EGERTON UNIVERSITY
TEGEMEO INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT

CLIMATE CHANGE EXPERT

Tegemeo Institute is a policy research Institute under the Division of Research and Extension of Egerton University. The Institute is mandated to undertake empirical research and analysis on contemporary economic and agricultural policy issues in the country. The Institute has developed into one of the leading authorities on agricultural policy research and analysis in Kenya and the region and has become a reservoir of knowledge on rural livelihoods.

Climate change is currently one of the major threats for countries in the sub-Saharan Africa, since they have lowest capacity to build resilience against its effects. There are many sectors that are sensitive to climate change including coastal resources, agriculture, grasslands, water resources, forests, fisheries, wildlife, and human health, among others. Climate variability is seen to present a threat to food security in Africa through its effect on rainfall, soil moisture, and productivity. Any climatic change or deviation from the norm directly affects Africa’s agricultural production and food security due to the fact that most of the population in Africa (70%) lives in the rural areas and relies mainly on rain-fed agriculture for its livelihood. Climate change thus threatens to impact all aspects of human development, including, both the physical environment, as well as social vulnerabilities. With funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Institute aims at strengthening its capacity in research on climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience and their effects on agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Tegemeo Institute is looking for a highly motivated, proactive and service-oriented individual to fill the position of a Climate Change Expert based in Nairobi. The successful candidate will offer technical support in climate change research at the Institute. He/she will report directly to the Director, Tegemeo Institute. Key tasks under this position shall include:

• Assist in incorporating a clear research strategy on climate change into the Institute’s research agenda and the inclusion of relevant indicators to measure climate change impacts.
• Build capacity for researchers at the Institute on climate change and related concepts such as vulnerability and risk assessment, adaptation & mitigation measures, and climate change modelling.
• Backstop activities to be implemented under the climate change research, which includes providing support in the development of tools and methods in analyzing risk and vulnerability to climate change, impacts of climate change as well as adaptation and mitigation responses to climate change.
• Actively facilitate networking, sharing and managing of information with national policy makers and other stakeholders in the climate change arena.
• Facilitate relevant collaborative policy formulation and communication strategy.

• Hold a PhD in environmental policy management/environmental sciences, natural resources management or a related field. Applicants with MSc. in environmental policy management/ environmental sciences, natural resources management or a related field will also be considered.
• For applicants with a PhD, a minimum of 3 years research work experience is required with at least 2 years research experience on climate change. MSc. applicants should have a minimum of 6 years research work experience with at least 3 years experience on climate change research.
• The applicant should have a sound scientific background in climate change research. He/she should demonstrate the ability to master complex scientific issues and a broad understanding of various aspects of climate change and related environmental issues.
• Research experience in Africa and an understanding of the impacts of climate change on agriculture and rural livelihood are required.
• Experience in carrying out rigorous modelling using climate data and proven record to produce high quality reports and publications is required.
• The applicant should have the ability to engage with policy makers and other stakeholders at the national level, and also be able to train and mentor others.
• Experience working with quantitative packages and panel data is an added advantage.

A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate. The position carries with it a one year contract, renewable subject to availability of funds. Applications together with copies of certificates and a detailed CV including names and contacts of three referees should be sent via email address to egerton@tegemeo.org . The subject line should be clearly marked “Climate Change Expert”.
Application deadline Opened until Filled .