The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is recruiting a Research Fellow.  The Research Fellow (RF) will work within the Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS) programme of ACTS. 

Vacancy Summary - Research Fellow

Department	Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS) Programme	Grade	RF I
Location	Nairobi, Kenya	Line Manager	STIKS Program, Head
Expected Start Date	March 2023	Duration of contract	3 years, reviewed annually.
Salary	30,000 – 40,000 USD p.a. or equivalent in Kshs gross1

¹ This is inclusive of all benefits.

About ACTS

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental STI policy Think Tank founded in 1988. Its mandate is to strengthen the capacities and policies of African countries and institutions to use science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. ACTS is based in Nairobi through a host agreement with the Kenya Government and enjoys international status. ACTS’ governing council depicts its international status. It has representation from Ghana (current chair), Ethiopia, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, UK, Sweden, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO).

ACTS is currently implementing its seventh strategic plan (2022 - 2026) and pursuing the following five programmes: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (AFNS); Climate Resilient Economies (CRE); Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS); Digital Innovation and Knowledge Economy (DIKE); and Gender Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID). These programmes are delivered through policy research, policy engagement, capacity building and technology brokerage.

Job Specifications

The Research Fellow will support the work of the STIKS Programme within ACTS, including the on-going Research and Innovation Management project within the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI).  She/he will conduct policy-oriented research and dissemination activities for the STIKS Programme as well as day-to-day project implementation activities on the SGCI Research and Innovation project.  

Core Duties of the RF

The Research Fellow will be expected to handle the following core tasks as a minimum at the program level.

• Support the implementation of the Research and Innovation Project.
• Undertake policy research in Science Technology and Innovation (STI).
• Participate in research proposal development related to Science Technology and Innovation.
• Support capacity building activities related to STI.
• Produce high quality policy outputs (not limited to policy briefs, dissemination workshops and knowledge exchange events).
• Support the STIKS Programme Manager in setting and advancing programme direction through writing of strategy documents, and organizing policy outreach events among others.
• Support junior researchers in the program.

Minimum Requirements

The candidate must hold a PhD Degree in a relevant field (e.g. science and technology studies, research and innovation management, innovation studies, development economics, sociology of science, innovation policy, and development studies) from a recognized institution; and have at least the following:

• A minimum of 3 years post PhD research experience in the field of innovation and development studies [1].
• Knowledge in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning is an added advantage.
• An established publication record (e.g. minimum 4 publications; preferably in peer reviewed journals).
• Evidence of winning research project funding (preferably as principal investigator).
• Evidence of organizing policy dialogue and outreach workshops.
• Proficiency in French is required.

 Minimum Competences 

Skills	Knowledge	Behaviours
Writes effectively and efficiently in a professional approach relevant for policy makers and/or academic audiences Multi-tasking and problem solving to adapt well to situations Project management	Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of key development economics and innovation theories and concepts and/or science policy theories and concepts Research management Gender equality and inclusivity	Recognizes the importance of delivering results through teamwork, taking responsibilities for actions and taking initiative Demonstrates respect for others inside and outside the workplace

 

Desirable Competences

Knowledge	Experience
African STIK actors and institutions including African government policy processes	Working with or advising African science granting councils or African ministries of science, technology and/or innovation and/or Ministries of Education Conducting MEL projects Managing and reporting on international development partner funding

 

More Information

For more information on any of the above please email Dr Agnes Lutomiah, Head of Programme, STIKS and Research and Innovation Management Project Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume and scanned copies of academic certificates as a single document, including contact details for 3 references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 16:00 hrs East Africa Time on Saturday 15^th April 2023..

[1] Innovation and Development Studies research as defined by the AfricaLics network includes the study and management of processes that link technological and social innovation with development. It is a multi-disciplinary social science field that conducts ‘research on innovation and innovation processes’ and not ‘research in innovation’.