Research, Training and Communications Leader

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a leading regional multi-disciplinary network of researchers, practitioners and policy makers that promotes science, technology and innovation (STI) policy research, dialogue and practice, for African Development.

Its mission is to improve the quality of science, technology, and innovation research, policy and practice for sustainable development in Africa. ATPS works primarily through its National Chapters in at least 27 African countries, and with a chapter in the UK and the US to represent the African Diaspora.

ATPS supports science, technology and innovation capacity building for African development through knowledge generation; knowledge brokerage; knowledge dissemination & outreach;
and knowledge valorisation.

Its research and training efforts focuses on building a culture of innovation to address topical and emerging development challenges in the continent including climate change, health care delivery, integrated management of environmental infrastructure including land, water, and biodiversity, etc for sustainable ecosystem services, community livelihoods, and poverty alleviation.

ATPS also supports thematic and facilitative programs to broker the socialization of science and technology in Africa through democratic governance of knowledge and technology sharing and the up scaling and down scaling of indigenous and emerging technologies (biotechnology, ICTs, nanotechnologies, etc) to facilitate equitable partnerships within the continent and beyond.
For more details about ATPS, please visit our website at www.atpsnet.org.

ATPS is seeking to recruit a dynamic trans-disciplinary individual to fill an international position of Research Training and Communications Leader to be based at its Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya.

Reporting to the Executive Director, he/she will be responsible for intellectual and administrative leadership to the development and implementation of research, communication and dissemination programs, capacity building and policy advocacy programmes.

He/She will also contribute to the development and implementation of communication channels that underpin the research priorities of ATPS

Major responsibilities will include:

• Implementing engagement and communications programmes for internal and external stakeholder groups;
• Generating and translating new concepts and research ideas into projects and/or programmes;
• Developing proposals and raising funds for the implementation of projects and/or programmes;
• Managing the grants process and the regional research programmes;
• Managing the publication of research outputs into various publications and assist identify during proposal development various outputs that would come out of the new projects using specific timelines;
• Developing and implementing strategies for promoting the work of the network; and particularly establishing dynamic policy outreach and advocacy processes with National Chapters;
• Collaborating and liaising with national chapters (now in 23 countries) in the development, planning and reporting of chapter activities and projects;
• Initiating and coordinating training activities with partner institutions for various stakeholders;
• Liaising with the national coordinators and researchers on administrative and non-technical issues;
• Ensuring that the relevant information on issues on science and technology in Africa is disseminated to network members;
• Overseeing coordination of conferences, seminars and workshops and representing the Executive Director at workshops and meetings;
• Ensuring that results of all ATPS research meet international standards by organizing and managing appropriate peer review mechanisms; in liaison with the Executive Director ;
• Advising on, coordinating and managing the translation and dissemination of technical information to meet the needs of specific audiences;
• Overseeing the coordination of capacity building workshops and related activities to strengthen the capacity of ATPS National Chapters and other constituents;
• Ensuring efficient and effective collaboration with ATPS international, regional and national partners; Building Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Capacity Today for Sustainable African Development Tomorrow.
• Developing and strengthening collaboration with the private sector and civil society including the media;
• Publishing at least three techno-policy briefs each year;
• Managing individual and institutional grant and consultancy contracts and oversee development of an electronic grants management system;
• Managing the preparation of work and budget for research projects, communication and outreach activities;
• Managing the quality and delivery of all communications outputs to ensure that they meet the highest international editorial standards;
• Representing the Executive Director during meetings with donors , conferences and various forums to promote work of the network;
• Assisting the Executive Director by organising and managing appropriate peer review mechanisms on all ATPS research results;
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Required skills and qualifications

• An African professional;
• A doctorate degree in Science, Technology and Innovation or related subjects including natural or social sciences, or equivalent expertise;
• At least four years experience in research/research management in science and technology policy;
• Demonstrate capacity and ability to fundraise and manage knowledge networks;
• Strong interpersonal skills and a good team player ;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Experience in STI policy analysis in Africa will be an advantage ;
• Proficiency in French will be a major advantage.

The vacancy is expected to be filled by 01 May 2012 but will be left open until a suitable candidate is found.

A competitive international salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful applicant.

The initial contract period will be for 2 years, renewable based on performance.

Qualified candidates should send a detailed letter of interest and curriculum vitae to hr@atpsnet.org, no later than 15 April 2012.

The Executive Director
African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
3rd Floor, The Chancery Building, Valley Road
P.O. Box 10081 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya