Research Technician III – Data Systems, Nairobi

Vacancy Number: RTDS/RMG/04/13
Humidtropics
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. http://www.ilri.org/.

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. http://www.cgiar.org.

Humidtropics, a CGIAR Research Program (CRP), seeks to transform the lives of the rural poor in tropical Americas, Asia and Africa. Innovative integrated systems research in the humid tropics will help poor farm families, often led by women, boost their agricultural productivity while preserving the land for future generations. ILRI is heavily engaged in the Humidtropics, leading Strategic Research Theme 1 on Systems Analysis and Global Synthesis with strong inputs into other CRP’s. Further information is available at:http://humidtropics.org/

The Position

The overall purpose of this position is to provide support in data management, database design and designing and maintaining systems for managing and utilising research data for Humidtropics Strategic Research Theme 1 (Systems Analysis & Global Synthesis). The post-holder will ensure that data and associated information are well documented and accessible to both internal (ILRI and Humidtropics partners) and external users, depending on data ownership & sharing agreements. This position will be part of the ILRI Research Methods Group.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of data management systems and tools for use in ILRI research projects and CGIAR Research Programs;
• Write procedures and software to extract and prepare data for analysis and produce routine summaries of data;
• Program field survey instruments (handheld PDA, mobile phones and/or netbooks) and train field teams on their use;
• Implement and monitor quality assurance protocols and routines, including remote back-up of databases;
• Supervise data entry staff;
• Contribute to the overall work of the RMG, this may include: database design for specific projects, supervising of students attached to the group, etc.

Requirements:-  

• BA/BSc degree in Information Systems, Database Management, Computer Science or related discipline;
• At least 3 years of experience working with relational databases for complex datasets and relational database servers e.g., MySQL, MS SQL Server or Oracle;
• At least 2 years of experience in software development;
• Experience of SQL language for data extraction and management of databases;
• Experience on the use of desktop programming languages (e.g., Visual Basic, Delphi) for the development of data-driven applications;
• Knowledge and experience of C++ or Java languages is an advantage;
• Knowledge and experience of Linux operative system is an advantage;
• Experience in the design and development of applications for mobile devices (e.g., PDAs, Android) is desirable;
• Previous experience in simple data analysis and report writing preferred;
• Understanding and experience of working in applied agricultural research preferred;
• Excellent interpersonal communication and good personal organization skills, including skills in mentoring and capacity building;
• Good communication ability in English, both spoken and written;
• Good judgment and willingness to take initiative when appropriate.

Terms of Appointment

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus.  The position is on a 2 year contract with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Job level and salary

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

How to Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document addressed to the 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 by 8^th May, 2013. Log on to: http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs. The position title and reference number REF: RTDS/RMG/04/13 should be clearly marked on the cover letter. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about ILRI, visit our Website at http://www.ilri.org/

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

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.