IGAD Regional Scientific Officer

IGAD CLIMATE PREDICTION AND APPLICATIONS CENTRE (ICPAC)

Background 

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) formerly known as the Nairobi Drought Monitoring Centre (DMCN) is a specialised Institution of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The mission of ICPAC is to provide climate information, prediction and timely early warning for applications in support of environmental management, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development in the IGAD Sub-region. 

The Project on Integrating Climate with Disease management in eastern Africa 

ICPAC, in partnership with the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, USA, and with support from Google.org, is in the initial stages of implementing a three year project on building capacity to produce and use climate and environmental information for improving health in East Africa. The aim of the project is to enable the effective management of climate-related risks and opportunities in public health, through the creation and dissemination of climate knowledge, tools and information serving multiple time scales. The project will build capacity in regional and national institutions to routinely provide quality assured and user-relevant products, and to use and request climate information for effectively reducing climate-related risks.  In this regard ICPAC is looking for a suitable person to fill the position of a Regional Scientific Officer to assist in the implementation of the project activities at ICPAC. 

Regional Scientific Officer 

Salary scale:    IGAD scale P-3 

Duty Station:    Nairobi 

Duration:          A probation period of 3 months followed by an initial contract of 2 years with a possibility of extension, depending upon performance and funding availability. 

Responsibilities 

Under the general supervision of the ICPAC Director and reporting to Programme Manager, the Regional Scientific Officer will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities related to climate and environmental information for improving health in eastern Africa: 

·        Creation and dissemination of climate knowledge, tools and information serving multiple time scales

·        Developing climate information products tailored to the health community

·        Leading capacity building efforts through venues such as the Regional Climate Outlook Forum training workshops among others

·        Maintaining close collaboration with IRI and other project partners.

·        Outreach

·        Co-ordination

·        Any other related duties

Education 

At least a Masters degree with specialisation in climate variability and change and their impacts, especially on public health. 

Work experience 

At least 5 years of working experience in analysis and prediction of climate variability and change in the Greater Horn of Africa, and their impacts, especially on public health. Use of outputs from gridded climate databases, and regional dynamical models is desirable. A willingness to travel is essential, including the possibility of prolonged trips of a few months duration. 

Competencies 

Excellent interpersonal communications skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare written reports in a clear, concise and meaningful manner; update and manage web-based resources; access materials from a range of research, policy and practitioner sources; assimilate documented information quickly and draw out key messages; as well as work with minimal supervision. A strong background in statistical methods is an advantage. Familiarity with Linux and Windows operating systems, and ability to program in FORTRAN, and one of C, C++, Java, or C-shell scripts is a must. 

Languages 

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French would be an added advantage. 

Qualified and interested persons should send their applications to the Director, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), P.O Box 10304 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; E-mail: director@icpac.net enclosing updated curriculum vitae containing details of their qualifications, experience, contact telephone, e-mail address as well as names and addresses of three referees.  

A copy of the application should be sent to the

Executive Secretary,
IGAD, P.O Box 2653,
Djibouti; Republic of Djiboutiu
E-mail: igad@igad.org