KOMAZA is an
award-winning social enterprise working to end rural poverty through
economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s arid
and semi-arid regions.
KOMAZA is inviting applications for the following opportunities based in Kilifi, Kenya:
Research & Development Director
Research & Development Director
Overview
Wanted: Mid-late career professional to lead research and development department for a fast-growing, international forestry company
Industry: Social Business / International Development / Start-Up
Wanted: Mid-late career professional to lead research and development department for a fast-growing, international forestry company
Industry: Social Business / International Development / Start-Up
Employer: KOMAZA
Department: Research and Development {creation of a new department}
Location: Kilifi County, Kenya
Reports to: Country Director for Kenya
Supervises: Technical Analyst(s), Project Manager(s)
Comp/Benefits: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: As soon as available
About KOMAZA
Founded in 2006, KOMAZA is a social enterprise creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers living in Africa’s semi-arid regions.
About KOMAZA
Founded in 2006, KOMAZA is a social enterprise creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers living in Africa’s semi-arid regions.
Working through a network
of field staff, we partner with rural families and help them plant and
maintain small-scale, income-generating tree farms.
Using this model, KOMAZA will grow to serve thousands of farmers across East Africa and beyond in the coming years.
Research & Development Director
Job Objective
KOMAZA seeks a Research and Development Director who will build and manage a team to generate technical knowledge for a large-scale forestry operation.
Job Objective
KOMAZA seeks a Research and Development Director who will build and manage a team to generate technical knowledge for a large-scale forestry operation.
The director will be
responsible for advising on tree species diversification, silvicultural
disease mitigation and treatment, and best silvicultural practices.
The director will also be
responsible for developing a Forestry Management plan, as well as
incorporating the plan into operations to prepare the organization for
FSC certification.
The director may also
conduct research in the area of agriculture, especially specifically
related to alleleopathic effects of intercropping crops with trees.
The ability to creatively
establish and manage research projects from scratch to fill technical
knowledge gaps will be key to success in this position.
We are on the verge of
dramatic expansion in Coast Province and beyond; this is a great
opportunity for someone excited to take on ambitious goals and be a
critical component of KOMAZA’s growth.
Key Responsibilities
Silviculture Advising & Research
Silviculture Advising & Research
- Advise on forestry disease mitigation and treatment upon outbreaks
- Develop a Disease Mitigation and Outbreak Emergency Plan
- Advise on tree species diversification for varying environmental and farm conditions
- Develop and implement a Forestry Management plan that will align with FSC certification requirements
- Implement operational measures to align KOMAZA with FSC principles
Agricultural Research
- Identify crops that are suitable in KOMAZA’s areas of operations to compliment the farmer tree planting program
- Design and implement experiments with short term crops in harsh environmental conditions and varying farm conditions
- Identify and advise on best agricultural practices, including crop storage and processing
Employee Development
- Build and manage a new department, including a team of Technical Analyst(s) and Project Manager(s) to improve and expand KOMAZA’s forestry operations
- Set objectives and targets for direct report(s); anticipate human resource hiring and training needs and coordinate with Human Resources to meet those needs
- Offer and deliver the coaching, counselling, advice, support, motivation or information direct report(s) need to help them meet their objectives
- Monitor progress toward objectives to ensure employees are self-aware of performance
Qualifications
- Degree in Forestry, Agriculture, or another relevant hard science background
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in R&D, specifically in forestry and/or agriculture would be preferred
- An expert level of knowledge in silvicultural practices with specific experience in forestry pathology and identifying appropriate tree species for specific environmental conditions
- Creative problem-solver; this position will require significant independence and someone who can accomplish tasks creatively with minimal oversight
- Experience with managing and developing employees to achieve high performance
- Must be able to manage competing demands, accept constructive feedback, and meet targets while being efficient, flexible, and of good judgment
- Ability to independently develop departmental budgets, and observe spending practices that effectively and efficiently manage resources
- Excellent written and oral communication skills are required in both English and Kiswahili
- Computer competency that allows for regular email communication, report writing, and record keeping
To Apply
To apply please send your CV and cover letter to recruiting@komaza.org.
To apply please send your CV and cover letter to recruiting@komaza.org.
Application deadline: Monday 17th October 2012
KOMAZA Research & Development Director
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