NAFASI ZA KAZI LEO HII, OCT 10, 2013

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – MAYUGE DISTRICT

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – MAYUGE DISTRICT

Are you a Ugandan aged 18-25? Are you interested in HIV and AIDS and development issues? Are you committed to the principle of volunteering to support community development? Are you available between January and September 2014?

We are implementing a HIV Prevention Programme in Mayuge − an integrated programme which builds on Restless Development’s youth-led model of social and behavioral change communication, focusing on young adults from high risk populations (disabled people, fisher folk, people living with HIV, and Boda boda riders). Peer education on HIV prevention. Target communities of Bukatube, Mpungwe, Buwaaya and Busakira sub counties.

To apply please download the application form here and send completed forms to the address below:

Plot 6 Acacia Road (Behind Cool Breeze Hotel, Safari Inn boda stage)
P.O.Box 1208 Jinja

or

Musita Road
Mayuge Town Council

The deadline for applications is 18 October 2013. Note that we will only accept hard copy applications and due to the volume of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted for interview.

Programme Manager – Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health

Restless Development in Uganda is led by a talented and dedicated team of young professionals, delivering results where they are most needed.

Programme Manager – Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health

We are looking for a talented and committed manager to lead all activities relating to an exciting new programme which aims to support youth to make more informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. The Programme Manager will support the design, delivery and review of a youth-led advocacy strategy focused on sexual and reproductive health in support of programme objectives.

To apply please download the application pack here and send completed forms to farai@restlessdevelopment.org by 22 October 2013.
Please note we DO NOT accept CVs, resumes or covering letters.

Call for applications for PhD Fellow in Molecular and Cell Biology

Project: Improved vaccines for the control of East Coast fever in cattle in Africa
Location: Nairobi (Kenya)
Duration: 4 years (January 2014 to and December 2017)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) www.ilri.org works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 Centres of the CGIAR Consortium, a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. www.cgiar.org

Infectious livestock diseases feature prominently among the constraints that impede livestock agriculture. East Coast fever (ECF) caused by the protozoan parasite Theileria parva ranks first among tick-borne diseases of cattle in Africa, and kills one animal every 30 seconds. It has a devastating impact on pastoralists and smallholder farmers because it can kill within 3-4 weeks of infection. ECF is endemic in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa where roughly 28 million cattle are at risk, but has the potential to spread further with the movement of infected cattle because the distribution of the tick vector and suitable tick habitats are wider than that of the parasite. About one million cattle die of ECF each year resulting in annual losses of $300 million. The goal of the ECF project is to design subunit vaccines for the control of ECF.

The position: The ECF project is providing a PhD Studentship, in the field of molecular and cell biology, whose focus will be the identification and characterization of novel Theileria proteins involved in cell invasion and genes that play a role in host entry. This studentship is within the ILRI Vaccine Biosciences (ILVAC).

Responsibilities:

• Review relevant and recent literature on apicomplexan proteins involved in cell entry and invasion and those that fall into clusters of orthologous genes (COGs) with Plasmodium and Toxoplasma genes.
• Clone and express such T. parva genes raise specific antisera to them and use them in sporozoite neutralization assays (SNA) to determine if they play a role in host cell entry.
• Test in cattle whether the new antigens selected by SNA can mount a protective antibody response against a lethal sporozoite challenge.
• Write up research results in a format suitable for publication as PhD Thesis and in peer reviewed journals.

Essential Skills and Qualifications will include:

• An MSc degree obtained not more than 3 years ago (or equivalent degree level) in the field of molecular biology, genetics and microbiology.
• Good working knowledge of standard tools for sequence characterization
• Working knowledge of standard procedures in molecular biology and microbiology.
• Knowledge of standard bioinformatics packages used for gene and data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal communication in English including web based communications.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to perform in a multicultural environment and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Terms of appointment and stipend:

The successful candidate will be supervised by a senior scientist in the ILVAC group and the university supervisor. However, in the ILVAC group, he or she will also have access to many other ILRI researchers so as to develop his or her research. ILRI will provide a stipend of US$1,000/month to the successful candidate, economy return air ticket to Nairobi, plus travel allowance when on duty travel out of the duty locations, as well as insurance. ILRI will pay for the costs of research-related travel.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Closing date: 15 November 2013 or until a suitable candidate is selected.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a letter from your university attesting your student status,1 page description of your research proposal and a recommendation letter from your university supervisor. All applications should be submitted online on our portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

