BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER I (PROJECT ASSISTANT) at icipe

(Ref. No. NRS/684/022026)
BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER I (PROJECT ASSISTANT)

Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org) is distinct, being the only research organisation in Africa working primarily on insects and other arthropods. icipe is also the sole institution that combines research and development activities across plant health, human health, animal health, and environmental health. icipe generates world-class scientific knowledge and translates it into insectbased, nature-positive, One Health innovations that sustainably transform millions of livelihoods across Africa and beyond. Additionally, icipe nurtures Africa’s talent and leadership in insect science through the Centre’s long-standing programmes in doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancement of research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering, and technology, and the creation of a bioeconomy in Africa. The Centre has about 500 international and national staff, operations in more than 40 countries in Africa, and over 300 partnerships with diverse organisations across the world. For additional information, visit: (www.icipe.org).

Please also download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2026–2030: https://www.icipe.org/content/icipevision-and-strategy-2026-2030 icipe seeks to recruit a Business Support Officer I (Project Assistant) under the Integrated Data & Analytics Platform. The positions are tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. This is a two-year contract, renewable subject to continued position needs, funding for the position, and the staff member's performance. This is a nationally recruited position. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidates. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Overall Purpose of the Job
To provide project management support to the Vector Atlas PI, scientists, staff, consultants, students and interns for efficient and timely implementation of the project activities.

Specific duties
• Coordinate logistical aspects of project management activities ensuring smooth execution of events such seminars and workshops and training activities.
• Ensure Documentation Management regarding meetings, trainings, and help compile and share minutes and perform filing.
• Support effective communication among project stakeholders as well as researchers, trainers, policymakers, and partner institutions.
• Prepare reports, presentations and other project-related documents ensuring alignment with project objectives and stakeholders’ requirements.
• Assist in organizing the availability of necessary resources to facilitate learning session an project implementation skill development.
• Coordinates the planning and organising of internal and external meetings and other events (e.g. folders and materials, registration forms, workshop programmes and name tags, follow up on payments and settlement of working advances, documentation and proceedings).
• Processes and makes follow-up on project payments including partner disbursement and other payments and maintains a database- of the same for ease of reference and follow-up.
• Coordinates all matters pertaining to travel advances, cross-checking and accountability of employees within the unit.
• Facilitate staff and student recruitment and renewal of contracts.

Requirements/ qualifications
• First degree in a relevant field with experience in Project Management and/or Financial Management.
• At least 2 years’ experience in project implementation, documenting, and reporting in an NGO setting.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, time management, ability to multitask, define and set priorities, and problem solve.
• Effective communication and writing skills taking notes and report writing.
• Experience in facilitating teamwork and collaboration with partners at all levels.
• Strong ability to anticipate and plan ahead, and take personal initiative, work both independently and as a team member, and collaborate and coordinate with others.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure.

Reporting
This position reports to the Senior Research Scientist.

How to apply
Applications will be accepted up to 13th March 2026. Interested applicants should submit: (a) a confidential cover letter; (b) a detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses); and (c) a statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities, and skills.

Candidates are required to apply online through: http://recruit.icipe.org or by email: recruitment@icipe.org (Kindly quote the Ref. No. and the position title on the email subject). (In your application, please include your current and expected basic salary per month. This is a mandatory requirement.)

icipe is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity