Vacancy Number: HOICT/CS/06/2013
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal
Base salary starting from USD 75,000 per annum depending
on skills and experience,with an attractive international benefits package (tax free*).
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works
to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing
countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research
partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future.
ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and
southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia.
The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is an independent
research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex
role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of
the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental
problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are
developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased
food security and ecosystem health.
The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and
research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are
supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.
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.
The Position: ICRAF and ILRI seek to recruit a
Head of Information and Communication and Technology. The job holder will lead
the overall ICT function for ILRI and ICRAF which occasionally have different
priorities and requirements. Campus level services are provided in 3 locations
in two countries (Kenya and Ethiopia) and staff are supported in offices in
over 50 different locations. The position holder will spend 50% of their time
at ICRAF, 35% at the ILRI Kenya campus and 15% at the ILRI Ethiopia campus and
visit regional offices when required.
Responsibilities:
- Make
decisions on ICT infrastructure, services and operations worldwide for the
two organisations, ILRI and ICRAF.
- Build
relationships throughout the two organisations to ensure that they
understand the business strategies and project requirements so as to
provide the most effective services for their needs. The position holder
will build relationships within the other CGIAR Centres to take advantage
of shared ICT services and innovations made at the CGIAR level or by other
Centres.
- Establish
and maintain relationships with external service providers and suppliers
and other local and international organisations to better understand the
ICT environment that we work in and to build partnerships with these
groups to enhance the services offered.
- Plan,
mobilize and manage ICT operating budgets of ICRAF and ILRI that total
over $3,000,000.
- Develop
investment plans for ICT projects and for both replacement and new
equipment.
- Implement
a fair and transparent means of full cost recovery to cover all
operational and capital investments made by the institutes in ICT
Services.
- Negotiate
with service providers and suppliers to obtain the best value for money
for the services obtained.
- Provide
overall management for the staff and resources of the common service Unit
providing ICT Services to ICRAF and ILRI.
- Develop
the ICT Unit work plans used to provide more detailed work assignments for
each member of the team.
- Responsible
for planning for new and replacement equipment required on the campuses to
provide the ICT environment.
- Responsible
for all equipment and resources assigned to the team either permanently or
that is temporarily in their custody.
- Lead
the two institutes in their implementation and use of ICT. This will
include testing, trailing and implementing new technologies, applications,
services and methods of working that will increase the options for the
researchers supporting staff and improve their efficiency, reliability and
ability to communicate with others.
- Develop
the ICT Strategy and policies for the two institutes and ensure that they
are communicated and understood institute wide.
Requirements:
- First
Degree in Computer Science.
- Master’s
degree in Business administration or related field.
- Up to
date certification Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or ICT
Security Certification or Information Technology Infrastructure Library
(ITIL).
- A
minimum of 10 years’ experience in an ICT Service environment.
- Five
to ten years relevant management experience in comparable organizations:
- Preference
will be given to candidates from private or publicly funded international
development organizations involved in research and/or consulting.
- Experience
with organizations operating in a competitive funding environment is
essential with a preference given to experience in restricted
projects/grants environments.
- Experience
working in developing countries or multi-cultural environments.
- A
track record of achievement in mature, well-established organizations
that have been required to adapt quickly to changes would be an advantage.
- Ability
to communicate fluently in written and verbal English.
Other Essential requirements:
- Well
organized with good leadership and management skills necessary to manage
staff in several locations.
- Good
communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to pass on
information clearly to users and to grasp difficulties perceived by users.
- Strong
customer service orientation that establishes a good working relationship
with customers, with the attitude of wanting to assist people and pass-on
their knowledge and experience to others.
- Excellent
technical knowledge of computer applications and systems.
- Good
logical diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgment in the
resolution of problems.
- Ability
to multi-task in dealing with several different problems at a time.
- Ability
to work under high pressure, meet deadlines, monitor and follow-up on
pending matters under minimum supervision.
- Ability
to communicate fluently in English.
Post location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 3 years, with the possibility of
renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.
Position level: The position is equivalent to
Scientist/Research Level 3, dependent on qualifications and experience.
Terms of appointment: ILRI offers a competitive
international and salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension –
Medical insurance – Life insurance –and allowances for: – Education – Housing –
Relocation – Home leave – Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public
holidays.
*Benefits and salary are tax free subject to compliance with
tax regulations of country of citizenship.
Applications: Applicants should provide a cover
letter, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses
(including telephone, fax and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable
about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. The
position title and reference number: REF: HOICT/CS/08/2013 should
be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter.
All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment
portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com on
or before 15 September 2013.
Note: This is a re-advertisement. Those who had
earlier applied need not re-apply.
To find out more about ILRI and ICRAF visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org and http://www.icraf.org
ICRAF and ILRI are equal opportunity employers and
encourage female applicants to apply
