General: Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa Network (BecANet) is seeking to recruit a highly motivated Administration and Finance Officer who will be based at the BecANet secretariat in Nairobi campus of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya. BecANet is one of the four regional biosciences networks initiatives established under the auspices of NEPAD. It builds on the intersection between the two NEPAD priorities of improving African capacity in science and technology and improving agricultural productivity. Its objective is to promote development and sharing of bioscience facilities, in partnership with the NEPAD Secretariat, which assembles African and international expertise, builds capacity for required research on biosciences, and addresses priority agriculture and agricultural-related environment and health problems of Africa. The network covers 17 countries in eastern and central Africa regions. BecANet consists of a secretariat and Hub located on the campus of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya (that should provide a common biosciences research platform, research-related services, capacity building and training opportunities), regional nodes, and other laboratories distributed throughout eastern and central Africa for the conduct of research on priority issues affecting Africa’s development. BecANet secretariat now seeks to recruit an Administration and Finance Officer to support the administration and Finance of the Network. To find out more about BecA visit the website on .
The Position: The successful candidate will report to the Network Director (ND) and work in close collaboration with the Administration and Finance departments of ILRI, the BecA nodes, and other member institutions. The specific responsibilities will include: - Manage administrative policies, processes and procedures, financial resources, and handle all general office administrative work including office operations and travel coordination; - Assist the ND in preparing and monitoring the BecANet annual budget in collaboration with the ILRI Budgets & Grants Unit - Implement financial strategies and policies, including internal and external control systems and reporting processes; - Implement human resources strategies and policies regarding recruitment, staff compensation and rewards, staff performance management, training and development; - Provide administrative support for training courses and meetings organized by BecANet at the Hub, Nodes, and other member institutions; - Assist the ND in liaising with the Steering Committee and other committees of BecANet; - Organize meetings and on-going communication with the BecANet Steering Committee and other committees and prepare the documents for these meetings; - Assist the ND in developing policy and organizational needs of the network to strengthen the relationships amongst the nodes, hub and other participating institutions; - Assist the ND in reinforcing ownership of BecANet among member states in eastern and central Africa and articulating the type of memorandum with the nodes and other participating institutions; - Assist the ND in day-to-day management of BecANet including programs management, finalizing key policy and planning documents and any pending duties related to the overall BecANet management; - Assist the ND in identifying and documenting for the Steering Committee and Secretariat action resolutions on strategic implementation issues, including resource mobilization and communication strategies; - Prepare background papers on governance related matters for the BecANet Steering Committee and its subsidiary committees; - Assisting with implementation of decisions of the Steering Committee; - Establish working links with and coordinate activities with other biosciences networks.
Location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Essential Skills and Qualifications will include: - Minimum Postgraduate qualifications in Business and Administration with at least five years work experience as Administrator and Finance Officer in reputable organizations. - Demonstrated ability to supervise with a record of delivery. - Demonstrated skills in the management of programmes and implementation in networks with particular focus in Africa - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Terms of Appointment: The initial contract for this position will be for a three year term with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Salary, dependent on experience, will be paid in US dollars. ILRI provides excellent benefits including employerpaid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Relocation, housing, annual leave travel and education allowances are also provided. On-site furnished accommodation is provided, subject to availability, or in the absence of suitable housing on site, a housing allowance.
Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three professional referees qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office, ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Telephone: +; Fax: +; e-mail: .
The name and reference number of the position for which theapplication is made should be clearly marked on the envelopes of mailed, or on the fax or email applications by 28th December 2007.
Qualified candidates from African countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply.
