Jobs at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The positions

• The MSc students will play a pivotal role in the “Go Heal Mastitis” project, a collaborative effort with Laval University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). This groundbreaking initiative seeks to pioneer a phage-based intervention to combat mastitis in goats and mitigate the dependency on antibiotics in Kenyan goat farming. Engaging actively in the project, students will undertake tasks including isolating mastitis-causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus sp. and identifying bacteriophages (phages) tailored to combat these bacterial strains. Their primary focus will be on the comprehensive characterization of these bacterial isolates and phages, encompassing both in vitro and in vivo   experiments.

Terms and reference

• Collaborate with supervisor(s), to design and develop MSc research proposals that outlines the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the study.
• Isolate of Staphylococcus sp. strains.
• Isolate Staph-specific phages.
• Characterize the bacteriophages.
• Assess the antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus sp. strains and the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in these isolates.
• Evaluate the ability of key phages to reduce mastitis in animal models.
• Utilize statistical tools to analyze the data, interpret findings, and draw meaningful conclusions from the study.
• Prepare reports, publications, and conference presentations to share the results of the study with the scientific community and relevant stakeholders.
• Effectively manage project timelines, budgets, and resources allocated to the study.

Minimum requirements for the ideal candidate

• BSc degree in microbiology and immunology, biochemistry, or molecular biology.
• Work experience (1+ years) in a microbiology laboratory, with training in bacterial culture and molecular biology assays such as PCR/qPCR   is an added advantage.
• Experience working with phages is an added advantage.
• Completed coursework at JKUAT in an MSc degree in the stated related fields above is an added advantage.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and take the lead in research activities.

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Key Responsibilities

• Ensure organizational financial systems and processes are understood and followed throughout the organization for all financial transactions.
• Ensure donor financial reports are completed on time and timely submission to the donor.
• Coordinate and liaise with auditors to meet project audit against audit objectives and to ensure that internal control, financial procedures are in place, updated and effectively implemented.
• Review monthly and periodic financial reports, including office operating expenditures and communicate project financial status, risks and opportunities to the Project Leader for management’s review.
• Review and ensure that partner’s liquidations, reporting and donor financial reporting are correct and timely submitted.
• Maintain and monitor cash flow to ensure adequate fund balance to run the project including timely collection of grants from donor in accordance with terms of contracts, proceeding fund request to HQ, tracking and reporting on collaborators and consultant payment, operating funds, disbursements to collaborators and partners.
• Process staff advance and liquidation.
• Develop, monitor, and update the budget and forecast for the project to ensure the allocation of resources aligns with project workplan and within the project budget.
• Familiar and comply with the donor rules, regulations, and reporting requirements.Requirements
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/Finance option)
• Accounting certification -CPA (K), ACCA, CIMA
• MBA will be an added Advantage
• At least 5 years of working experience with an international organization, 3 years’ experience in finance management with progressive experience in processing donor reports and following up of sub grants.
• Experience in preparing and supporting external audit
• Sound knowledge on income tax and VAT computation
• Excellent financial management skills
• Excellent financial accounting and organization skills
• Good analytical and decision making
• Ability to deliver accurate and timely reports.
• Good written and verbal English proficiency
• Ability to work in a team environment and with minimum supervision.
• Ability to develop creative ideas to improve process workflow.
• Good knowledge in International Accounting System (IAS).
• Computer literate (MS Office and other accounting system).
• High level of organization, attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Knowledge in implementing internal controls.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines with minimum supervision.