World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Data Systems Specialist Job Vacancy in Kenya

November 18, 2010

The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or 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 23 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.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

About the position

The position of Data Systems Specialist will be based at our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and will report directly to the Co-Leader, Research Methods Group.

The incumbent will lead the research data management component of the RMG, which includes designing and maintaining systems for managing and archiving research data, ensuring they are well documented and accessible to both internal and external users, depending on data ownership & sharing agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities will include

* Designing flexible and integrated data management systems for multi-disciplinary projects.
* Supporting ICRAF projects to implement the research data management (RDM) policy, ensuring adequate meta-data provision. ‘Data’ includes both field data and associated documents (e.g. project proposals & reports, statistical analyses etc.).
* Providing guidance and mentoring to ICRAF researchers on the design and implementation of research database and sharing systems, including quality assurance elements.
* Keeping up-to-date with the latest tools and resources, including open-source software, for the management, storage and sharing of research data.
* Regular audit of selected ICRAF projects to ensure research data management standards of preservation (archiving), exposure (sharing) and understandability (meta-data).
* Liaising with ILRI-ICRAF ICT group to ensure suitable and sufficient server storage, associated software provision for research data and accessibility to both internal and external users.
* Working closely with other data management staff within RMG to ensure alignment of the group’s activity between ILRI and ICRAF

Requirements

* BA/BSc degree with 5 years experience, or MSc with 2 years experience, in Information Systems, Database Management, Computer Science or related discipline.
* Professional qualifications in programming languages for the development of data-driven applications necessary and ability to programme in one or more of: PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, C++ and .NET Framework is an advantage.
* Extensive experience in the design, development and administration of relational databases (e.g. MySQL, MS SQL Server or Oracle).
* In-depth knowledge and experience of using SQL language for data extraction and management of databases from a GUI interface (e.g. phpMyAdmin) and/or from the command line.
* Knowledge of metadata standards and ontologies necessary
* Experience in the design and development of applications for mobile devices (e.g. PDAs, netbook) is desirable
* Previous experience in data analysis and report writing preferred
* Understanding and experience of applied agricultural research is a plus
* Excellent interpersonal communication and good personal organisation skills required, including skills in mentoring and capacity building and willingness to take initiative when appropriate.
* Demonstrated experience in the preparation of technical documentation for non-technical audiences
* Fluency in English, spoken and written.

Terms of offer

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.

We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women.

This position is on local terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to six (6) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

* A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
* A detailed curriculum vitae
* The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org and should indicate “Application for Data Systems Specialist” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until 03 December 2010: Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.