MARKET RESEARCH CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY FINANCING OPTIONS FOR THE BASE OF THE PYRAMID

The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has developed a global programme to support 2.5 million poor people to obtain access to reliable and affordable clean energy through microfinance (called CleanStart). To this end, CleanStart will support 18 financial service providers (FSPs) across six countries in Asia and Africa to build their capacity in providing financing for clean energy systems. In parallel, the programme will also strengthen the supply chains of technologies being financed and advocate for policy and business environments that promote the growth of energy markets serving low-income people. CleanStart (2012-2017, US$26.1) will be delivered through four outputs: 1.        Finance for Clean Energy to strengthen capabilities of 18 FSPs to provide microfinance for clean energy to low-income households and micro-entrepreneurs; 2.        Technical Assistance for Clean Energy to remove barriers to the successful deployment of those technologies and services for which the selected MFIs will provide microfinance; 3.        Global Knowledge and Learning to enhance understanding and awareness globally of the potential for microfinance to scale-up access to clean energy and make available the tools and knowledge needed to scale-up access to clean energy beyond the project; and 4.        Advocacy and Partnerships to create an enabling policy and business environment to expand microfinance for clean energy. CleanStart finalizes the selection of pilot countries through a two-stage process: 1) assessment and 2) country strategy development. The overall purpose of the assessment is to understand the key drivers of the energy market serving low-income people in the country, the potential for microfinance to dramatically expand the market for modern energy services for poor people and the value-add that CleanStart could provide given the state of the market.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide insights on history and evolvement of the MFI/energy sectors Provide additional insights and local perspectives of the energy-MFI mapping from previous scoping exercises done Develop case study on each of the top five technologies identified Analyze value chain for three technologies identified with potential to scale through financing Conduct more in depth interviews in areas that have information gaps Provide support in organizing the meetings and workshops

Competencies

Functional competencies: Solid understanding about the microfinance sector and current issues, including key market players, development partners and policy/regulatory environment Established contacts with key market players in the microfinance sector; Established contacts with key market players in the energy sector is a plus; Excellent organizational, inter-personal and communication skills; Good English writing skills Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism; Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business, engineering or relevant area Advanced degree in economics, finance, business, engineering or relevant area is a plus Accredited training in relevant areas, including (micro)finance, business development or energy access is a plus  Minimum of 5 years relevant, practical working experience within the financial sector and/or decentralized energy for the base of the pyramid in Tanzania Documented, deep technical knowledge and experience with microfinance Familiarity with clean energy solutions; Consultancy experience with relevant development programmes is a plus;

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=40935

UNDP TANZANIA NATIONAL IT CONSULTANT, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

NATIONAL IT CONSULTANT

Location : Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

Application Deadline : 23-Oct-13

Additional CategoryManagement

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level :National Consultant

Languages Required : English

Duration of Initial Contract : One month (30 days) only

Expected Duration of Assignment : ne month (30 days) only

Background

Since gaining independence in 1961, the United Republic of Tanzania has carried out significant initiatives to improve governance and promote and protect human rights. Since the early 1990's the country has undertaken various public sector reforms including; financial management, local government, the legal sector and others aimed at improving transparency and accountability. Tanzania has ratified and domesticated a number of international and regional human rights instruments and set up the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), an institution to further enhance the on-going human rights work in Tanzania.

In addition, the Government of Tanzania (GoT) decided to implement the recommendation from the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, on ‘drawing up a national action plan identifying steps whereby that State would improve the promotion and protection of human rights' (VDPA, Part II, paragraph 71).

Following this and in response to the recommendations by international mechanisms, a roadmap for the development of NHRAP was prepared and adopted. The implementation of this consultation and policy development road map was supported by UNDP, UNOHCHR under the auspices of the Delivering as One and through the leadership of the National Coordination Committee.

The first National Human Rights Action (NHRAP) plan for Tanzania is now developed, as well as a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, and both are still awaiting cabinet approval. The comprehensive NHRAP seeks to establish a culture of human rights in the United Republic of Tanzania. Its main goals are to protect and promote the inalienable rights provided by the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Constitution of Zanzibar, and to guarantee human rights according to international agreements entered into by the State.

