ACTS is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position of Research Fellow II to work in the Climate Resilient Economies (CRE) Programme under the Blue Empowerment Project.

Project Title: Opportunities for Blue Economic Empowerment and Building Resilience of Fisher Women in Kenya (Blue Empowerment) - Accelerating Blue Entrepreneurship in Kenya

Location: Kenya

Duration: 12 months

About ACTS

ACTS is a pioneering development research think tank on harnessing applications of science, technology, and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa. ACTS is an Intergovernmental organization founded in 1988 to pursue policy oriented research towards strengthening the capacity of African countries and institutions to harness science and technology for sustainable development. ACTS envisions a sustainable economic, social, and environmental future for Africa, through the application of science, technology, and innovation. The successful candidate will work under the Head of the CRE programmme.

About CRE programme

The CRE’s programme mission is to contribute to Inclusive, pro poor and thriving climate change resilient economies for economic, social, and environmental sustainability in Africa. The programme’s strategic objective is to support the development of enabling capacities, policies, organizations, and institutions for harnessing applications of climate change related sciences, technologies and innovations for energy access and security, water quality and security, biodiversity, and natural resource management in Africa.

About the BE project

The Blue Empowerment Project aims to enhance the livelihoods and resilience of coastal communities, particularly fisherwomen, through sustainable and gender-transformative practices. The project focuses on integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) of seaweeds and fish, promoting low-carbon and environmentally sustainable innovations. The investment component seeks to attract and manage funding to scale these initiatives, fostering economic independence and resilience among fisherwomen.

About the role

This RFII will be hosted by the Climate Resilient Economies Programme, a multifaceted programme with the goal of creating impact in the climate change space through the learning, policy, business and partnerships hubs. The Investment Lead will spearhead the investment component of the project, identifying and securing funding opportunities, developing investment strategies, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the project. This role involves close collaboration with local communities, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and investors to drive economic growth and resilience in the blue economy sector.

Duties and responsibilities

The responsibilities are based on the core work packages of the BE project and programme resource mobilization activities

Project based (80%)

1. Investment Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement investment strategies to attract funding for IMTA initiatives.
• Identify and engage potential investors, including impact investors and financial institutions.
• Create investment readiness programs tailored for self-organized women groups.

2. Funding and Resource Mobilization:

• Conduct needs assessments to understand community investment requirements.
• Prepare investment proposals and pitch presentations for potential investors.
• Facilitate investment matching and pitching events.

3. Financial Management and Reporting:

• Oversee the financial management of investment funds.
• Ensure accurate and transparent financial reporting.
• Monitor and evaluate the financial performance of funded initiatives.

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.
• Organize and participate in workshops, seminars, and meetings to promote investment opportunities.
• Collaborate with project partners to align investment strategies with project goals.

5. Capacity Building:

• Provide training and mentorship to project staff and community members on investment readiness and financial management.
• Develop educational materials and conduct outreach activities to enhance investment literacy.
• Support business incubation workshops and mentorship programs.

6. Policy Engagement:

• Assist in policy dialogues and advocacy efforts related to investment in the blue economy.
• Contribute to the development of policy briefs and recommendations to create an enabling environment for investment.
• Support the organization of high-level policy dialogues and hackathons.

CRE Programme based (20%)

• To support the technical and financial reporting of the project activities
• To mobilize resources within the CRE programme for sustainability of existing projects and attracting new ones

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Limnology, wetland management, Marine Biology,
• Background in Economics, Finance, and Business Administration is an added advantage.
• Proven experience in investment strategy development and financial management.
• Knowledge of sustainable aquaculture practices and investment strategies.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in community engagement and capacity building is an asset.

Application requirements:

• Applicants should submit as a single PDF file:
• An application letter no longer than 2 pages that includes a description of their research interests, a description of their expertise addressing the desired criteria, and suggestions for how they can work towards the project objectives;
• A CV and copies of certificates;
• An example of written work; and

Send applications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with subject line “Research Fellow II – Blue Empowerment project, CRE”.

Closing date: Applications received by 6^th January 2025 are guaranteed to be considered. Applications received thereafter may be considered if the position has not been filled.