Vacancy Announcements

1. Director, Capacity Strengthening Networking (NSF 4) 

2.Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation Director

Director, Capacity Strengthening Networking (NSF 4)

FARA is the apex organization for agricultural research for development in Africa. Its primary functions are advocacy and constituency building, advancing information and knowledge sharing and promoting partnerships for African agricultural research for development. FARA’s major stakeholders are the Sub-Regional Organizations (SROs), the national agricultural research systems, the international agricultural research centres, non-African advanced research institutes, investors and policy makers. The FARA Secretariat is the Lead Institution for Pillar IV of NEPAD’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) which encompasses agricultural research and technology dissemination and adoption.
FARA’s regionwide projects include Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Programme (SSA CP), Strengthening Capacity for Agricultural Research and Development in Africa (SCARDA) and the Regional Agricultural Information and Learning System (RAILS), among others.

DIRECTOR, CAPACITY STRENGTHENING NETWORKING (NSF 4)

FARA is seeking to employ a Director for its Capacity Strengthening Networking Support Function 4. The Director will be responsible to the Deputy Executive Director and perform, among others, the following duties;

• Develop and implement the NSF4 Strategy to effectively achieve its objectives
• Work closely with other NSFs and projects to ensure that each programme strategy has a practical and appropriate evaluation plan that will assist the Deputy Executive Director, the Executive Director and project leaders to track progress using measures of effectiveness and impact, learned from on-going operations and adjust strategies and field activities for greater impact
• Work with the Deputy Executive Director to facilitate evidence-based discussions about progress being made against strategic milestones and derive lessons aimed at improving strategies and field implementation
• Select, contract, monitor, guide and assess externally contracted evaluators
• Identify relevant organizations, institutions, partners and agencies for the collaboration of capacity development, strengthening and implementation
• Assist FARA management in developing and negotiating terms and conditions and Memoranda of Understanding for collaboration with collaborating partners
• In collaboration with the SROs, encourage mainstreaming the institutionalization of capacity strengthening in agricultural research and extension within the agricultural development programmes of African NARS;
• Develop investment proposals for the development of African Agricultural Research Capacity
• Coordinate the development of progress reports of NSF4
• Provide leadership vision of the programme and facilitate access to programme support
• Coordinate activities of the programme with the SROs and the participants
• Provide FARA, the SROs and the NARS with information and support necessary for the effective implementation of capacity development programmes and achievement of their programme objectives
• Assure the appropriate use of data and other forms of evidence that can inform strategy and ongoing decision-making
• Work with programme staff, grantees and other external partners to facilitate the flow of information, evaluation and learning for maximum impact
• Any other duties assigned by FARA management.

Required

PhD or a Masters degree in agriculture, agricultural extension, agricultural education or a related field. Preferable training and experience in a mix of evaluation, economics and agriculture. Must demonstrate deep knowledge of agricultural development in Africa.

Over 10 years working experience in building research and/or evaluation capacity in complex organizations. Experience conducting or managing multi-method programme and strategy evaluations; demonstrative quantitative analytic skills; experience setting strategic priorities for complex research and development organizations in dynamic environment.

Compensation

This is an international position and FARA offers competitive international terms of employment.

Applications

Please send (preferably via e-mail) comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone and fax numbers of three referees to:

Dr. Monty P. Jones,
Executive Director, FARA
PMB CT 173, Cantonment, Accra, Ghana
Fax: +233 21 773676
Email: ed@fara-africa.org
Applications will be accepted until 13th February 2009. More details are available at www.fara-africa.org.

FARA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women

 

ADVOCACY AND RESOURCE MOBILISATION DIRECTOR - Ref: FARA/adv/ARMD/09

FARA is seeking to employ a Director for its Advocacy & Resource Mobilisation Networking Support Function 1. The Director will be responsible to the Deputy Executive Director and perform, among others, the following duties;
• Develop and implement a strategy for advocacy and resource mobilization for FARA and its Secretariat.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the most recent trends and emerging advocacy and institutional issues that affect African agriculture in general, and the poor and vulnerable food producers and consumers in particular;
• Work closely with FARA’s Networking Support Functions (NSF) directors to understand and incorporate appropriate advocacy components in their initiatives and projects;
• Work closely with the Deputy Executive Director, the Executive Director and other professional colleagues to track progress in the adoption and implementation of the Framework for African Agricultural Productivity principles across the African region;
• Collaborate with the SROs, IARCs, CG Centres and NARS, to encourage sharing of information on advocacy and resource mobilization instruments and learning to assist with improved agricultural productivity;
• Develop proposals for harmonized investments in African Agricultural research;
• Coordinate the development of NSF 1 progress reports
• Convene analysts and decision makers to examine the policy and institutional factors that constrain the emergence of a dynamic, sustainable and equitable agricultural sector in Africa, design strategies for reform, and facilitate the formation of partnerships and collaborative action;
• Supervise the Advocacy and Resource Mobilization staff;
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by management.

Required
PhD or MSc in Agricultural Economics, Natural Resources Management, agricultural education and extension or a related field; Preferable, training and experience in a mix of evaluation, economics and agriculture. Must demonstrate deep knowledge of agricultural development in Africa; Over 10 years working experience in information technology research and/or evaluating information and communication capacity in complex organizations; Experience in conducting or managing multi-method programme and strategy evaluations; demonstrative quantitative analytic skills; experience setting strategic priorities for complex research and development organizations in dynamic environments. Excellent interpersonal, management and proactive leadership skills and ability to function in multi-cultural environment. A good network of contacts with key players in the African agricultural policy domain, including important personalities in the African Union, NEPAD, FARA, sub-regional organizations and national governments.

Compensation
This is an international position and FARA offers competitive international terms of employment.

Applications
Please send (preferably via e-mail) comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone and fax numbers of three referees to:

Dr. Monty P. Jones,
Executive Director, FARA
PMB CT 173, Cantonment, Accra, Ghana
Fax: +233 21 773676
Email: ed@fara-africa.org
Applications will be accepted until 28th February 2009.

FARA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.

 

Knowledge Sharing Officer  Ref: FARA/adv/KSO/08

FARA is the apex organization for agricultural research for development in Africa. FARA is the lead institution for pillar IV for AU- NEPAD’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) which encompasses agricultural research and technology dissemination and adoption. FARA works closely with the sub-regional organisations (SROs) and the national agricultural research and extension systems to ensure effective implementation of CAADP activities.  FARA’s mission is to create broad-based improvements in agricultural productivity, competitiveness and markets by supporting Africa’s sub-regional organisations in strengthening capacity for agricultural innovation.

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa in partnership with Environment and Development Action in the Third World (ENDA-TM) based in Senegal, IGAD Climate Predictions and Applications Centre (ICPAC) based in Kenya and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) based in the United Kingdom is seeking to recruit a Knowledge sharing Officer to lead the Climate Change Adaptation in Africa project or the AfricaAdapt project

The AfricaAdapt project is a three-year project funded by IDRC and DFID. The overall aim of the project is to ‘improve the livelihoods of vulnerable people in Africa through increasing access to and use of knowledge assets by all stakeholders on climate change adaptation’. By linking with a variety of stakeholders, particularly those already engaged in climate adaptation research, the project intends to create a knowledge-sharing network of climate change adaptation actors across Africa.

The Knowledge Sharing Officer will be based at the FARA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana and will be responsible to the Director for Access to Knowledge and Technologies Networking Support Function two (NSF2). The officer will perform the following duties;
> Network management
• Strengthen communication between users of climate change model output (e.g. decision makers, practitioners and researchers) and producers of data (climate scientists);
• Facilitate the network’s knowledge sharing component (seeking information, persuading people to share, building trust);
• Develop alliances and partnerships with knowledge generating, information intermediary and representative organisations and partners in Africa to collaborate, build on existing resources and deepen sharing;
• Develop partnerships with AfricaAdapt Adaptive Stories and Participatory Action Research programmes to understand demand from, incentives and opportunities for collaboration with vulnerable people and other groups to share indigenous knowledge and innovations on climate adaptation;
• Develop and manage a membership network with the other three KSOs in the partner institutions;
• Matchmaking relationships within the network, sending questions, promoting answers, moderating online discussions and building trust;
• Facilitate governance of the network by its members.
> Research management
• Synthesize research, practice lessons, indigenous knowledge and other information sources to produce summaries, blogs, pod casts, SMS alerts, print and other communication products in ways that are tailored to different audiences and objectives;
• Online publishing;
• Explore and co-ordinate application of innovative and participatory approaches to knowledge sharing;
• Quality assurance of content;
• Build the capacity of users to appropriately interpret and apply climate change projections while ensuring that the possibilities and limitations are well understood;
• Improve climate scientists’ understanding of the information needs of different user groups, enabling them to more effectively target output;
• Support ‘translators’: individuals and organizations who understand the challenges to both users and producers, and who can act as information conduits between the two groups.
• Link with other organisations and partners

> Website management
• Elaborate a platform for collaborative action and information sharing: thru a website to be developed in consultation with IDRC, DFID and other key partners.
• Offer a space for scientists, researchers, decision makers and practitioners to share knowledge and experience of climate change adaptation;
• Be a repository for local climate, weather and climate change information; and
• Store information on tools and methods to assess the impacts of climate change and contribute to the development of adaptation strategies.

