ILRI Jobs: Capacity development specialist

Vacancy Number: CDS/CRP/01/13
Department: Capacity Development Unit
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal

Base salary dependent on experience – starting from USD 45,000-55,000 per annum. Total salary & international benefits package circa USD 84,000-93,000per annum (tax free*)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity development to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centres supported by the 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).

ILRI will be working on a number of CGIAR Research Programs (CRP) that brings together CGIAR centres and partners from the research, development and private sector communities around the world.

The Position: ILRI seeks to recruit a Capacity Development Specialist to enhance ILRI’s contribution to the capacity development aspects of the CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish (http://livestockfish.cgiar.org/). The assignment involves working with research leaders and our research-for-development partners to convert research outputs and tools into training media and a strategy to ensure effective dissemination and uptake among our research team and target beneficiaries. This will be achieved both through implementing the relevant activities personally and through collaboration with partners. The capacity development strategy will include continuing capacity development needs assessment in each of the program’s selected value chains and for the program as a whole, support to researchers and partners in the delivery of media and events as needed, and developing testing tools to measure the effectiveness of the curricula and training methods. Media are expected to include development of instructional materials and curricula, workshop designs and ICT delivery techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the program researchers in conceptualizing and developing capacity development activities in each target value chain.
• Work with program scientists to develop and apply tools and methods for an on going assessment of program capacity development needs, as well as the impact of capacity development interventions on the overall program objectives.
• Develop training programs and training materials (lesson plans, manuals, PPTs and Prezis, ToT materials, individual and group face-to-face training activities, scripts for multimedia products, etc.) based on proven adult learning techniques (including ADDIE, Rapid Course Development, and Adult Learning Theory), using appropriate design, content and technologies adapted to the context of program value chain actors in developing countries.
• Support researchers and partners in the delivery of materials as needed (including assistance in coordinating and organizing training sessions, and delivering training programs as needed).
• Develop partnerships with selected capacity development actors to achieve the program objectives.
• Help disseminate knowledge and insights gains, as well as tools and methodologies across ILRI’s Capacity Development activities.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Education, Communication, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or other related fields.
• At least 5 years exposure in the disciplinary area, e.g., instructional curriculum design  / education & training  / social science   – with experience working in developing countries.
• Knowledge of the needs of adult learners and interactive educational programs and behavioral interventions desired.
• A proven skill-set in the development of learning courses, training and technical assistance materials, needs assessments, and other capacity development products.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Facilitation, presentation, and/or publication experience a plus.
• Familiarity with aspects of livestock production, and/or agricultural systems in developing countries a plus.

Other competencies

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage multiple partnerships.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to develop and facilitate processes and systems related to research outputs.
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken (proficiency in French a plus)
• Willingness to travel frequently, often to rural areas in developing countries.

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

Position level: The position is Scientist/Research Level 1/2 dependent on qualifications and experience.

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

Terms of appointment: Appointment subject to confirmation of funding. ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Education, Housing, Security, Disturbance, Relocation, Home leave; 15% pension contribution. Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + 11 public holidays. *Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Applicants: Applicants should address a cover letter and CV to Human Resources Director 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. Email your application to ilri-crp37@cgiar.org by 28 February 2013. The position title and reference number: CDS/CRP/01/13 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

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

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website athttp://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/
Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries, with experience of working internationally, are particularly encouraged to apply.