Duties and Responsibilities

Creation of data collection system

·         Review the NHRAP commitments and the activities to be reported on by link officers

·         Carry out a desk review of relevant systems for the monitoring and evaluation of the NHRAP.

·         Initial targeted consultations with key stakeholders: CHRAGG, MoCLA, AGC and UNDP

Development of a scalable web based monitoring data system

·         Refine or Re-engineer, develop a scalable database

·         Develop data entry tools using appropriate technologies

·         Develop standard reports on agreed templates and provide tools for custom reporting

·         Develop client based querying tools for data retrieval

·         Ensure access to database for custom reporting and advanced analysis

·         Develop relevant import/export capabilities to pre designed templates

·         Develop client based export capabilities with Microsoft office, especially advanced Access, applications and Adobe Acrobat

·         Ensure daily database backup

Consultative process with CHRAGG and UNDP

·         Review the system and ensure that the reporting procedure for link officers is conducive to system input

·         Facilitate a practice session with focal persons within CHRAGG on an improvised report from a link officer.

Training of CHRAGG officers on the systems use and functions

·         Carry out two trainings for a pool of relevant CHRAGG officers to ensure clear understanding of how to use the system and how to train others to input directly.

·         Identify a focal person within CHRAGG to be responsible for the maintenance, report collection and updating of the system

·         Ensure that the second training builds on the first through interactive discussion and practical experience.

·         Create a short step by step guide on how to use the system as well as guidelines on reporting

The consultant is expected throughout the creation process, to ensure continuous dialogue with the Project Coordinator and UNDP on challenges and progress.

Competencies

·         Ability to work under minimum supervision to meet short deadlines

·         Commitment and drive to achieve challenging goals, and problem solving attitude

·         A team player with strong inter-personal skills and the ability to deal with multiple teams located in multiple institutions

·         Ability to identify client needs and deliver them promptly and accurately

Required Skills and Experience

·         A bachelor degree in IT

·         A minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate professional relevant experience, successfully designing IT monitoring and evaluation systems

·         In-depth knowledge of the best IT systems to use for monitoring and evaluation;

·         Strong analytical skills;

·         Strong communication skills;

·         Proven ability to train Government officials in using IT equipment

·         Experience in working with NGOs and CSOs

·         An understanding of the Government of Tanzania's work and policies linked to human rights and the National Human Rights Action Plan is an added advantage

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Labels: Consultancy, ICT JOBS

Research Program Manager - Soil Management and Crop Nutrition

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
 
Research Program Manager, Soil Management and Crop Nutrition
 
Are you looking to make a difference?  The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) looks to a world where poverty has been reduced and the livelihoods of many improved through more productive and sustainable agriculture emerging from collaborative international research. ACIAR is a small government agency where your contribution can have wide reaching international impact.
 

About you
You are a highly energetic, achievement-oriented person with a postgraduate qualification and research experience in relevant fields and strong research management skills and experience.  Developing country experience and an understanding of principles of international development would be highly regarded. To be eligible to apply for this vacancy you must be an Australian citizen.
 
 
About our conditions
We are located at Fern Hill Park, Canberra (capital city of Australia).  We are close to bus routes and community facilities and we have free parking. We offer flexibility in working practices and employment conditions.
 

How to apply
Information and instructions on how to apply (including position description) should be obtained from http://aciar.gov.au/recruitment  This position involves engagement in the Australian Public Service as a non-ongoing employee for a specified task for a period of five years. 


Applications close:  20 October 2013.
 
ACIAR is committed to workplace equity and diversity and encourages applications from Indigenous Australians, people with diverse cultural backgrounds, and people with disability.
 
Location: ACT

Work Type: Full Time

Agricultural Mechanization Scientist

Agricultural Mechanization Scientist

We are seeking an experienced and resourceful Agricultural Mechanization Scientist to join a new USAID funded agricultural R4D project focused on efficient surface water irrigation, scale-appropriate mechanization, and conservation agriculture, to sustainably intensify cropping systems in Southern Bangladesh. The five-year, > $12 million project activities are being implemented in collaboration with International Development Enterprises (iDE), and will integrate and build upon synergies created with the already operational Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh project. As the Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Scientist, you will work to implement and applied research and extension program in partnership with public and private sector partners centered on the use of efficient and scale-appropriate agricultural machinery to intensify dry season cropping in Southern Bangladesh.