> Outreach activities
• Take opportunities provided by major external meetings to advertise and promote the Network.;
• Facilitate workshops and conferences and other dialogue spaces;
• Market the network and the value of a culture of knowledge sharing; seek and act on user feedback.
• Support progress towards the project’s overall project vision and objectives.
• Participate in training, personal development, sharing and skills transfer with other KSOs.
• support progress of the AfricaAdapt knowledge sharing program towards its overall vision and objectives
• Monitor ICT tools (internet, mobile, etc) and liaise with technical partners to develop and sustain services
• Monitor print and physical distribution services and liaise with suppliers to develop and sustain services

> FARA-RAILS activities
• Participate in the Regional Agricultural Information and Learning System (RAILS) programme up to 20 % (complementary to climate adaptation activities) of your work time
• Conduct baseline studies on what is available in terms of information sharing on climate adaptation within the NARS and SROs (initially in one or two sub-regions in sub-Saharan Africa);
• Analyze data obtained from the baseline studies
• Write detailed reports on how NARS and SROs capture climate information for the benefit of climate education
• Contribute to the RAILS D-group on climate adaptation discussions
• Advise the RAILS coordinator on programmes/projects to undertake in the sub-regions mentioned above
• Monitor and evaluate progress in the climate adaptation research programme/projects to undertake in the sub-regions
• Perform any other duties as required.

Required
An MSc in Social Sciences with aspects of international development and over 5 years of experience delivering knowledge sharing services, project management and working on developmental issues.  Ability to multi-task, and demonstrate an understanding of climate change adaptation and information issues and a high knowledge in ICT. Fluency in English and French and ability to write high standard French narratives.  Applicant should be willing to travel extensively mainly in Africa.

Compensation
This is a Senior General Service position and FARA offers competitive terms of employment. FARA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.

Applications
Please send (preferably via e-mail) comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers of three referees to:

The Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Fax: +233 21 773676, Email: ed@fara-africa.org ; Deadline for receipt of applications is 1st October 2008

 

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INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK RESEARCH 

   POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGIST (2)

General. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries, working in partnership with organisations in these countries. ILRI’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  We employ more than 700 staff from about 40 countries, who work in partnerships and alliances with hundreds of organizations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest universities and research institutions in the world.  Over the next year, ILRI will be completing the refurbishment and re-equipping of its bioscience laboratories at its Nairobi campus. This facility includes capacity in immunology, molecular biology, genomics and functional genomics, with small and large animal facilities and a level-3 pathogen containment laboratory.

ILRI seeks to appoint two immunologists to its program in vaccines and diagnostics research on pathogens affecting livestock of the poor in developing countries.. The successful candidates will strengthen the program’s intellectual capacity in the immunology of livestock species and in infection biology.
 
This is a senior scientist position within the ECF research program.  The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the following activities:

1.  To develop a research program in cellular immunology directed towards a better understanding of the immune response to Theileria parva, the causative agent of ECF.  Specific areas of research will initially be aimed at:
•    an improved understanding of the inductive requirements for cytotoxic T cells, ultimately leading to the development of vaccine formulations and delivery systems to elicit cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses to antigens of T. parva.
•    an improved understanding of the bovine immune response to the Infection and Treatment Method (ITM) of vaccination against ECF using live sporozoites.

2.  To supervise and lead a research team including graduate students, technicians and visiting scientists.

3.  To develop collaborative research projects with Advanced Research Institutes and National Research Institutes in the developing and developed world.

4.  To help to develop a resource mobilization program to support cellular immunology research using traditional and novel funding agencies

 Suitable candidates will have:
•    A PhD in a relevant discipline, such as immunology or infectious disease biology
•    At least five years’ post-PhD experience predominantly in cellular immunology, ideally in cytotoxic T lymphocyte biology, in the public or private sector. 
•    A tangible record of research success, such as intellectual property and/or publications in international journals
•    A demonstrated ability to secure funding for research projects


This is a scientist-level position participating in vaccine development and diagnostics research for CBPP.  The CBPP team’s ultimate objective is to obtain the necessary tools to control or eradicate CBPP in sub-Saharan Africa. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the following activities:

1. To identify protective and immunopathological responses to Mycoplasma m. mycoides SC, the pathogen responsible for CBPP. The candidate will be expected to integrate with the current research team and develop a research program to improve our understanding of the immunology and pathogenesis of CBPP.

2. To help the team in designing an improved diagnostic test for CBPP

3. To contribute to resource mobilization to carry out the above activities and to the establishment of the necessary collaborations with other research teams to obtain the stated goals.

Suitable candidates will have:
•    A PhD in immunology and/or biology of infections
•    At least two years’ post-doctoral research experience in immunology, preferably with skills in molecular biology.  Experience in veterinary immunology not essential, but will be an advantage
•    A tangible record of research success, such as publications in international journals
•    Familiarity with proposal writing and rated ability to secure funding for research projects

Both positions will be located at the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya.

Terms of appointment.  The initial appointments will be for three years with the possibility of renewal. ILRI provides an international salary payable in US Dollars with employer-paid medical, life and disability insurances, and retirement benefits.  Generous allowances toward relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependents’ education, and annual leave are also provided.
 
Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest, detailed CV, names and contact details (Telephone, E-mail) of three professional referees to the Human Resources Office, e-mail: recruit-ilri@cgiar.org by 30th September 2008. The title and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the application.

To find more about ILRI and details about the positions, visit our Website at http://www.ilri.org
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.
Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

 

IFPRI VACANCY

Job Summary

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a Postdoctoral/Research Fellow for a two year, fixed-term, renewable appointment for the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) Division. The ISNAR division conducts research, capacity strengthening and communications activities to advance organizational, institutional and technological knowledge and innovation as a contribution to IFPRI’s mission of providing sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. The successful candidate will provide innovative approaches, methods and tools for strengthening agricultural research for development (AR4D) systems in order to bring science to the service of the poor in developing countries. This position is based at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Grade level will be determined by demonstrated expertise and experience.

Essential Duties:

Specific tasks include but are not limited to:
• Undertaking scholarly research, capacity strengthening and fund raising;
• Contributing to the global search for best practices in the organization and management of AR4D systems and documenting and disseminating best practices;
• Participating in project design and implementation of research and capacity strengthening activities in the field of organization and management in selected countries and regions;
• Identify service providers in the organization and management of AR4D systems and facilitate partnerships between service providers and specific agricultural research organizations to support capacity strengthening; and
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation process of research based services to the AR4D systems and conduct impact assessments and documentation of lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree, in one of the following areas: Public Administration; Development Studies; Economics; Agricultural Economics; Agricultural Sciences; Social Science or related fields;
• Experience in research and capacity strengthening in agricultural knowledge and innovation systems;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and statistical software such as STATA, SPSS and others for various types of analysis;
• Proficiency in oral and written English language;
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work well in a multicultural environment and with individuals and organizations from the public, private, and civil society sectors and
• Ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of oral and written French;  
• Knowledge of regional and national research organizations


IFPRI is one of the international agricultural research institutes organized under the umbrella of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).  The mandate of IFPRI is to identify and analyze alternative national and international strategies and policies for meeting world food needs in ways that conserve the natural resource base, with emphasis on low income and on the poorer groups in the countries.

IFPRI offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salaries and excellent benefits.  IFPRI is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence. We encourage women and developing country professionals to apply.

TO APPLY:
Go to www.ifpri.org .  Click on “Careers” and “Research” to link you to Position # 07-166 –Postdoctoral /Research Fellow, ISNAR.  Please complete on-line application, including a complete curriculum vitae and a detailed letter of interest.  Also complete section providing 3 references.

For more information on IFPRI, please visit www.ifpri.org.

Job Summary

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a Postdoctoral/Research Fellow for a two year, fixed-term, renewable appointment for its International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) division. The ISNAR division conducts research, capacity strengthening and communications activities to advance organizational, institutional and technological knowledge and innovation as a contribution to IFPRI’s mission of providing sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. The successful candidate will work with other senior researchers to meet the division’s research, capacity strengthening and communications objectives, and will engage in activities related to changing the ways institutions (including linkages, networks, and partnerships) support the innovation process. This position is based at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Grade level will be determined by demonstrated expertise and experience.

Essential Duties:

Specific tasks include but are not limited to:
• Participating in research and outreach activities related to:
(a) analyzing institutional constraints to innovation systems along the food and agricultural value chain;
(b) improving the ways institutions support the innovation process among smallholders through research, capacity strengthening and advocacy;
(c) developing tools of analysis and communication strategies to strengthen organizations involved in agricultural innovation;
 (d)producing a high level of research output for publication both within IFPRI and within the wider scientific community in the area of institutional change in agricultural innovation systems;
(e) creating linkages and collaborations with partners and interest groups in support of the ISNAR division’s agenda. and conduct impact assessments and documentation of lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree in of the following areas: Agricultural Economics, Economics, Social Science or related fields;
• Excellent analytical skills for qualitative and quantitative research;
• Good knowledge of institutional analysis;
• Proficiency in statistical and network analysis software such as STATA, SPSS, LIMDEP, UCINET, and others for various types of analysis;
• Excellence in oral and written English language;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and team spirit;
• Ability to work well in a multicultural environment and with individuals and organizations from the public, private, and civil society sectors;
• Ability to travel extensively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of oral and written French; 


IFPRI is one of the international agricultural research institutes organized under the umbrella of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).  The mandate of IFPRI is to identify and analyze alternative national and international strategies and policies for meeting world food needs in ways that conserve the natural resource base, with emphasis on low income and on the poorer groups in the countries.

IFPRI offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salaries and excellent benefits.  IFPRI is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence. We encourage women and developing country professionals to apply.


TO APPLY:
Click on “Careers” and “Research” to link you to Position # 07-167 –Postdoctoral /Research Fellow, ISNAR.  Please complete on-line application, including a complete curriculum vitae and a detailed letter of interest.  Also complete section providing 3 references.
 
For more information on IFPRI, please visit www.ifpri.org.

 

Job Summary

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks Research Fellow(RF)/Sr. Research Fellow (SRF) for a two year, fixed-term, renewable appointment for its International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) division. The ISNAR division conducts research, capacity strengthening and communications activities to advance organizational, institutional and technological knowledge and innovation as a contribution to IFPRI’s mission of providing sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. The successful candidate will work with other senior researchers to meet the division’s research, capacity strengthening and communications objectives, and will engage in activities related to changing the ways institutions (including linkages, networks, and partnerships) support the innovation process. This position is based at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Grade level will be determined by demonstrated expertise and experience.


Essential Duties:

Specific tasks include but are not limited to:
• Providing overall leadership to the Institutional Change for Innovation Systems Program, including fundraising, team management, scholarly research, and capacity strengthening.
• Participating in research and outreach activities related to:
(a) analyzing institutional constraints to innovation systems along the food and agricultural value chain;
(b) improving the ways institutions support the innovation process among smallholders through research, capacity strengthening and advocacy;
(c) developing tools of analysis and communication strategies to strengthen organizations involved in agricultural innovation;
 (d)producing a high level of research output for publication both within IFPRI and within the wider scientific community in the area of institutional change in agricultural innovation systems;
(e) creating linkages and collaborations with partners and interest groups in support of the ISNAR division’s agenda. and conduct impact assessments and documentation of lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree in of the following areas: Agricultural Economics, Economics, Social Science or related fields;
• Demonstrated experience in research management;
• Experience in research, capacity strengthening and advocacy on innovation systems;
• Excellent analytical skills for qualitative and quantitative research;
• Good knowledge of institutional analysis;
• Proficiency in statistical and network analysis software such as STATA, SPSS, LIMDEP, UCINET, and others for various types of analysis;
• Excellence in oral and written English language;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and team spirit;
• Ability to work well in a multicultural environment and with individuals and organizations from the public, private, and civil society sectors;
• Ability to travel extensively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of oral and written French; 


IFPRI is one of the international agricultural research institutes organized under the umbrella of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).  The mandate of IFPRI is to identify and analyze alternative national and international strategies and policies for meeting world food needs in ways that conserve the natural resource base, with emphasis on low income and on the poorer groups in the countries.

IFPRI offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salaries and excellent benefits.  IFPRI is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence. We encourage women and developing country professionals to apply.

TO APPLY:
Go to www.ifpri.org .  Click on “Careers” and “Research” to link you to Position # 08-108 – RESEARCH FELLOW/SR. RESEARCH FELLOW – ISNAR.  Please complete on-line application, including a complete curriculum vitae and a detailed letter of interest.  Also complete section providing 3 references.

For more information on IFPRI, please visit www.ifpri.org.

NEPAD VACANCY

Fellowship Position Announcement: African Biosafety Network of Expertise
Terms of Reference for Legal/Policy Fellow Long-Term Trainee

Background:
In building capacity, experience and effective networking among the available expertise and
institutions on the continent on biotechnology and biosafety, NEPAD OST has established an
African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) under the African Biosciences Initiative. The network is tailored to local and regional needs in order to optimize use of available expertise and infrastructural resources at national, regional and continental levels and where need be develop additional capacity that may be required.
The objective of ABNE is to provide a platform for members of National Biosafety Committees,
Institutional Biosafety Committees and staff of the plant quarantine to network through building and strengthening capacities for evidence-based regulatory decision making towards implementing biosafety frameworks.

Fellowship Position: As part of kick-off activities for this network, ABNE would like to
support the development of professional career in the areas of biosafety by awarding a
fellowship position of up to one year duration in the legal/policy area of biosafety.

Qualifications:
•    A University degree in law will be required.
•    A minimum of three years work experience in a public, and/or regulatory
environment will be an advantage.
•    Excellent communication and language skills in English or French, proficiency in
both languages is highly desirable.
•    Willingness to travel internationally.
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
•    Experience in working with an international organization is desirable.
•    Female candidates are encouraged to apply

Contact Details: Interested candidates should send a statement of interest (1-2 pages),
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and contact details of three referees, preferably via e-mail to: job@nepadbiosafety.net
For any enquiry please call: +221 33 859 05 25

Closing date for submission of applications: 30th January 2009.

Positions at CARD

 

CONDITIONS

Entry of Duty: 30 January 2009 (expected)
Duration: 8 Days (31st January to 7th  February inclusive of travel)
Location: Cotonou, Benin
Payment: Consultant fee and travel cost (economy air ticket, per diem and accommodation)

COALITION OF AFRICAN RICE DEVELOPMENT (CARD)

CARD is a multi-stakeholder initiative launched at the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) in May 2008. The Coalition aims to double rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa within ten years through increased and better-coordinated investment and assistance in the rice sector. Major bilateral and multilateral donors, African and international institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations which attended TICAD IV formed a consensus on the goals and objectives of CARD and showed a deep commitment to working together to respond to the needs of the African rice-producing countries that will be identified and prioritized in their National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS). (For detailed information on the CARD initiative, please refer the web site: http: //www.jica.go.jp/ english/resources/field/2008/ may30_01. html)

NATIONAL RICE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES (NRDS)

Currently twelve Sub-Saharan African countries, namely; Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, have set up NRDS Task Forces with designated focal persons.  Each Task Force is engaged in collecting the information and statistics required and is expected to start writing the NRDS by the end of January 2009.  These NRDS will be reviewed and refined at the NRDS Support Workshop that will be held in Cotonou, Benin, 2 – 5 February 2009 with technical support provided by CARD.  The Task Forces will have time after the workshop to complete the first draft NRDS 28 February 2009. 

CARD is seeking the services of an experienced consultant to facilitate the workshop in Cotonou.

DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Coordinator, CARD Secretariat, and in collaboration with the Organizer of the NRDS Support Workshop (African Rice Center: WARDA), the consultant will:

    *  Arrive in Cotonou on 31st January to participate in a briefing session with the organisers on 1st February

    *  Facilitate the Workshop to ensure that the participants will be fully aware of what is required of them and that they are able to work effectively as teams and in plenary to gain the maximum benefit from the workshop for improving their NRDS.

    *  Ensure that a record is taken of the workshop proceedings and prepare a report that will serve as a record of the participants, events and the main decisions and outcomes of the workshop.

    *  Undertake other duties relevant to NRDS formulation as necessary as requested.


QUALIFICATIONS

    * A successful record of facilitating workshop with participants from diverse backgrounds.

    * General knowledge of agriculture development.

    * Excellent skills in reporting.

    * Fluency in English or French and a working-level command of the other language would be an advantage.
    * Highly focused and results-oriented in supporting complex, deadline-driven tasks and able to identify goals and priorities and resolve issues in initial stages.

    * Good health and fit to travel.


APPLICATIONS
Applications accompanied by the applicant’s curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three confidential referees should be submitted, by Friday 9 January 2009,  to:

Dr. Hiroshi HIRAOKA CARD Secretariat, c/o AGRA Eden Square, Block 1, 2nd Floor PO Box 66773, Westlands, 00800 Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone (operator): +254-(0)20-3750-627 or 3675-000 Telephone (direct): +254-(0)20-3675-225 Facsimile: +254-(0)20-3750-653 or 3675-269 E-mail: hhiraoka@agra-alliance.org

 

COALITION FOR AFRICAN RICE DEVELOPMENT (CARD)
VACANCY FOR AN SHORT-TERM CONSULTANCY:

CONDITIONS

Entry of Duty: 30 January 2009 (expected)
Duration: 40 Days (until 10 March), which includes 8 days in Benin.  There are possibilities of travelling to Anglophone NRDS countries during the term.
Payment: Consultant fee and travel cost (air tickets and per diem)

COALITION OF AFRICAN RICE DEVELOPMENT (CARD)

CARD is a multi-stakeholder initiative launched at the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) in May 2008. The Coalition aims to double rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa within ten years through increased and better-coordinated investment and assistance in the rice sector. Major bilateral and multilateral donors, African and international institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations which attended TICAD IV formed a consensus on the goals and objectives of CARD and showed a deep commitment to working together to respond to the needs of the African rice-producing countries that will be identified and prioritized in their National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS). (For detailed information on the CARD initiative, please refer the web site: http: //www.jica.go.jp/ english/resources/field/2008/ may30_01. html)

NATIONAL RICE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES (NRDS)

Currently twelve Sub-Saharan African countries, namely; Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, have set up NRDS Task Forces with designated focal persons.  Each Task Force is engaged in collecting the information and statistics required and is expected to start writing the NRDS by the end of January 2009.  These NRDS will be reviewed and refined at the NRDS Support Workshop that will be held in Cotonou, Benin, 2 – 5 February 2009 with technical support provided by CARD.  The Task Forces will have time after the workshop to complete the first draft NRDS 28 February 2009. 

