Principal Officer - Scientific Research and Development

(EAC/EASTECO/HR/01-07-17)

The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) is an Institution of the East African Community charged with governing the Partner States’ co-operation in the development and implementation of Science and Technology. The vision of the Commission is to contribute to a prosperous, competitive, secure and united East Africa through collaboration in science, technology and innovation. The mission is to promote and coordinate the development, management and application of Science and Technology in the EAC Partner States, for an innovative, competitive and integrated East Africa, and for the wellbeing of her people.

This is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated and result-driven professionals who are citizens of East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) to apply for the following position tenable at the East African Science and Technology Commission:

Organ / Institution: East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)

Duty Station: Kigali, Rwanda

Job Grade: P4

Job reports to: Deputy Executive Secretary (Head of Programme Development)

Job Purpose:

To lead and coordinate the development and implementation of Programs and Projects in Scientific Research and Development, including monitoring the implementation of regional Science and Technology policies in order to ensure the effective and efficient development and application of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead the formulation of Regional Scientific Research Policies including mechanisms to safeguard the region from hazards that might result from research activities and the application of Science and Technology;
2. Formulate mechanisms for promoting the further development of regional Scientific research Centres of Excellence;
3. Coordinate the design and implementation of common ethical guidelines for research and its application in the community;
4. Lead and coordinate regional collaborative scientific research for the benefit of the development agenda of the Community including working with relevant partners to guide regional research objectives to target development challenges in the community;
5. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with academia, industry, government and civil society & drive development of those relationships;
6. Formulate and implement mechanisms to support the dissemination, exchange and utilization of scientific research findings, scientific information and products from scientific research in the Community;
7. Assist with fundraising efforts for new regional initiatives in scientific research
8. Collaborate with relevant actors to synthesize available scientific research into actionable insights and development-focused innovation concepts, and leverage the potential of applicable research;
9. Liaise with relevant partners to promote and support skills development for Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology, with focus on the regional needs;
10. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of regional (EAC) Science and Technology efforts and policies including the further development of regional indicators;
11. Participate in preparation of work plans and budget for the Commission;
12. Perform other related duties assigned by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Programme Development.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. PhD in a relevant field of Science, with additional qualifications in Research and Development;
2. 10+ years' of experience working in a Scientific Research Organisation with 5 years at senior level;
3. Proven track record of high quality academic and/or policy publications
4. Experience in data/information management and utilization of scientific research findings.
5. Knowledge of technical concepts related to program planning and management, research and survey methodology;
6. Experience in developing project proposals.

Skills and Competencies:

- Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with the ability to meet stated deadlines;
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop a wide range of high-level contacts within academia, industry, government and civil society;
- Must possess analytical and problem solving skills,
- Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to work independently with little guidance and oversight in a fast-paced environment ;
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English, able to produce clear, concise reports, and to present complex concepts to non-expert audiences;
- Reliable, positive and effective team player with a track record working in multi-disciplinary teams and delivering results through collaboration;
- Advanced skills in computer software applications.

Eligibility:

The EAC is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Terms and Conditions of Service:

The above positions are tenable for a contract of five (5) years renewable once and are subject to the application of the EAC Quota System.

Fringe Benefits:

All posts offer attractive fringe benefits including housing allowance, transport allowance, education allowance, a medical scheme, and insurance cover.

Equal Opportunity:

The EAC is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

The interested candidates who meet the above criteria may submit their applications either electronically or in hard copy but not both to the address below, comprising the following:

All applications should be submitted to the address below not later than, Wednesday, 16th August 2017.

- Letter of motivation, with the job reference
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae;
- Copy of the biodata page of passport/ID;
- Certified Copies of degree/certificates;
- Professional testimonials;
- Daytime telephone contact;
- Names and contact addresses (with telephone and emails) of 3 referees.

To:
The Executive Secretary
EASTECO Secretariat
KIGALI, RWANDA
Email: info@easteco.org

To be received not later than at 5PM East African Time.

All potential applicants are advised to visit the EAC and EASTECO websites: www.eac.int and www.easteco.org for details of these positions including the required qualifications, duties and responsibilities.
 

EASTECO Secretariat shall only respond to shortlisted candidates. All invitations for interviews will be done in writing.

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, 16 August 2017 - 5:00pm