The successful applicant will join the multi-institutional and interdisciplinary team that coordinates the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh. CSISA is a collaborative R4D program launched in 2010 with funding from USAID. It combines the strengths CIMMYT, IRRI, and WorldFish in collaboration with public and private sector partners. For more information about CSISA, please visit: http://www.csisaportal.com The CSISA Mechanization and Irrigation project (CSISA-M.I.) represents new and distinct project activities within CSISA. CSISA-M.I. will intensify dry season cropping in the impoverished regions of Southern Bangladesh by facilitating broad access to low-cost and efficient surface water irrigation combined with innovative agronomy, and by researching, perfecting, extending, and commercializing scale-appropriate agricultural machineries and associated services at scale. To achieve these aims, CSISA-M.I. will deliver new models for public and private partnerships to provide the foundation for effective irrigation and mechanization service markets.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information:  www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and will require very frequent and extensive travel between project field sites, primarily districts of Jessore, Khulna, and Barisal.

Specific duties of this position include:

• Contributing to the development, testing, refinement, and field implementation of new agricultural machineries, conservation agriculture and other innovative agronomic practices, specifically those related to sustainable intensification under on-farm conditions.

• Oversight of scale-appropriate agricultural mechanization extension activities throughout Southern Bangladesh, in collaboration with government extension and private-sector partners.

• Contributing to the development of training modules and outreach materials that will support a variety of change agents including agricultural service providers, agro-dealers, extension agents, and private sector agricultural machinery manufacturers and sellers.

• Contributing to the definition of major change pathways that will catalyze sustainable development.

• Development of strategic working relationships with public, private sector, and Civil Society (NGOs, Cooperatives, etc.) partners.

• Mentoring and overseeing the work of project-based staff.

• Maintenance and archiving of field data in alignment with CIMMYT’s data management system.

• Communicating key messages and project progress with other scientists, donors, policy makers, and other primary stakeholders.

• Publication of research findings in technical reports and in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:• A PhD degree(s) in agricultural sciences, agronomy, agricultural engineering, or related fields.

• Practical working knowledge of conservation agriculture (preferred).

• Demonstrated research experience in topics associated with scale-appropriate agricultural machineries, as well as experience in training farmers in their efficient and effective field use.

• At least four years applied experience in applied, on-farm, adaptive, and participatory agricultural research in developing nations.

• Demonstrated partnership building and networking experience with the public and private sectors.

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and team-building skills.

• Experience with impact pathway analysis, logical frameworks, and theories of change (preferred).

• Prior experience working in the context of USAID or similar donor funded agricultural development projects (preferred).

• Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.

• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• Knowledge of South Asian cropping systems (preferred).

We will offer an initial contract for 2 years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 1 November, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12296 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at  g.flores@cgiar.org.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Labels: Agricultural

Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program 2014

The Robert Bosch Foundation and Cultural Vistas invite US professionals to apply for the 2014-2015 Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program. Bosch Fellows work as consultants in their field of expertise at leading public or private institutions in Germany.  In addition, Bosch Fellows participate in professional seminars, where they travel to meet and exchange ideas with key figures across Germany and Europe. Fellows are from the fields of business administration, cultural management (ex. museum, theater, orchestra), journalism, law, non-profit, public policy, and urban planning.  

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
-  High-level work experience in German institutions including the federal government, private corporations, print and broadcast media, law firms and NGOs.
- Travel, seminars and networking events throughout Europe -- fellows meet with key decision-makers in the public and private sectors, gaining an in-depth understanding of current issues facing the European Union and Germany
- EUR 3,000 monthly stipend and compensation package including health insurance and coverage of transatlantic and program-related travel costs; additional funding is available for families
- Intensive German language training provided as needed in US and Germany. No German language skills required at time of application.
- Professional networking opportunities with 500 Robert Bosch Fellowship Alumni. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates for the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program must meet the following requirements:
•    U.S. citizen
•    40 years of age or younger at the application deadline
•    Minimum five years of relevant, full-time work experience in target fellowship field (excluding internships)
•    Graduate degree preferred
•    Evidence of outstanding professional performance
•    Sincere commitment to furthering the transatlantic relationship

APPLICATION INFO:

The application deadline is November 1, 2013.  For further information and to access the online application, please visit our website: www.culturalvistas.org/bosch.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: 
Completed online application including:
•    Short essay questions
•    Resume 
•    Most recent university transcript
•    2 letters of recommendation.  Recommenders should be recent supervisors or professional mentors who have worked closely with the applicant.

Senior Research Officer AT Aidspan , Nairobi, Kenya

Open Position: Senior Research Officer, Aidspan

  

Aidspan, a Kenya-based international think tank and independent observer of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria has a global mandate. Aidspan seeks to recruit a Senior Research Officer  (Senior Researcher) to lead Aidspan’s research team, and help grow the organization’s research skills base and products. This is an international search to fill a challenging and unique position on the Management Team in this lean, flexible and highly specialised organisation. 

1. Aidspan

Aidspan (www.aidspan.org) serves as an independent watchdog of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. Aidspan seeks to monitor, critique and explain the Global Fund, with the objective of increasing the effectiveness of the Fund and of the implementers of its grants. Aidspan has a worldwide reputation within the Global Fund community for performing high quality work and for producing clear, succinct, independent writing.

Aidspan is financed through grants from governments, foundations and corporations. Aidspan does not charge for any of its products or services, nor does it accept funding from the Global Fund. Donors and the Fund have no influence on the content of our publications.

Aidspan’s impact is considerably greater than its size and budget suggest. The Global Fund spends c. $3 billion annually, and it estimates that over the past nine years, its grants have helped save nearly 9 million lives. If Aidspan can cause the Global Fund to raise 1% more money, or to have 1% more impact with its grants, it will have made a massive contribution.

2.     Aidspan’s Research Programme

Aidspan’s goal is to become the first-port-of-call for independent research and critical analysis of the Global Fund. The Research team, led by an exceptional individual, will be an important part of meeting this goal. 

Aidspan is growing its research outputs and research capacities, as it builds upon 10 years as a small, focused watchdog agency, and grows into an organization with more flexible, policy-focused outputs that can contribute to a broader more nuanced understanding of the Global Fund and its ecology.

Aidspan conducts its research using in-house staff and external commissioned researchers, and through collaboration with external research institutions. The Senior Rearch Officer/Scientist described in this document will lead a small in-house research team consisting of a M&E officer/researcher, several part time consultants and various people among Aidspan’s current staff who devote part of their time to research.

Research outputs include a) stand-alone reports, b) working papers c) short articles and commentaries in Global Fund Observer, and d) papers submitted to peer-reviewed publications. The research programme also produces papers and presentations for international conferences. In addition, the research programme provides white papers or overview papers that feed into Aidspan’s periodic hosting of Round-tables. 

This job focuses on generating analyses of the changing dynamics of global health policy and on how to develop focused research studies that can explain complex changes in Global Fund policy, review the architecture of the Fund, investigate reports of impact, effectiveness and accountability, and, where relevant, recommend changes to those policies. The successful candidate will, with a small staff, produce timely, high quality content. He/she will also be a mentor and a manager. Managing and developing others is a big part of this role, and the successful candidate will show how they would balance this while at the same time delivering their own ideas for research around the Global Fund.

1. Responsibilities

The Senior Research Officer will report to the Executive Director, and will be a member of the Management Team.  He/she will lead the programme of research and analysis, coordinate the outputs of the research team and help build the team into an effective, focused group:
• Design and conduct research and analysis on topics related to Aidspan’s mission (making the Global Fund more effective). Approximately five discrete research projects to be completed each year.
• Commission and then manage research with outside consultants
• Develop at least one collaborative research partnership with other research organisations per year (ideally with a MOU with defined outputs)
• Attract funding for at least two discrete research ideas for external funding per year
• Liaise directly with research officers within the Global Fund, and with those focused on the Fund based in other technical partners or institutions.
• Work with and mentor Aidspan staff in research skills
• Provide information on all internal and external reports (as relevant for the Research programme) for all documentation needs, including those for donor reports and for general public relations

2.     Qualifications, knowledge, skills and attributes

Required:

a)     An advanced postgraduate research degree in the health or in social sciences such as economics, political science, sociology, or anthropology (with a global health focus).

b)     At least five years’ previous experience in the field of global health

c)     A record of peer-reviewed publications.

d)     Experience planning, creating, managing and reporting with budgets and time frames.

e)     Evidence of successful proposal writing for a range of grant giving bodies

f)      Superb analytical, writing, editing and verbal communication skills.

g)     Ability to work with both quantitative and qualitative data at an advanced level

h)     Excellent mentoring and training skills.

i)      Proven experience with independent research and research done with colleagues.

j)      Well organised self-starter, with attention to detail.

k)     Leader and strong team player, with excellent inter-personal relationships and a good sense of humour.

Preferred:

(a)   Significant knowledge of the Global Fund.

(b)   An existing appointment or affiliation with a university or several universities.

(c)   Proven experience supervising the work of other researchers in small teams.

(d)   Good public speaker.

5.     Job location

This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Applicants do not have to be citizens/residents of Kenya, as this is an international search. However, preference will be given to those who are either citizens of Kenya, or who have documented proof that they are permitted by the government to work in the country. Travel of up to 20% per year may be expected.

6.     Salary and benefits

Aidspan staff are given two-year contracts and salaries are paid in Kenya shillings.  A generous salary and benefits package is discussed during and after the final interviews. The salary package will be commensurate with the candidates experience and qualifications. Aidspan salaries are specified and paid in Kenya shillings.

7.     Equal Opportunity

Aidspan is committed to encouraging diversity and eliminating discrimination. There will be no discrimination on any grounds and we encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Next steps

If you are interested in this position, please do as follows:

•        Study the information provided in this document and some of the key documents on Aidspan’s website (for example Annual Report 2012; Annual Plan 2013, Unified Proposal 2013).

•        Prepare a cover letter of up to 2 pages (addressed to Ms. Wambui Munene, Finance and Admin Director, Aidspan) which explains (a) why you are interested in the position; (b) how your qualifications and experience match the job description; and (c) why you believe you are be a strong candidate. The letter should give your salary history (in your last three positions) and should specify your salary expectations.

•         Ensure that your CV has 3 references, who are aware of this application.

•        Prepare a zipped folder with three publications as sample writing pieces.

•         Send all documents (cover letter, CV and the 3 writing samples) to info@aidspan.org.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 25^thOctober, 2013. A short list of applicants will be contacted by phone and then called for an interview in Nairobi from mid November. Ideally, the selected candidate should be available to start work by January 7^th 2014.  

Senior Programme Officer AT Aidspan , Nairobi, Kenya

Open Position: Senior Programme Officer

Aidspan, a Kenya-based international think tank and independent observer of the Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria has a global mandate. Aidspan seeks to recruit a Senior Programme Officer to join Aidspan's innovative Outreach Unit, a pioneer of activities and strategies to help watchdogs monitor the effectiveness of Global Fund grants and systems in their countries. This is an international search to fill a challenging and unique position in this lean, flexible and highly specialised organisation. 

1.             Aidspan

Aidspan (www.aidspan.org) is an international NGO whose mission is to reinforce the effectiveness of the Global Fund by serving as an independent watchdog of the Global Fund and of its grant implementers. Aidspan does this by providing information, analysis and advice; facilitating critical debate; and promoting greater transparency, accountability, effectiveness and impact.

Aidspan’s vision is that the Global Fund will raise and disburse adequate money to fight AIDS, TB and malaria worldwide, with the Fund and the implementers of its grants being fully transparent, fully accountable, and achieving the greatest possible impact.

Aidspan was originally based in New York, but in 2007 it moved its base to Nairobi. Most staff are Kenyan. Aidspan's mandate relates to Global Fund activities and impact worldwide, not just in Kenya. The organisation is completely autonomous from the Fund and receives no funding from it.

2.             Aidspan’s Outreach Department

The Outreach team focuses on how to improve the Fund’s policies and procedures and how to increase the impact of Global Fund grants. Its activities facilitate Aidspan’s key role as watchdog and critical friend of the Global Fund by linking Aidspan’s broader work to discussions, debates and action on the ground.

The key strategy is to target various organisations and individuals at the country level. Together with these organisations, the unit explores various processes or actions that can be implemented and be driven by country stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency and effectiveness of Global Fund grants.

The unit’s work enhances knowledge about Global Fund processes at the county level and builds the capacity of local organisations to understand accountability, and how to do watchdog work.