CARD is seeking the services of an experienced consultant to provide technical support to the Anglophone Task Forces at the workshop but mostly during the post-workshop period.

DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Coordinator, CARD Secretariat, and in collaboration with the CARD Steering Committee and resource persons, the consultant will:

    * Participate in the NRDS Support Workshop which will be held at WARDA in Cotonou, Benin, 2 – 5 February 2009.

    * After the above-mentioned workshop, communicate with the focal points of the NRDS Task Forces at a regular basis, with assistance of designated in-country organizations in case of difficulty in direct communication.

    * Provide advice and guidance to the NRDS Task Forces as appropriate.

    * Report progress, problems and other relevant issues concerning NRDS formulation to the CARD Secretariat.

    * Upon request from the Secretariat, travel to meet with some NRDS Task Forces to provide them with assistance in finalising their NRDS.

    * Ensure the timely submission of the NRDS to the Secretariat.

    * Submit the Consultancy Report to the Secretariat upon completion of the duties.

    * Undertake other duties relevant to NRDS formulation as requested by the CARD Coordinator.


QUALIFICATIONS

    * Thorough knowledge of African rice sector

    * Experience in writing agriculture sector strategy documents. 

    * Inter-personal skills in training and motivating e the NRDS Task Force staff.

    * Excellent skills in reporting, information management and controlling expenditures.

    * Proficiency in Microsoft Word.  Competence in Excel and web browser software would be valuable additional assets

    * Highly focused and results-oriented in supporting complex, deadline-driven tasks; able to identify goals and priorities and resolve issues in initial stages.

    * Good health and fit for extensive travelling.


APPLICATIONS
Applications accompanied by the applicant’s curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three confidential referees should be submitted, by Friday 9 January 2009, to:

Dr. Hiroshi HIRAOKA CARD Secretariat, c/o AGRA Eden Square, Block 1, 2nd Floor PO Box 66773, Westlands, 00800 Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone (operator): +254-(0)20-3750-627 or 3675-000 Telephone (direct): +254-(0)20-3675-225 Facsimile: +254-(0)20-3750-653 or 3675-269 E-mail: hhiraoka@agra-alliance.org

 

 

CONDITIONS

Entry of Duty: 30 January 2009 (expected)
Duration: 40 Days (until 10 March), which includes 8 days in Benin. There are possibilities of travelling to Francophone NRDS countries during the term.
Payment: Consultant fee and travel cost (air tickets and per diem)

COALITION OF AFRICAN RICE DEVELOPMENT (CARD)

CARD is a multi-stakeholder initiative launched at the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) in May 2008. The Coalition aims to double rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa within ten years through increased and better-coordinated investment and assistance in the rice sector. Major bilateral and multilateral donors, African and international institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations which attended TICAD IV formed a consensus on the goals and objectives of CARD and showed a deep commitment to working together to respond to the needs of the African rice-producing countries that will be identified and prioritized in their National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS). (For detailed information on the CARD initiative, please refer the web site: http: //www.jica.go.jp/ english/resources/field/2008/ may30_01. html)

NATIONAL RICE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES (NRDS)

Currently twelve Sub-Saharan African countries, namely; Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, have set up NRDS Task Forces with designated focal persons.  Each Task Force is engaged in collecting the information and statistics required and is expected to start writing the NRDS by the end of January 2009.  These NRDS will be reviewed and refined at the NRDS Support Workshop that will be held in Cotonou, Benin, 2 – 5 February 2009 with technical support provided by CARD.  The Task Forces will have time after the workshop to complete the first draft NRDS 28 February 2009.

CARD is seeking the services of an experienced consultant to provide technical support to the Anglophone Task Forces at the workshop but mostly during the post-workshop period.

DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Coordinator, CARD Secretariat, and in collaboration with the CARD Steering Committee and resource persons, the consultant will:

    *  Participate in the NRDS Support Workshop which will be held at WARDA in Cotonou, Benin, 2 – 5 February 2009.

    *  After the above-mentioned workshop, communicate with the focal points of the NRDS Task Forces at a regular basis, with assistance of designated in-country organizations in case of difficulty in direct communication.

    *  Provide advice and guidance to the NRDS Task Forces as appropriate.

    *  Report progress, problems and other relevant issues concerning NRDS formulation to the CARD Secretariat.

    *  Upon request from the Secretariat, travel to meet with some NRDS Task Forces to provide them with assistance in finalising their NRDS.

    *  Ensure the timely submission of the NRDS to the Secretariat.

    *  Submit the Consultancy Report to the Secretariat upon completion of the duties.

    *  Undertake other duties relevant to NRDS formulation as requested by the CARD Coordinator.


QUALIFICATIONS

    *  Thorough knowledge of African rice sector

    *  Experience in writing agriculture sector strategy documents.

    *  Inter-personal skills in training and motivating e the NRDS Task Force staff.

    *  Excellent skills in reporting, information management and controlling expenditures.

    *  Proficiency in Microsoft Word.  Competence in Excel and web browser software would be valuable additional assets

    *  Highly focused and results-oriented in supporting complex, deadline-driven tasks; able to identify goals and priorities and resolve issues in initial stages.

    *  Good health and fit for extensive travelling.

    *  Working-level command of spoken and written French.


APPLICATIONS
Applications accompanied by the applicant’s curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three confidential referees should be submitted, by Friday 9 January 2009, to:

 

Dr. Hiroshi HIRAOKA CARD Secretariat, c/o AGRA Eden Square, Block 1, 2nd Floor PO Box 66773, Westlands, 00800 Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone (operator): +254-(0)20-3750-627 or 3675-000 Telephone (direct): +254-(0)20-3675-225 Facsimile: +254-(0)20-3750-653 or 3675-269 E-mail: hhiraoka@agra-alliance.org

 

 

Headings Central column

The African caucus meeting (Version française ci-dessous)
The African caucus meeting on the theme: Collaborating for change was organized on 30 November 2008 during the CGIAR Annual General Meeting in Maputo, Mozambique. The aim was to gather advocates of change in African agricultural research for development, and to create public awareness amongst scientists, policy makers and civil society on various initiatives in Africa geared towards changing perceptions and approaches in ARD.

Click here for the full report of the meeting and key presentations i.e.
from FARA: How FARA is collaborating for change and EIARD: European response to African Call for change.

Rencontre du Groupe Africain à l'AG 2008 du GCRAI
La rencontre du Groupe Africain, sur le thème: Collaborer pour le changement, a été organisée le 30 novembre 2008 au cours de la réunion annuelle du GCRAI à Maputo au Mozambique. L’objectif était de réunir les partisans du changement dans la recherche agricole africaine pour le développement, et de sensibiliser des chercheurs, décideurs et la société civile sur les diverses initiatives en Afrique orientées vers le changement des perceptions et des approches dans la RAD.
Cliquer ici pour le rapport de la rencontre et des présentations-clés du FARA : Comment le FARA collabore pour le changement (en anglais) et de l’EIARD: La réponse européenne à l’appel de l’Afrique pour le changement. (en anglais)
 

 

 Publications

 

- FARA Strategic Plan 2007 - 2016 (Download)
- A review of selected multi-country agricultural and natural resources management research programmes and projects in Africa: lessons for the future. (Download)

Proceedings of the 4th FARA General Assembly, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 10-16 June 2007. English - French 

 

Announcements 

WARDA/ADRAO

 

(Version francaise ci-dessous)

The Africa Rice Center is organizing a competition concerning its educational videos activities to award organisations championning video uptake.

Therefore three (3) winning organisations will be awarded (first prize 1000 USD, second prize 500 USD and third prize 250 USD) based on the following criteria :  

-         number of video shows organized,

-         number of villages reached by video shows,

-         number of farmers reached by video shows,

-         number of organisations engaged,

-         number of video CDs  distributed,

-         documentation of activities.

This competition is open to any organisation or individual who is using WARDA's  videos. The closure and evaluation of the competition is October 2008. You are requested to communicate your interest in the competition by sending the estimation of the targeted variables /activities related to the use of video, as listed above, to:

Dr. Paul Van Mele

Program Leader Learning & Innovation Systems
Africa Rice Center (WARDA)
01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin
tel. +229 21 35 01 88 ext. 332
fax +229 21 35 05 56
email: p.vanmele@cgiar.org

More information on the videos, and where you can request copies in your respective country can be found on WARDA's website by clicking

http://www.warda.org/warda/guide-video.asp
 

 Version francaise

Le centre de riz pour l’Afrique (ADRAO) lance, dans le cadre de ses activités de promotion des vidéos éducatives sur le riz un concours de prix pour récompenser les meilleures organisations/structures qui ont investi dans la vulgarisation et la dissémination des vidéos. Ainsi les trois (3) organisations retenues seront primées (premier prix 1000 dollars, deuxième prix 500 dollars et troisième prix 250 dollars) en tenant compte des critères suivants : 

-         nombre de projections vidéo organisées,

-         nombre de villages touchés par les projections,

-         nombre de personnes touchées par les projections,

-         nombre d’organisations/structures engagées,

-         nombre de vidéo CD distribués

-         documentation des activités

Le concours est ouvert à toutes les organisations et individus qui utilisent les vidéos. Le dépouillement et l’évaluation du concours est Octobre 2008.

