax (251-11) 646 46-45 or 617 20-01 name and reference number of the position for which the application is made A/010/2014 should be clearly marked on the envelopes if mailed or fax applications.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date:    February 22, 2014.

ILRI Vacancy: ICT Customer Services Technician

Vacancy Number: A/009/2014
Division/Unit: Corporate Services/ICT
Duration: Fixed term for one year which will be nonrenewable

General:  The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in Africa (Botswana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda) as well as Asia (China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka).

The position: ILRI is recruiting an ICT Customer Services Technician position to represent the primary customer interface for ICT customer service, help desk and technical support functions on the Addis Ababa campus. The position is central to ensuring the efficient use of ICT equipment, applications and other resources on the campuses through the resolution of problems and passing-on of their knowledge and experience.

Main Duties:

• Diagnoses and resolves service requests from the Ethiopia campus that have been assigned to the technician as soon as possible but definitely within the time frame set by the priority level. Keep the helpdesk status up-to-date and communicates regularly with the requester to keep them informed of the status. Close the call as soon as the problem has been resolved to the satisfaction of the customer. Escalate any problems that cannot be resolved to the ICT Customer Services Officer.
• In the absence of the Help Desk Administrator, manages the help desk functions. This includes logging all ICT service requests, assigning the correct priority level, category, type and the appropriate ICT staff or service provider to carry out the request.
• Uses the Help Desk reports to identify commonly recurring requests for assistance and provide advice on how these can be prevented or minimised, through training, user awareness or changes in configuration.
• Configuration and roll-out of new equipment and applications to computers on the network.
• Carries out research into more effective ways of using and configuring applications that can then be rolled out across the campuses or posted to the intranet and communicated to staff for their use
• Provides “tips of the week” that will help staff work more efficiently or provides them with options when working with commonly used applications.
• Keeps the inventory of equipment up-to-date following the written procedures.  This is used in the recharges of ICT services, for the maintenance and service contract, warranty claims and in the replacement plan for identifying the need for new equipment.
• Assists in the training of students attached to the ICT Department.
• Under the guidance of the ICT Customer Services manager, participates as required in ICT customer services projects that are implemented by the ICT Customer Services team

Education:

• First Degree in Computer Science or equivalent or a Higher Diploma with additional 2 years relevant work experience

Experience:     

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in an ICT support or helpdesk environment.

Training:    

• Certification as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) will be an advantage

Short Courses in:   Computer Applications and Customer service training

Skills:  

• Communication, report writing, computer skills etc
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to pass on information clearly to users and to grasp difficulties perceived by users.
• Strong customer service orientation that establishes a good working relationship with customers, with the attitude of wanting to assist people and pass-on their knowledge and experience to others.
• Organized, dynamic self-starter who sees the position as an early step in their career development.
• Good logical diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgment in the resolution of problems.
• Ability to multi-task in dealing with several different problems at a time.
• Advanced proficiency in the core applications used at the Centre.
• Ability to meet deadlines, monitor and follow-up on pending matters under minimum supervision.
• Ability to work under high pressure to tight deadlines.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English.

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa

Job level
•    This position is job Grade 2B.

Monthly Base Salary:    Birr 8,954 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Addis Ababa campus.  Initial appointment is fixed term for one year which will be nonrenewable. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.
The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV (3 pages maximum) explaining their interest in the position, relevant documents and testimonials and the names and addresses (telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office, ILRI, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Telephone: (251-11)-617-20-00; Fax (251-11) 646 46-45 or 617 20-01 name and reference number of the position for which the application is made A/009/2014 should be clearly marked on the envelopes if mailed or fax applications.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date:    February 22, 2014.

ILRI Vacancy: Livestock Scientist

ILRI seeks to recruit a Livestock Scientist to ILRI seeks to recruit a livestock scientist to contribute to research within its Livestock Systems and Environment programme.  This position will contribute to research and project management for two projects, one dealing with manure management and impacts on emissions; the second on small scale irrigation systems including livestock. This position will be based at our campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. 

