Overall Purpose of the Job

This position will support research for development (R4D) activities in the Building Equitable ClimateResilient African Bean & INsect Sectors (BRAINS) project. The BRAINS project aims to use novel evidence-based ideas originating from bean, fruit tree crops and beneficial insect products to innovate through R4D, co-create and take proven technologies to scale through connection of knowledge to industry actors and national partners with policy support from government in 15 sub-Saharan countries.

The broad roles and responsibilities of the position holder in the BRAINS project will be to implement innovative R4D technologies for pest (e.g., fruit flies, false codling moth) management in associated fruit tree crops (e.g., mango and avocado) and beneficial insects farming enterprises (bees and pollination; insects for food, feed and frass fertilizers) developed by icipe in bean corridors developed by PABRA and the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT to provide sustainable and comprehensive solutions for holistic strengthening and resilience of the food systems, enhance gender equity, job creation and the sustainability of small-scale agriculture. It is expected that such an integrated approach will facilitate carbon farming to mitigate climate change and ensure prosperous livelihood especially for women and youth

Specific Duties

Support the scaling of integrated pest management (IPM) technologies (such as biopesticides, proteins baits, mass trapping, male annihilation technique, repellents, field sanitation/use of augmentorium, releases of parasitoids) and beneficial insects farming enterprises (bees and pollination; insects for food, feed and frass fertilizers) in fruit trees (mango and avocado) and bean corridors in the project target countries.

Pro-actively contribute to the promotion and upscaling of agrisilviculture in bean and fruit tree cropping systems to enhance carbon sequestration and to conserve biodiversity.

Contribute to the timely preparation of project implementation plans, budgets, and scientific and technical reports to the donors.

Undertake research activities to develop nature-based management tools for Bean Stem Maggot flies Ophiomyia species.

Co-supervise students to develop critical skills including science writing, reporting, and peer review.

Contribute to resource mobilization to further develop, grow, and expand the impact of the newly developed tools and technology bundles.

Closely collaborate with local, national, regional and international institutions as well as private sector partners in implementing activities in the participating countries.

Provide assistance to lead researchers in the project.

Carry out any other duties commensurate with experience which may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements/Qualifications

PhD in Entomology or a related field from a reputable university.

At least 1 year of experience gained at either a research organization or a university.

Experience in technology transfer and dissemination to end-users.

Experience in the design, development, and testing of innovative strategies for mass rearing and harvesting of edible insects.

Experience in pest ecology and management within a plant or environmental health setting (with proven laboratory and field-based experience).

Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of M.Sc. students, research assistants, technicians, and interns.

Good publication track record with at least 7 published peer-reviewed papers.

Track record in entomology and interdisciplinary research in tropical insect science.

Core Competencies

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Strong organizational and leadership skills.

Willingness to engage in travel and field work.

Fluency in the English language