Prière manifester votre intérêt pour le concours en envoyant une estimation des variables /activités ciblées concernant les vidéos, comme indiqué plus haut, à :

Dr. Paul Van Mele

Chef Programme Apprentissage & Systèmes d’Innovation
Africa Rice Center (WARDA)
01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin
tel. +229 21 35 01 88 ext. 332
fax +229 21 35 05 56
email: p.vanmele@cgiar.org

Pour avoir pllus d'information sur les vidéos et comment d'obtenir des copies dans votre pays respectueuese vous pouvez visiter le site web de l'ADRAO au

http://www.warda.org/warda/adrao/guide-video.asp

   Version française ci-dessous

This competition seeks to identify and recognize women scientists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) who are engaged in innovative and pioneering research and communicating the outputs (knowledge, technologies, approaches) for enhancing agricultural performance in SSA. It also targets women who are repackaging and communicating existing knowledge to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods of rural communities. Women scientists who are advocating for policy change to optimize the benefits of scientific and technological developments are also targeted.

Who can participate?
Women scientists, researchers, educators, extension workers, agro-entrepreneurs and farmers of SSA are encouraged to participate. Individual and group entries will be accepted. Entries should demonstrate the pursuit, documentation and dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge including technologies and approaches and effective partnerships with peers and / or rural communities, policymakers, farmers and agro-entrepreneurs.

What is the scope?
Entries can include existing or ongoing research work and projects or programmes undertaken within the last five years that shows measurable impact (potential or demonstrated) on agricultural development and / or rural livelihoods of African communities especially women farmers. Entries should include gender responsive strategies that incorporate a strong element of communication and outreach.

Guidelines
Entrants must submit a two page (A4) abstract (1500 – 2000 words) that clearly details the objectives, methodology, results and conclusion of the successful project/programme including the information and communication strategy and tools, and impact on agriculture and/or rural livelihoods. Entries must include full contact details; name, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address on submissions. Abstracts should be e-mailed to info@atpsnet.org and copied to laduke@atpsnet.org. The deadline is August 15, 2008. Abstracts received after the deadline will not be considered.

Evaluation and announcement of winners
Abstracts will be evaluated by a panel of experts including scientists, gender specialists and information and communication technologies (ICT) experts. Successful entrants will be invited to submit full papers of not more than 4 – 6 pages by September 30, 2008 in keeping with competition guidelines. Women scientists whose full papers are received by September 30, 2008 and approved by the panel will be supported to attend the Ministerial Meeting on Higher Education, which will be held in Lusaka, Zambia October 22-31, 2008. The top five winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Ministerial Forum.

Competition organizers
The Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (ACP-EU), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Alliance for a Green revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS). 

 

LE CONCOURS « FEMMES ET SCIENCES »
Date limite - 15 août 2008

Ce concours vise à identifier et faire connaître les femmes scientifiques vivant en Afrique subsaharienne qui oeuvrent dans un domaine de recherche novatrice et veillent à ce que les résultats obtenus (connaissances, technologies et stratégies) contribuent à l’amélioration des performances agricoles dans ces pays.
Il s’adresse aussi  aux femmes qui contribuent à la reformulation et la diffusion des savoirs  existants dans le but d’augmenter la productivité agricole et d’améliorer les moyens de subsistance des communautés rurales, ainsi qu’aux femmes scientifiques qui militent en faveur d’un  changement politique en vue d’optimiser les avantages que procurent les avancées scientifiques et technologiques.  
 
Qui peut participer ?
Les femmes scientifiques, chercheuses, éducatrices, agents de développement, agro-entrepreneurs et exploitantes agricoles d’Afrique subsaharienne sont encouragées à participer à ce concours. La participation peut être individuelle ou de groupe.
Les candidates devront avoir une expérience confirmée soit dans la recherche, l’enseignement et/ou la diffusion des connaissances techniques et  scientifiques (y compris les technologies et les stratégies) ; elles devront  démontrer une aptitude à établir des partenariats efficaces et à travailler avec leurs collègues et/ou être en contact avec des communautés rurales, des responsables politiques, exploitants agricoles et autres agro-entrepreneurs.

Domaines de compétence
Peuvent faire acte de candidatures les femmes scientifiques qui, au cours des cinq dernières années, ont participé à des expériences pilotes et/ou à des projets ou programmes déjà existants ou en cours et ayant un effet mesurable (potentiel ou prouvé) sur le développement de l’agriculture et/ou sur les moyens de subsistance des communautés rurales en Afrique, notamment les exploitantes agricoles. Une préférence pourra être accordée aux candidates possédant une expérience en matière de stratégies tenant compte des spécificités du genre qui couvrent des aspects liés à la communication et la sensibilisation.      

Directives du concours 
Les candidates devront soumettre un résumé analytique (1500 à 2000 mots) de deux pages (format A4) décrivant de façon détaillée le projet ST&I mené à bien, y compris les objectifs, la méthodologie, les résultats, les conclusions, la stratégie d’information et de communication et l’impact sur le développement agricole et/ou les moyens de subsistance des communautés rurales. Chaque soumission devra inclure les coordonnées complètes : nom, adresse postale, numéros de téléphone et de télécopie et adresse électronique.Les résumés analytiques devront être envoyés par courrier électronique à l’adresse info@atpsnet.org (avec copie à l’adresse laduke@atpsnet.org). Date limite de soumission le 15 août 2008. Les dossiers reçus après cette date ne seront pas examinés.      

Evaluation et proclammation des résultats
Les résumés analytiques seront évalués par un panel constitué de scientifiques et d’experts spécialisés dans le domaine du genre et des technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC). Conformément aux directives du concours, les candidates sélectionnées seront priées de soumettre leurs propositions complètes (entre 4 et 6 pages) avant le 30 septembre 2008. Seules les femmes scientifiques ayant envoyé
leurs propositions complètes pour le 30 septembre 2008 au plus tard, et après approbation du panel, seront invitées à participer à la Conférence ministérielle sur l’éducation supérieure qui se tiendra du 22 au 31 octobre 2008 à Lusaka (Zambie). Les résultats seront proclamés lors de la présentation des prix à l’occasion du Forum ministériel. 

Organisateurs
Le Centre technique de coopération agricole et rurale (ACP-UE), le Forum pour la recherche agricole en Afrique (FARA), le Forum régional universitaire pour le renforcement des capacités dans le domaine de l’agriculture (RUFORUM), le Nouveau partenariat pour le développement de l’Afrique (NEPAD), l’Alliance pour une révolution verte en Afrique (AGRA) et le Réseau africain d’études sur la politique de technologie (ATPS).

 

Download as PDF file

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 CGIAR

 The CGIAR-FARA Award for Excellence in Agricultural Journalism in Africa 2008

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) are pleased to announce a joint Award for Excellence in Agricultural Science Journalism in Africa.

An Award each will be given for an outstanding print article and an outstanding broadcast story. Each of the two Awards carries a cash value of US$ 5,000 and will be presented to the winners at the CGIAR Annual General Meeting in Maputo, Mozambique on December 2nd, 2008.

The Awards will recognize journalists whose work has most effectively communicated agricultural science issues to the general African public. The Award is open to any African national who is a print or broadcast journalist actively reporting for the general public in Africa. Both individual and team entries are welcome. The prize however remains the same for both individual and team entries. The work submitted must be recent, having been published or broadcast between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.

To apply for the FARA-CGIAR Award for Excellence in Agricultural Journalism in Africa, download and complete the entry form and submit together with only one published or broadcast story. Entries in English, French, Swahili and Portuguese are welcomed. Deadline for accepting entries is August 15, 2008.

Please submit your applications to:

Catherine Mgendi
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
P O Box 30709 – 00100,
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel : +254 20 422 3035
Cell : +254 726 234 046
Fax : +254 20 422 3001
Email : c.mgendi@cgiar.org

Francois Stepman
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
PMB CT 173 Cantonments ~ 2 Gowa Close, Roman Ridge
Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233 21 772823
Cell : +233 249 951766
Fax: +233 21 773676
Email: fstepman@fara-africa.org  

For more information and the application forms, please visit our websites www.fara-africa.org/ or www.cgiar.org/...   

How to Enter
Journalists are encouraged to submit their entries to the contact provided below. Where possible, entries should be submitted by e-mail.
Applicants should:

• Complete the entry form
• Attach a copy of the original story; Print stories can be scanned and attached to email
• Radio and TV stories should be submitted on CD or as email attachments or weblinks on a program that can be opened in Windows Media Player or the Adobe FlashPlayer
• Stories submitted should have been published/broadcast between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008
• Submission deadline: August 15, 2008

Submit your entries to the contact below:
        Catherine Mgendi
        P O Box 30709 – 00100
        Nairobi, Kenya
        Tel: +254 20 422 3035
        Fax: +254 20 422 3001
        Email: c.mgendi@cgiar.org
        Website: www.cgiar.org/

        Francois Stepman
        Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
        PMB CT 173 Cantonments ~ 2 Gowa Close, Roman Ridge
        Accra, Ghana
        Tel: +233 21 772823
        Cell : +233 249 951766
        Fax: +233 21 773676
        Email: fstepman@fara-africa.org 
        Website: www.fara-africa.org/

Conditions of Entry
• This competition is only open to African journalists writing/producing for a general African audience
• The competition is open to both individual and team stories; the prize will be awarded per winning entry, be it individual or team.
• Strictly one submission/entry per individual or team will be considered. Should more than one entry be submitted, only the first one will be considered.
• Materials submitted for the awards cannot be returned.
• Participants in the Awards may be included in FARA and CGIAR media databases and may receive information on the organizations.
• FARA and CGIAR may use the winning articles (or excerpts) for public information purposes, and to promote the Awards program on their respective web sites, brochures and in events.
• The decision of the judges is final.

 

RIU

Call for funding

Second RIU Call for Proposals - Innovation Challenge Fund: Phase 2 Africa

The purpose of the African Innovation Challenge Fund (African ICF) is to provide financial support to teams so they can take promising research, funded by DFID, to the next stage of use. The selected initiatives will contribute to RIU’s purpose by delivering significant use of RNRRS and other natural resources research outputs for the benefit (direct or indirect) of poor men and women in different contexts.

The first RIU call issued in 2007 focused on target countries in S and S.E. Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam) and the response demonstrated that there were many entry points for scaling up RNRRS research knowledge. However the subsequent lesson learning study on the Asian challenge fund process indicated that, the scope of the call may have been too broad, creating wide expectations which the challenge fund was unable to fulfill. The RIU management team have therefore decided to focus the Africa call on two key elements which we feel are critical in getting research into use and from which lessons can be drawn for decision makers. These two elements are 1) novel communication methods and 2) public-private partnerships which can stimulate the use of natural resource technologies and processes produced by DFID research activities for the benefit of large numbers of people.

More information on these focal areas and the context of the African ICF can be found in the guidance notes (available in English and in French)

The RIU Innovation Challenge Fund Africa will focus on the following countries in sub Saharan Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, S.Africa plus three Francophone countries- Senegal, Mali and Niger (Total 10 countries).

Other countries in Africa e.g. Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Nigeria are involved in RIU country programmes under another RIU component –component 1.2- Enhancing Demand. To avoid duplication of effort these six countries are not the primary focus of the African ICF. They may be considered for funding where regional initiatives exist but we stress that in this call we wish to focus on the ten countries which have been highlighted above.

The guidance notes and application forms are available in English and French, although we kindly request that applications are submitted in English to assist selection procedures.

Any questions or queries should be directed to the RIU Grants and Policy co-ordinator Lucy Nickoll L.nickoll@nrint.co.uk

Closing date for submission of Concept Notes: Monday, 1st September, 12 noon (GMT+1)

If you are interested in this call, please view the following documents:

1.     Concept Note Application Form (English)

2.     Concept Note Application Form (French)

3.     Guidance Notes (English)

4.     Guidance Notes (French)

5.     Natural Resources Knowledge Database

6.     RIU Logframe

7.     RIU Data Management Guidelines

Please also see our website; www.researchintouse.com  

---

 

 
>> Job Opportunities at RUFORUM

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is
an organisation set up to support graduate training and agricultural research in African
universities. RUFORUM also serves to integrate universities into national agricultural
innovation systems and broad development agenda. RUFORUM operates in seven
countries namely, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and
Zimbabwe, but plans to expand to more countries in the eastern, central and southern
Africa region. Through RUFORUM support, faculty members are able to conduct applied
and adaptive research in collaboration with other scientists in national and international
research institutions. The research component, of necessity, must involve training of
graduate students.

RUFORUM wishes to recruit competent persons to work with a team of regional experts
at its regional office in Kampala, Uganda for renewal contracts of 3-4 years. Such
persons should be highly motivated, able to work long hours with minimal supervision.

Administrative Assistant (1 post)

The Administrative Assistant will assist the Finance and Administration Officer to handle
day to day administration of the RUFORUM Secretariat, including facilitating travel and
meeting arrangements for RUFORUM activities. Experience of working in a similar
position for at least three years is required. The candidate should possess a degree in
management and administration (or related qualification).

Programme Assistants (3 posts)

The Programme Assistants will assist three Programme Officers with the day to day
running of their programmes (see www.ruforum.org for their job descriptions), and also
handle other duties as may be assigned to them. Assistants are needed to work with the
following officers:

Planning and Grants: Applicants with adequate knowledge of grant making or M&E are
preferred. An MA or MSc degree is needed.

Training & Quality Assurance: Experience of working in an organisation setting is
needed, especially of tracking project activities and preparing reports. An MA or MSc
degree is needed.

Information and Communication: A postgraduate degree in a related field is needed,
with at least 3 years of work experience, especially working with an NGO in community
development programmes. He/She should have experience of knowledge management,
particularly dealing with communities, policy makers and researchers, both local and
international.

Accountant (1 post)

He/ She should have at least a Diploma in accounting and will work with the Finance and
Administration Officer to prepare books of accounts and financial reports. At least 2
years work experience needed.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applicants should submit hard copies and CDs of their application documents containing
CV and application letter, stating position applied for, suitability for the position,
experience, current position and remuneration (US$), expected remuneration, estimated
time available to report on duty, email, telephone and other contact details of three
referees. Deadline for receiving applications is May 31, 2008. All applications should be
addressed to:

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applicants should submit hard copies and CDs of their curriculum vitae, copies of degree
certificates with transcripts, and application letter stating position applied for, experience,
current position and remuneration (US$), expected remuneration, estimated time
available to report on duty, email and telephone contacts of three referees. Deadline for
receiving applications is May 31, 2008. All applications should be addressed to:

DAMA Consultants Limited
10th Floor Uganda House
P.O. Box 3967
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256 31 262098/ 235944

>> Vacancy Announcements at ILRI

1. PLANT BIOSCIENCES RESEARCH SCIENTIST

2. POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTIST IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

3.  CAPACITY STRENGTHENING OFFICER – PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNICATION

 

 

 INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ILRI)

General: The Africa-based, globally networked International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries. ILRI positions its work at the dynamic interface of poverty alleviation and sustainable livestock livelihoods. Our staff works in partnerships and alliances with hundreds of organisations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest universities and research institutions in the world. ILRI also hosts Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) a new centre for excellence in modern plant and animal biology in Africa. It consists of a Hub based on the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya and a network of regional nodes and other affiliated laboratories and organizations throughout the region.  BecA facilitates, hosts and conducts research in crop, microbe and livestock research areas where new developments in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems constraining Africa’s development.  Capacity building is a major goal of all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food security and their intersections with human health and nutrition, and the sustainable use of Africa’s natural resources.  Further information is available at www.biosciencesafrica.org.

The Position: In hosting the BecA Hub on a shared research platform, ILRI seeks to recruit a Plant Biosciences Research Scientist (PBRS) to facilitate plant biotechnology research and capacity building through strategic planning, technical coordination, implementation and monitoring of plant biotechnology research projects within the BecA hub. This is an international appointment reporting to the Platform Research Director.

Specific responsibilities include:
• Facilitate crop biotechnology research and capacity building for regional research organisations by: managing new plant research projects at the BecA hub from conceptualization through to development and successful completion in collaboration with regional scientists; mentoring, coaching and supervising graduate students and scientists; developing and conducting individual and group biosciences training courses; developing and fostering close relationships and linkages with key institutions to enhance regional biosciences research capacity.
• In accordance with ILRI staff development policies, develop effective plant biosciences training programs for internal staff.
• Support the Research Platform Director in developing strategy, policies and plant research programs within the BecA hub.
• Develop and manage the work plan and budget vis-à-vis BRS activities.
• Actively promote BecA hub research and training facilities within the region.
• Advise management on required changes in biosciences research and training policies, systems and practices.

Location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Essential Skills and Qualifications will include:
• PhD in modern plant biology - molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or genomic sciences - with broad experience and interest  in biosciences research
• In-depth knowledge and experience of a wide range of bioscience technology including new and advanced applications of modern biology and equipment requirements.
• Extensive experience of the technology transfer/ capacity building in developing countries and ability to implement and adapt novel technologies to facilitate research.
• Experience in creating new scientific infrastructure to support plant research and establishing new research projects.
• Record of scientific achievement in plant biological sciences, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven skills in mentoring, training and supervising scientists, postgraduate students and technicians.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate and facilitate bioscience training programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain excellent working relations with project leaders, scientists and technical staff.
• We are looking specifically for a person with skills and experience in modern plant science, including breeding, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and requisite technologies.

Terms of Appointment: The initial contract for this position will be for a three year term with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.  Salary, dependent on experience, will be paid in US dollars.  ILRI provides excellent benefits including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits.  Relocation, housing, annual leave travel and education allowances are also provided.  On-site furnished accommodation is provided, subject to availability, or in the absence of suitable housing on site, a housing allowance.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three professional referees qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Manager, ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Telephone: 254-20-4223000; Fax: 254-20-4223001; e-mail: recruit-ilri@cgiar.org.  The name and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the envelopes of mailed, or on the fax or email applications by 30th June 2008.  

2. Position: Postdoctoral Scientist in Natural Resource Management in crop-livestock systems

• Lead the collection and analysis of ecological baseline data in project sites in Gambia, Guinea, Mali and Senegal.
• Contribute to the establishment of systems of measurement and assessment of natural resource use as related to endemic ruminant livestock management.
• Assist in identification of both indigenous and scientific indicators to describe the status of important natural resources (land, vegetation, forest, soil and water) and ways to measure change in these indicators.
• Contribute to analysis of existing natural resource use patterns, and recent and ongoing trends in landscape change particularly ecosystem carrying capacities, measurement of change in ecosystem services, and impacts on livelihoods due to landscape/habitat change.
• Contribute significantly to research to address reducing vulnerability of livestock-based livelihoods, ecosystem goods and services in agro-pastoral systems.

• A PhD degree obtained no more than 5 years ago in natural resource management, landscape ecology or ecosystem ecology.
• Proven success in field based research, having experience in collection of primary data and survey design in developing countries. Work experience in sub-humid zone of West Africa is an advantage.
• Demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis of socio-ecological data.
• Basic knowledge of Geographical Information System, Global Positioning System and Remote Sensing.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in developing country. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage technical teams at research sites.
• Good publications record with strong written and oral communication skills in English and French. 
• A willingness to travel frequently to the countries in the region.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our website at http://www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply

FARA-NI-AFAAS Consultation

The Secretariat of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Neuchâtel Initiative (NI),the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and the Agricultural Advisory Services (AAS) stakeholders are organizing a consultative meeting from 9th – 11th June 2008 at the FARA secretariat in Accra, Ghana.  The NI is a body of Agric Advisory Practitioners in Europe and America.   

The general goal of this partnership platform is to explore programs that a FARA/NI/AFAAS partnership could undertake in improving Agric Advisory Services in Africa.  The program will be developed following extensive consultations leading to the development of a proposal to be presented for funding at the donors meeting in December.  This Accra meeting is the first in the series and will entail a closed discussion between FARA, NI, AFAAS and Representatives of Regional Farmers Organizations in the first two days.  On the third day, product of the first two days of meeting will be shared with about 15 more participants to be drawn from among stakeholders in the Agric Advisory Services in Ghana.  The final product from this three day consultations will be further refined through further in-country consultations that will take place in specific countries in Africa.

The general objectives of the Accra meeting are:

• to identify and prioritize issues, ideas and activities for collaboration

• to determine thematic scope of the consultation

• to develop a list of selected AAS stakeholders, key informants, networks and processes (meetings, events) for later consultation activities in different African countries

• to develop a joint agenda for the consultation process

• to check the results of the discussions (identified issues and developed ideas) with a broader range of actors from within Ghana. 
  

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>>ASARECA Vacancy Announcements

PART-TIME POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Regional Resource Persons

The Policy Analysis and Advocacy Programme (PAAP) of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) is seeking Regional Resource Persons (RRPs) for the project on “Rationalization, harmonization and advocacy of policies and regulations”. This project brings together four modules (rationale and expected outputs of the project are available at websites listed below) that are expected to deliver outputs in four common result areas:
1. development and pilot testing of appropriate policy implementation instruments
2. facilitation of advocacy for appropriate policy implementation
3. analysis and documentation of policy changes and implementation processes and
4. assessment of outcomes and impacts of policy changes

Activities in these modules were initiated in an earlier phase under the Eastern and Central Africa Programme for Agricultural Policy Analysis (ECAPAPA), but have been revised to reflect on the desired outputs of PAAP and aspirations of ASARECA’s Strategic Plan 2007-2016. The ASARECA strategy aims to contribute to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) under the guidance of the Framework for African Agricultural Productivity (FAAP).

The RRP positions are required for the modules on: informal dairy sector, seeds and fertilizer, and root crops (cassava and potato). The terms of reference for this position are to deliver the four results areas through: implementation of the existing project proposal; drawing terms of reference for the National Resource Persons (NRPs) and backstopping their field activities; analysing and synthesizing of results from NRPs to draw policy options for implementation; organizing and facilitating regional dialogue and advocacy fora; developing plans for implementation of the recommendations of the project; and analysing options for influencing policy processes and assessing impacts of policy changes. This will be done in close consultation with the manager PAAP.

The suitable candidate should be dynamic with a distinguished record of scholarship to command respect from multi-disciplinary experts who will be working under him/her as national resource persons (NRPs) to be drawn from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in eastern and central Africa. He/she should have an all-round understanding of the sub-sector in question, policies, laws and regulations in the countries of eastern and central Africa, and key elements in relation to national, intra and inter-regional trade. He/she should be a good communicator, leader and team player.

Minimum qualifications are an MSc in Agricultural Economics/Policy Analysis or related field with not less than five years of experience in cross country sub-sector studies and trade. Previous experience in undertaking similar or related studies that have been well rated and proved useful will be an added advantage.

The RRP will be engaged intermittently for a period of about 50 working days in a year and will be remunerated at regionally competitive honorarium rates. Extension of the contract will depend on performance and availability of funds.

Interested candidates should submit their applications and curriculum vitae to the PAAP Management Unit at paap@asareca.org or fax 256 41 4321777. The deadline for receiving applications is 20th March 2008. Only successful candidates will be notified.

Further information on the project is available at the PAAP website www.asareca.org/paap/paap and ASARECA website at www.asareca.org

 

 

>> SLARI Vacancy Announcement

 SLARI is an independent agricultural research and technology generating body established by an Act of the Sierra Leone Parliament, for the benefit of the farming, fishing and forestry sector.

Its objectives include: development and selection of improved and high-yielding production materials such as seeds, seedlings, livestock animals (including small ruminants and poultry); development of appropriate technologies for land preparation, planting, harvesting, processing, and storage of farm produce (i.e. technologies that are efficient and improve returns to labour); development of appropriate animal husbandry techniques; development of appropriate sustainable technologies for integrated natural resource and pest management that increase production potentials of crop and livestock systems without adversely affecting the environment; and the study and improvement of market systems.

Currently, SLARI consists of two research centers – the Njala Agricultural Research Centre which has a mandate to conduct research in major food crops other than rice, and the Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre which has a mandate for research in rice, sorghum and millet is all ecosystems in Sierra Leone. The SLARI Council is charged with the formulation of agricultural policy and the setting of research priorities in the light of farmers' needs, researchers' recommendations, and Government policy objectives.

The SLARI Council is inviting applications for the following senior level management positions:

1. Director General
2. Deputy Director General/Research Coordinator
3. Director Njala Agricultural Research Centre
4. Director Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre


1. Director General

Duties and Responsibilities

Based at the Headquarters in Freetown, and under the overall supervision of the Council of SLARI the Director General is the CEO of the Institute and shall:
• Ensure the good governance and efficient running of SLARI
• Provide leadership to the Research Centres in the planning, implementation and evaluation of agricultural research for development
• Provide leadership to the Research Centres in  sound administrative and financial management practices
• Maintain/strengthen relations with local institutions involved in agricultural research and development
• Maintain/ strengthen relations with regional and sub regional organizations eg Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa and the Council for Agricultural Research and Development in West and Central Africa and the CGIAR centres
• Represent SLARI at local and international for a
• Meet all performance criteria to be established by Council

Qualifications

• A. PhD in an agricultural science or related discipline
• A very good record of publications in peer reviewed journals
• Attainment of the rank of a  professor from a recognized University or a Chief Research Officer from a reputable Research Institute
• Substantial experience of the management of agricultural research/development projects, programmes, departments or institutions
• Familiarity with issues of poverty reduction, food security and sustainable development
• At least fifteen years of relevant work experience in Developing Countries

2. Deputy Director General/Research Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities

Based at the Headquarters in Freetown and under the supervision of the Director General, the Deputy Director General/ Research Coordinator shall:

• Assist the Director General in the execution of his/her duties particularly with regard to the coordination of research conducted in the research centres and stations
• Oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of research
• Prepare technical reports
• Deputize the Director General when necessary
• Meet all performance criteria to be established by Council

Qualifications

• A PhD in an agricultural science or related discipline
• A good record of publications in peer reviewed journals
• Attainment of the rank of at least an associate professor from a recognized University or Principal Research Officer from a reputable Research Institute
• Substantial experience of the management of agricultural research/development projects, programmes, departments or institutions
• Familiarity with issues of poverty reduction, food security and sustainable development
• At least ten years relevant work experience in Developing Countries.

3. Director Njala Agricultural Research Centre and

4. Director Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre

Duties and Responsibilities

Based respectively at the Headquarters in Njala in the Moyamba District, and Rokupr in the Kambia District, and under the supervision of the Director General of SLARI, the Directors shall be the Research and Administrative Heads of the Centres and shall:
• Ensure the good governance and efficient running of the Research Centres
• Provide leadership to the Research Centre Programme Committees in the planning, implementation and evaluation of agricultural research for development
• Provide leadership within the Centres on  sound administrative and financial management practices
• Represent the Agricultural Research Centres at local and international for a
• Meet all performance criteria to be established by the Director General and Council.

Qualifications

• A PhD in an agricultural science or related discipline
• A good record of publications in peer reviewed journals
• Attainment of the rank of at least an associate professor from a recognized University or Principal Research Officer from a reputable Research Institute
• Substantial experience of the management of agricultural research/development projects, programmes, departments or institutions
• Familiarity with issues of poverty reduction, food security and sustainable development
• At least ten years relevant work experience in Developing Countries

Remuneration and Duration:

Attractive salary and conditions of service currently equivalent to those of Njala University. Contracts will be for 5 years in the first instance, renewable once.

Submission of Applications:

Applications including Curriculum Vitae and the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three referees should be submitted by email latest March 28, 2008 to the Chairman of the SLARI Council at: slari.chair@gmail.com. SLARI is an equal opportunity employer and women are especially encouraged to apply.