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. 

 Responsibilities:

 Help assess the environmental and ecological impacts, particularly with regards to GHGs and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) of different manure management strategies

• Actively seek out new and support existing collaboration efforts studying and promoting mitigation of GHG and SLCP emissions from livestock and manure management.
• Summarize existing knowledge and government policy on manure management in Africa.
• Actively promote and aid extension services to disseminate information on effective manure management to stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate ILRI’s engagement in the Innovation Lab on Small-scale Irrigation including:
• Developing and testing options for using small-scale irrigation to increase forage supply for livestock
• Engaging with other CGIAR partners and national stakeholders to ensure an integrated approach to forage development with possibilities for scaling out
• Working with modelling partners on populating the Texas A&M Integrated Decision Support System with livestock data to allow its use in Ethiopia
• Support proposal-writing efforts on the above topics.

 Requirements:

• A PhD in livestock science or natural resource management, ideally with some knowledge of combining research on social science and biophysical perspectives.
• Minimum of two years post-doctoral experience.
• Knowledge of manure management and the potential costs/benefits in the context of pastoral/agro pastoral and smallholder systems in developing countries.
• Good facilitation and organization skills, including strong networking skills.
• Experience in collection and analysis of data in smallholder systems in the developing world
• Good publications record with strong written and oral communication skills in English and the ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in developing country environments.

Position level: 4C dependent on qualifications and experience. Base salary starting from USD 45,000 per annum depending on skills and experience, with an attractive international benefits package (tax free*).

Post location: The position is based at ILRI’s Addis Ababa, Ethiopia campus.

Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal contingent upon individual performance and funding.        

Terms of appointment: ILRI offers a competitive international and salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension, Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Relocation, Education, Housing, Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.

*Benefits and salary are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number:REF: LS/LSE/02/14 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 7 March 2014.

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. Suitably qualified women and developing country citizens are particularly encouraged to apply.

ILRI Vacancy: Bioinformatics Research Group Leader

ILRI seeks to recruit a senior computational biologist, to lead the bioinformatics team. This is an international appointment reporting to the Animal Biosciences Program Leader.  The position holder requires an outstanding record of internationally competitive research accomplishments in bioinformatics. The role will require management of a group of bioinformaticians and systems specialists, liaison with a broader group of scientists and management of collaborations with multi-disciplinary groups on challenges relating to capturing, managing, analyzing and interpreting large sets of biological data.

 The job scope covers research in many different aspects of crop and livestock biology. Current topics include next generation sequence analysis, genotyping, comparative and functional genomics, RNA sequence analysis and metagenomics in a range of livestock, crop, vector and pathogen species.

 The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. 

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. 

Responsibilities:

• Liaise with senior project and programme managers to coordinate and manage bioinformatics requirements and opportunities;
• Contribute to existing research projects and build independent research activities in bioinformatics related to agricultural research;
• Be responsible for ensuring that ILRI’s human and hardware capability to perform cutting-edge bioinformatics is maintained;
• Be an inspiring and effective leader of a diverse and enthusiastic group
• Develop and implement a vision of bioinformatics research and support at ILRI;
• Ensure integration of bioinformatics into the research and research planning process at ILRI;
• Proactively establish and build strong relations with a range of local, regional and international partner institutes based on mutual trust and support;
• Be responsible for the quality of scientific research and project management within the bioinformatics team.

Requirements

•  PhD in Bioinformatics or in Biological Sciences research driven by computational analyses.
• At least 5 years post PhD experience.

Essential skills

• Familiarity with bioinformatics, particularly the use and analysis of high throughput sequencing data generated by a range of platforms;
• Experience in a supervisory role;
• Familiarity with Linux & Unix platforms and computational pipelines;
• Experience with high performance clusters;
• Experience in scripting and programming;
• Experience in managing and using relational databases;
• Excellent track record in scientific publications and fund raising;
• Demonstrated excellence as a manager of a team of professionals in a research organization;
• Proven success in initiating and managing multi stakeholder and international research projects;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Experience of management of capacity building activities.