3.             Required qualifications and experience

a.     A university degree in one of the social sciences or a related field.

b.     At least five years’ experience in health-related programmes or in governance, accountability, human rights or other related programmes. A focus on HIV, TB and malaria is advantageous.

c.     In-depth extensive understanding of the Global Fund is required, and knowledge of the data it publishes at www.theglobalfund.org is desired.

d.     Training experience in various fields, with strong skills in facilitation, mentoring and coaching.

e.     Strong experience in the use of health-related data (both financial and programmatic).

f.      Strong written and oral communication skills.

g.     Well organised self-starter, with attention to detail.

h.     Good team player, with excellent inter-personal skills.

i.      French language desirable.

4.             Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Officer will report to the Unit's Manager, who reports to the Executive Director.

The responsibilities highlighted below reflect the entire Unit’s scope of work. These tasks are therefore shared among team members.

Tasks:

a.     Mentor and partner with "Global Fund watchdogs" in various countries. In some cases encouraging and assisting them in also becoming GFO Correspondents:      [Aidspan mentors other organisations who wish to monitor Global Fund-related activities within their own countries. The project is focused on 30 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, and will scale up to other regions after 2015.]

b.    Organize and run in-country workshops and round tables:

                          i.    Country workshops improve the understanding of Global Fund policies, procedures and expectations, and help build the capacity of local organisations to understand key elements of accountability, and how to do watchdog work. Also involves giving advice and technical support pre and post training.

                         ii.    Round Tables provide an opportunity for global leaders in a chosen field to conduct private high-level discussion of the analysis presented in ‘White Papers’, and to propose additional or improved recommendations. Done in consultation with other staff, organise one Round Table every one to two years.

c.     Promote discussion and information sharing:

                          i.    Explore creative ways of increasing discussion among all Global Fund stakeholders regarding how to improve the Fund’s policies and procedures and how to increase the impact of Global Fund grants. [These innovative ideas include use of e-forums, web comments, online hubs, blogs, videos, online competitions and other forms of technology.]

                         ii.    Promote Aidspan’s template-based CCM website to as many countries as possible, and monitor the how CCMs use the technology provided. [Aidspan has created a free and easy-to-use web template for CCMs to set up and manage country-specific websites, open to people interested in the activities of that CCM and of the relevant PR(s).]

d.     Enhance Aidspan’s network of organisations that will work to support our mentoring project and enhance in-country accountability:  [Identify and work with partner organisations on ways to improve accountability of Global Fund grants in their countries. These collaborators may be in the form of organisations willing to fund activities identified under the mentoring project; or organisations willing to provide a different sort of assistance e.g. technical.]

e.     Research and write various articles for publication by the Editorial department.

f.      Assist the Executive Director and Research Unit in doing various tasks as required.

5.             Job location

This position is based at Aidspan’s office in Nairobi, Kenya. Applicants do not have to be citizens/residents of Kenya, as this is an international search. However, preference will be given to those who are either citizens of Kenya, or who have documented proof that they are permitted by the government to work in the country.

6.             Salary and benefits

Aidspan staff are given two-year contracts and salaries are paid in Kenya shillings. A generous salary and benefits package is discussed during and after the final interviews. The salary package will be commensurate with the candidates experience and qualifications.

7.             Equal Opportunity

Aidspan is committed to encouraging diversity and eliminating discrimination. There will be no discrimination on any grounds and we encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

8.             Next steps

If you are interested in this position, please do as follows:

(a)   Study the information provided in this document and some of the key documents on Aidspan’s website (for example Annual Report 2012; Annual Plan 2013, Unified Proposal 2013).

(b)   Prepare a cover letter of up to 2 pages (addressed to Ms. Wambui Munene, Finance and Admin Director, Aidspan) which explains (a) why you are interested in the position; (b) how your qualifications and experience match the job description; and (c) why you believe you are be a strong candidate. The letter should give your salary history (in your last three positions) and should specify your salary expectations.

(c)   Ensure that your CV has 3 references, who are aware of this application.

(d)   Prepare a zipped folder with three publications as sample writing pieces.

Send all documents (cover letter, CV and 3 writing samples) to info@aidspan.org.

Application deadline is: 25^th October 2013. The selected candidate should be available to start work latest by 7^th January 2014. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and they should expect to hear from Aidspan by mid-November 2013.