 

 

 

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowship Announcement

(round one)

Available to women agricultural scientists from: 

Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia

Applications for AWARD Fellowships are now being accepted.  The CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program warmly invites applications from qualified African agricultural women scientists for this innovative and exciting fellowship program. 

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program offers specially tailored 2-year career development fellowships, available at three levels:  post-Bachelors, post- Masters and post-PhD. 

African women from qualifying countries and conducting research in the following disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply:

Crop sciences (including horticulture), soil sciences, animal and livestock sciences, plant and animal virology, agroforestry, agricultural economics, aquatic resources and fisheries, food sciences and nutrition, natural resource management and ecology, biodiversity conservation, entomology, agricultural extension education, molecular biology (applied to plant/animal breeding), and water and irrigation management.

The deadline for all applications:  18 July 2008. 

Details and application forms can be downloaded here: http://www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org/resource/award.asp

Alternatively, you may write to AWARDFellows@cgiar.org to request a copy of the application forms.

For each of the 60 African women scientists selected in this first round (20 at each level), AWARD offers a challenging but rewarding package aimed at increasing her contributions in the service of fighting hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. It includes a series of career development resources designed to:

• strengthen science skills;

• strengthen leadership skills;

• enhance visibility and networking; and

• increase opportunities to share newly acquired skills, helping inspire the next generation of women scientists in Africa.

All queries should be sent to:  AWARDFellows@cgiar.org

 

 

 

 

The Partnership - World Vision International and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) have launched a joint project  to enhance the quality of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of relief and development programmes in World Vision sites. The pilot phase of the project launched in Mbabane, Swaziland on 29 May 2008, will be implemented in Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe over a two year period. Implementation of the project will incorporate rural communities and technical experts from World Vision, FANRPAN and national universities.

The Challenge - The task of ensuring food security for the world’s growing population in the face of declining global food resources is daunting and requires efficient and objective relief food programming and targeting that will ensure that the little food available goes where it is needed most. While the role of food aid in responding to the “new emerging face of hunger” is not optional, it is critical to explore medium and long term solutions to make Southern Africa food secure.  

The Tool - A statistical index developed by FANRPAN – the Household Vulnerability Index (FANRPAN-HVI), introduces an objective basis for beneficiary selection and programme design in both relief and development interventions. The index quantifies vulnerability in households as a result of factors which may be internal, such as human and livelihood assets; and/or external, as a result of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, climate changes, the macro-economy, and others. The FANRPAN-HVI enables the categorisation of vulnerable households into three levels (1) Emergency – needing prolonged welfare support, (2) Acute – those in desperate need of short term welfare and development support and (3) Coping - needing development support.  The tool uses a livelihoods approach and enables communities to participate in data collation and analysis. The FANRPAN-HVI was developed with support from the European Union (EU) through the Southern African Development Community (2003 – 6) and field tested with support from the Southern African Trust (2007).
 

FANRPAN-HVI for Food Aid - The index enables the effective targeting of households thereby ensuring that the little food available goes only to those households that need it most.

FANRPAN-HVI for Development Programming - The index allows for the identification of the source of vulnerability within a household thereby making it possible to come up with intervention programmes that are specific to the identified problems.

FANRPAN-HVI for Policy Analysis and Advocacy - The tool creates opportunities for policy advocacy. World Vision will be able to convert its many years of field-level presence into a robust and dynamic grassroots’ livelihoods database. With appropriate analysis, World Vision will be able to generate and package compelling evidence for policy advocacy.  Evidence generated from the pilot sites will be shared at the FANRPAN national multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms, with the synthesis from the three countries shared with senior policy makers through the SADC, COMESA and AU-NEPAD platforms.

 FANRPAN-HVI for tracking impact - This HVI database will provide World Vision with quality baseline and longitudinal data for measuring and tracking the impact of its interventions.  

“The food crisis has already sparked riots in some countries... It is therefore imperative that we develop better and more objective targeting mechanisms that not only help to mitigate conflict but also enable us to be efficient, cost-effective and rational in maximising the impact of food aid programs in the lives of the poor, particularly children”  

                                             Walter Middleton

                                             Vice President, World Vision International

 

“Identifying deserving beneficiaries in a community when resources are a constraint requires appropriate tools, partnerships and community participation. FANRPAN appreciates the collaboration with World Vision as a demonstration of smart partnerships”

 

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FANRPAN Convenes Climate Change meeting for Senior Policy Makers

 Policy makers and scientists from eastern and southern Africa are meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa to discuss strategies for adapting to climate change which has implications for food security.
 

The Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) are hosting a meeting which has brought together policy makers and scientists to network in developing adaptation strategies to ensure regional food security in the light of adverse weather changes. More than 40 delegates from 12 countries are attending the meeting with the theme, “Strategies for Adapting to Climate Change in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa: Targeting the Most Vulnerable”.

Scientists and researchers have warned that climate change - described as long term changes in average weather conditions - is a global phenomenon affecting plants, animals, people and agriculture. The Global Food crisis presents an opportune moment for southern Africa to review its policies and put in place long term strategies that will make it food secure and eliminate poverty. Researchers working on climate change projects in eastern and southern Africa presently do not have strong links with policy makers. As a result,  there is a high level of uncertainty about policy on climate change. Strong and inclusive policies are key to increasing agricultural productivity and investment, to support Africa’s green revolution.

FANRPAN Director for Research, Dr. Douglas Merrey, said his organization is well placed to act as a broker between scientists, doing research on climate change and adaptation to climate change, and policy makers to make critical decisions, some of which have irreversible effects if they are uninformed.

“Our main focus is on the policy implications of climate change, that is to say, what policy support will be needed to enable Southern African food systems to adapt to climate change in terms of rainfall and temperature,” said Dr. Merrey.  

FANRPAN’s interest in climate change policy extends beyond specific projects in the region to researchers and representatives of civil society who need to know what is required of policy.

“As FANRPAN we are interested in policy development because people are facing the reality of uncertainty and unpredictability in terms of rainfall and temperatures,” Dr. Merrey said, adding that, “The workshop intends to develop a work plan for a three year project which started in May 2008 and will end in May 2010.”

The German Ministry of Cooperation (BMZ) through IFPRI is funding this climate change research project in eastern and southern Africa. It has brought in climate modeling experts. The experts have developed climate models which simulate possible scenarios based on actual agriculture and weather data. Climate models help project future trends in terms of the magnitude of climate change.

According to Gerald Nelson, Senior Research Fellow at IFPRI, the central issue during the meeting is to figure out how to deal with the likelihood of adverse effects of climate change.

“Some changes are inevitable,” said Nelson “We need to figure out how to adapt to the changes that are coming such as the variability in weather patterns…What is the best scientific evidence about where changes will take place in terms of precipitation and temperature change?”

Nelson said IFPRI was collaborating with FANRPAN and ASARECA to promote collaboration between international and national research institutions on climate change policy. IFPRI is well known for its agricultural policy modeling work and will use its  expertise to inform policy development in sub-Saharan Africa.

“We want to listen to what policy makers from various countries see as their priorities in terms of climate change and policy,” he said noting that “There are many, many projects related to climate change and adaptation in southern Africa. It seems many are doing the same thing and we have asked them to tell us about their projects and look for ways to achieve synergies among them.”  

Both SADC and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) with the participation of FANRPAN and other partners are developing a comprehensive approach and initiative to address climate change. 

FANRPAN’s CEO, Dr. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, is participating in a workshop on Carbon Finance at which COMESA seeks to attract investors to purchase carbon offsets from land-use projects through a Carbon Fund. This Fund will provide critical financial support to make such projects feasible and channel income to local communities, especially small holder farmers.

For further information and interviews, please contact:

Dr. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, CEO, FANRPAN,

141 Cresswell Street, Weavind Park 0184

Private Bag X813, Silverton 0127

Pretoria, South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 12 845 9100

Email: lmsibanda@fanrpan.org

Website: www.fanrpan.org

 

 

CGIAR Fellowships for African women - 1st round

Location: Sub-Saharan Africa

Organisation: Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

Closing Date: 18 July 2008

EN

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for AWARD Fellowships. The CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program warmly invites applications from qualified African agricultural women scientists for this innovative and exciting fellowship program.

The Fellowships are available to women agricultural scientists from the following countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program offers specially tailored 2-year career development fellowships, available at three levels: post-Bachelors, post-Masters and post-PhD. African women from qualifying countries and conducting research in the following disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Agroforestry and agricultural economic
• Crop sciences (including horticulture)
• Soil sciences
• Animal and livestock sciences
• Plant and animal virology
• Aquatic resources and fisheries
• Food sciences and nutrition
• Natural resource management and ecology
• Biodiversity conservation
• Entomology
• Agricultural extension education
• Molecular biology (applied to plant/animal breeding)
• Water and irrigation management

For each of the 60 African women scientists selected in this first round (20 at each level), AWARD offers a challenging but rewarding package aimed at increasing her contributions in the service of fighting hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. It includes a series of career development resources designed to:

• Strengthen science skills;
• Strengthen leadership skills;
• Enhance visibility and networking; and
• Increase opportunities to share newly acquired skills, helping inspire the next generation of women scientists in Africa.

Application Procedure

Details and application forms can be downloaded here: http://www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org/resource/award.asp

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