Post location: The position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Position level: The position is Scientist/Research Level 3 dependent on qualifications and experience. Candidates with experience and qualifications below those indicated may be considered at Scientist/Research Level 2.Base salary starting from USD 75,000 per annum depending on skills and experience, with an attractive international benefits package (tax free*).

Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Terms of appointment: ILRI offers a competitive international and salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension, Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Relocation, Education, Housing, Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.*Benefits and salary are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number:REF: BRGL/BIOTECH/01/14 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 7 March 2014

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. Suitably qualified women and developing country citizens are particularly encouraged to apply.

ILRI vacancy: Accounting Officer/Accounting Manager – General Accounts: Re-advertised

Vacancy Number: A/008/2014
Division/Unit: Corporate Services / Finance
Duration: Two years contract

General:  The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarter) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in other regions of Africa (Mali, Mozambique, and Nigeria) as well as in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, Vietnam) and East Asia (China).

The positions:  ILRI seeks to recruit Accounting Officer/Accounting Manager for General Accounts based in Addis Ababa. The position holder will be a member of Finance team within Corporate Services Division.

He/she oversees the accounting operations of the General Accounts Unit and will be in charge of ascertaining the proper recording and maintenance of Stock, Fixed Assets, Field offices accounts, Hosted Institutes accounts, following up the proper recording and reconciliation of payables and receivables, following up donors and sub grantee accounts are well managed and reliable information are provided to management for controlling, planning and decision-making.  The job holder will also deputize the Country Finance Manager.

Main Duties:

• Plans, organizes, leads and administers the general Accounts’ functions;
• Manages performance of each employee, team and process in General Accounts;
• Ensures that accounting operations of the General Accounts Unit, which is in charge of Stocks,  Fixed Assets, Regional Offices stations accounts, Hosted Institutes accounts, Major Projects Accounts, Accounts Receivable and Account Payables Management are up-to date, correct, and reliable information are produced to customers and to management for controlling, planning and decision-making;
• Checks regularly all journal vouchers, trial balances, management reports and ledger account reconciliation of fixed assets register and inventories, major supplier accounts and depreciation accounts to ascertain propriety, procedural consistency, validity and authenticate accuracy;
• Ensures that daily accounting operations take place in a timely manner and in accordance with the established standards and policies;
• Ensures that the monthly financial reports and statements are in good quality and are submitted in a timely manner;
• Reviews process to improve the efficiency and quality of accounting operations;
• Monitors monthly & annual closing process and the preparation of schedules and relevant reports;
• Works closely with the Treasury officer and Headquarters finance office in all activities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Education:    BA Degree in Accounting, Finance or related fields. MBA degree in Accounting or Finance or any Accounting Qualifications such as ACCA is highly desirable, CPA is a plus

Experience:      5 Years of relevant work experience of which 3 years in a supervisory position

Skills:  

• Demonstrated integrity and capacity to keep confidential information
• Strong analytical skills
• Very organized and methodical
• Self-starter, initiative and sound problem-solving capacity
• Ability to present data and financial reports
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Demonstrated team supervision skills
• Demonstrated constant attention to detail
• Demonstrated capacity to question one’s work, seek continual improvement in the services, systems or one’s knowledge
• Flexible and enjoys challenges
• Superior problem solving skill
• Experience with a computerized financial systems
• Interest for agricultural research for development or development work
• Must be  an IT literate in use of Microsoft packages and conversant with ERP application software such as Agresso Business World used for financial management and integration systems;

Duty Station:        Addis Ababa

Level:    3B

Minimum Base salary:

• Birr  30,542 per month (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Addis Ababa campus.  Initial appointment is for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.
The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter, resume relevant documents and testimonials and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office  via P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Telephone: (251-11)-617-20-00; Fax: (251-11)-617-20-01 or 646-46-45 name and reference number of the position for which the application is made A/008/2014 should be clearly marked on the envelopes if mailed, or on the fax applications.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date:    February 15, 2014.