About the Position 

• This post holder will be based in Mombasa, Kenya and focuses primarily on WorkPackage 3 (WP3) of the AABS project. WP3 centres on identifying, piloting, and scaling climate-smart solutions such as drying and cooling systems to reduce aquatic food FLW. While the main activities will be in Kenya, the Fellow will also support collaborative efforts in Tanzania and Mozambique as needed.

The successful candidate will: 

• Analysis and Research: Conduct research on the extent, causes, and impacts of aquatic FLW in Kenya and other target countries.
• Participatory Pilot Projects: Co-design, manage, and evaluate pilot projects to test the effectiveness and scalability of climate-smart drying and cooling technologies in aquatic food value chains.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector entities, and community groups, to foster partnerships and co-develop solutions.
• Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate cross-cultural communication among stakeholders, aligning activities with global best practices and project goals.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Track project progress and provide regular updates, ensuring alignment with project objectives and outcomes.

Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant field, such as Postharvest Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Fisheries Science, Aquaculture/Fisheries Value Chains, Agribusiness, or Food Systems Sustainability. A strong foundation in postharvest technologies, climate-smart practices, and value chain improvements for aquatic foods is essential.

Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in:

• Food preservation methods, with a focus on aquatic food products.
• Climate-smart technologies (e.g., drying, cooling, and energy-efficient systems) tailored to minimize postharvest losses.
• Integration of environmentally sustainable practices within value chains.
• Expertise in Climate-Smart Technologies: Understanding of drying and cooling climate-smart technologies and practices, mainly applied to aquatic food systems.
• Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management: Ability to engage with diverse stakeholder groups, including local communities, and mobilize them towards common goals.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Skills in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and effective reporting for project monitoring, evaluation, and learning
• Strong research skills and experience: The candidate should have a proven track record of conducting high-quality research, as demonstrated by publications in reputable journals, conference presentations, and other achievements.
• Excellent Communication Skills: The candidate should possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English. This includes the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner, tailor messages to different audiences, and effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Local and Regional Experience: Prior experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a nuanced understanding of developing regions' socioeconomic and cultural landscape.
• Language Proficiency and Communication: Fluency in a second language, particularly Swahili coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills is added advantage. Experience in public speaking, report writing, and creating impactful presentations would be advantageous.
• Strong motivation and work ethic: The candidate should be highly motivated to conduct research and willing to put in the necessary time and effort to succeed. A strong passion for development-based research and making a real-world impact is essential.