About IFPRI:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. Founded in 1975, IFPRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership for a food secure future. 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.
Job Summary: The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Senior Program Assistant – Biosafety will provide strategic technical support to the activities of the Uganda Feed the Future Biosafety Activity. The Uganda Feed the Future Biosafety Activity is a complementary program to the Program for Biosafety Systems, managed at IFPRI headquarters in Washington D. C. and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. (USAID)
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Carry out regular reviews and prepare summarized updates and briefs on advancements in biosafety policy and regulation, compliance, risk assessment and management.
Develop a detailed work plan for program activities in Uganda in consultation with the supervisor. Performance will be evaluated in reference to this work plan.
Support in organizing training workshops, communication workshops, and consultations and prepare reports for all activities conducted
Produce and disseminate newsletters, communication briefs, regulatory documents, and any other document as will be guided by the work plan and country needs
Manage the program’s online and print communication systems
In charge of developing budgets for program activities in consultation with the supervisor and keep track of expenditures in liaison with the office administration and submit timely accountabilities for all program expenses, and
Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor and / or IFPRI.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The USAID Project Senior Program Assistant – Biosafety should hold a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences from a recognized institution and a minimum of two years post qualification experience in any of the following: science policy formulation, biotechnology and biosafety policy development, research and development, social development, specifically in relation to Uganda.
Past experience in working with donor funded programs is highly preferred.
Possess excellent planning, budgeting, and reporting skills
Highly self-motivated, dynamic, and out-put oriented
High level of integrity and commitment to work
Proven communication and analytical skills
Sound knowledge of Uganda’s science and technology policy environment and policy making in the country
Clear knowledge of Uganda’s biotechnology and biosafety landscape
Possess the ability to work in a multi-sector and multi-cultural environment
Excellent computer skills in office applications as well as demonstrated ability to manage and utilize online information resources and media
Proven ability to multi-task as needed, consistently meet deadlines, and manage time well.
Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications with detailed curriculum vitae that including all contact details plus those of three referees. In addition, applicants must submit soft copies of academic and professional testimonials /certificates. The complete applications must be sent by email to ifpri-Kampala@cgiar.org with the subject line Senior Program Assistant – Biosafety.
Deadline: 2nd March 2015 by 5:00 pm EAT