Research Officer Job in Kenya - African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a leading regional multi-disciplinary network of researchers, practitioners and policy makers that promotes science, technology and innovation (STI) policy research, dialogue and practice, for African Development.

Its mission is to improve the quality of science, technology, and innovation research, policy and practice for sustainable development in Africa.

Working primarily through National Chapters in at least 25 African countries, ATPS supports science, technology and innovation capacity building for African development through knowledge generation; knowledge brokerage; knowledge dissemination & outreach; and knowledge valorisation.

Its research and training efforts focuses on building a culture of innovation to address topical and emerging development challenges in the continent including climate change, health care delivery, integrated management of environmental infrastructure including land, water, and biodiversity, etc for sustainable ecosystem services, community livelihoods, and poverty alleviation.

ATPS also support thematic and facilitative programs to broker the socialization of science and technologies in Africa through democratic governance of knowledge and technology sharing and the up scaling and down scaling of indigenous and emerging technologies (biotechnology, ICTs, nanotechnologies, etc) to facilitate equitable partnerships within the continent and beyond.

For more details about ATPS, please visit our website at www.atpsnet.org.

ATPS is seeking to recruit a dynamic trans-disciplinary individual to fill the position of Research Officer to be based at its Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya.

Reporting to the Research, Training and Communications Leader, he/she will undertake research work and provide research support to the Research team.

Major responsibilities will include the following;

Organization and undertaking fieldwork as required on case studies research carried out by the Secretariat;Assisting in developing of proposals and raising funds for the projects/programmes and managing the grants process and regional research projects;Keeping up to date with developments in Science,Technology and innovation policy issues, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods;Collecting and search for national and international literature on relevant science and technology policies and practices;Writing at least one peer reviewed journal article on Science and Technology issues that are relevant and of interest to ATPS;Assisting in organizing meetings, workshops, seminars etc for the organization;Identifying and sourcing a wide range of information, as required, including collection of data through surveys, interviews, focus groups, expert panels etc;Analysis of data with reference to the research objectives;Maintenance of accurate files and records, both computerized and manual;Working in close partnership with external research contractors, policy makers and other stakeholders during the course of the research;Participation in dissemination and training workshops as assigned;Participation in preparatory and plenary workshops as assigned;Performance of any other duties associated with the research project, of an occasional nature, which may be assigned by the supervisor;Responding to external and internal research enquiries from colleagues, policy makers, academics, regional development agencies and members of the public;Any other duties that may be assigned by the team leader and/or the Executive Director.Delegation of Responsibilities for this position will be as follows:
80% time to be spent in research and program activities20% time to be spent in fundraising activitiesRequired skills and qualifications
A Masters degree in Science, Technology and Innovation or related subjects including natural or social sciences, or equivalent expertise;At least two years relevant experience in research;Capacity to fundraise ;Strong interpersonal skills and a good team player;Strong analytical skills;Proficiency in French will be an advantage.The vacancy is expected to be filled by 15 January 2011 but will be left open until a suitable candidate is found. A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful applicant. The initial contract period will be for one year, renewable based on performance.

Qualified candidates should send a detailed letter of interest and curriculum vitae to hr@atpsnet.org, no later than 15 December 2010.

The Executive Director
African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
3rd Floor, The Chancery Building, Valley Road
P.O. Box 10081 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya

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