ILRI Post-Doctoral Fellow – Science and Practice of Innovation and Scaling Jobs in Kenya
Background
ILRI and WUR collaborate under the CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa (Ukama Ustawi). Led by ILRI, Work Package 6 focusses on scaling innovations and coordinating CGIAR and partner activities in the region through a scaling hub that uses the Scaling Readiness approach to inform, activate and bring to scale innovations that respond to regional or country demand.
It is in this context that ILRI and Wageningen University are investing in state-of-the-art science on scaling innovation, as well as in advancing the practice of scaling innovation for societal benefits.
Scope of Work
This postdoctoral position will be hired by ILRI to play a key role in advancing the science and practice of scaling. The state-of-the-art science and knowledge products and approaches are meant to strengthen capacity in practice of scaling across four areas: Understand, Analyze, Strategize, and Operationalize.
Science of Scaling
The science of scaling is a new, exciting field of study that is concerned with better understanding and guiding the scaling of innovation for achieving positive societal impacts such as those defined under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The postdoc’s research should have a clear link with achieving development outcomes and impacts. Conducting science in support of the design, testing and validation of decision-support tools to advance effective and responsible innovation and scaling with CGIAR and partners will be a central part of the scope of work.
The post-doctoral research may cover various themes and topics relevant to East and Southern Africa that can be more theory- and retrospective-oriented, or more action- and prospective-oriented.
Research priorities include (but are not limited to) innovation portfolio management, end-to-end innovation management, demand-driven scaling of innovation, institutional arrangements to advance effective innovation and scaling, innovation and scaling culture change, and private sector engagement.
The science should be informed by approaches that promote inclusive and responsible innovation and scaling throughout the impact pathway (from innovation development to scaling and impact).
The CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa (Ukama Ustawi) offers a dynamic science and practice learning environment for data collection and piloting new approaches with CGIAR and partner teams.
Practice of Scaling
The more practice-oriented part of this position is related to supporting the operationalization and implementation and monitoring of scaling approaches and strategies under Ukama Ustawi. Ukama Ustawi is designing and implementing a Scaling Fund which is to support the Initiative in executing its mandate to coordinate and support scaling of CGIAR innovations through partnership with other CGIAR Initiatives, as well as with government, public and private sector. The Scaling Fund builds on previous experiences and will use the Scaling Readiness approach as a framework for designing, implementing and monitoring of scaling strategies. The Scaling Fund will offer:
A mechanism to advance the scaling of innovation packages that have a high potential for impact
A space to support in co-creation, negotiation and financing scaling action plans
Scaling tools and tactics team that offers expertise on how to (further) improve an enabling environment for scaling (sustainable finance, responsible scaling, etc.)
Beyond the Ukama Ustawi Scaling Fund, the postdoctoral fellow will support the implementation of Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) across CGIAR Initiatives with innovation and scaling activities in East and Southern Africa. This includes, but is not limited to:
Contribute to training of IPSR facilitators
Support scaling experts embedded in CGIAR Initiatives in implementing Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness plans and strategies (incl. IPSR workshops and reporting)
Coordinate scaling strategy design and support monitoring of scaling strategy implementation
Support the assessment and development of innovation and scaling (e-learning) curricula to advance the training of the next-generation of innovation and scaling experts through education and on-the-job training
Nurture broader innovation, scaling and impact culture change by playing a leading role in communities of practice, networking and learning events
Main Duties
Science of Scaling
Develop a high-level research agenda for the science of scaling in collaboration with supervisors, peers and PhD-researchers
Supervise PhD and MSc students, and junior colleagues in conducting scientific research
Conduct scientific research on the topic described in close collaboration with Ukama Ustawi
Lead the design, testing and validation of approaches and/or tools that can advance effective and responsible innovation and scaling for societal outcomes and impact
Lead the writing of scientific articles for publication in high-impact journals
Present scientific research at seminars and conferences
Practice of Scaling
Translate scientific findings into practical tools, approaches and guidelines that can support the practice of scaling
Co-lead Ukama Ustawi Scaling Fund operationalization, implementation and reporting
Contribute to efforts to strengthen capacity on innovation and scaling
Support and collaborate with Initiative and Action Area scaling experts in delivering Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness plans
Co-lead scaling strategy design, implementation and monitoring for selected innovation packages with a high scalability potential
Other Duties
Contribute to communities and of practice and exchange with PhD students and other science and practice experts in the innovation and scaling domain
Contribute to Ukama Ustawi activities that align with the innovation and scaling topic
Contribute to activities with the CGIAR Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness team
Provide periodical reflections and recommendations to Ukama Ustawi Work Package 6 team
Contribute to innovation and scaling proposal development and resource mobilization
Contribute to strategic communication about the science and practice of scaling
Requirements & qualifications:
A completed PhD in a relevant scientific field that includes considerable innovation science substance (e.g. innovation science, international development studies, science and technology studies)
Experiences in agricultural research for development, innovation and development impact, with a proven interest/ experience in working on gender inclusivity and social inclusion
An understanding/appreciation of the socio-economic and political dynamics of agricultural innovation and development in low- and middle-income or specifically SSA countries
Ability to ‘think out of the box’ and proactively propose creative research ideas (e.g. translating concepts and tools used in other sectors)
Experience in independently designing, implementing and documenting scientific research
Strong interpersonal, communication and network skills
Good knowledge of English language, in listening, speaking and writing
Track record of publishing scientific research in peer reviewed scientific journals
Experience in project management (planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting)
Ability to use advanced qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis tools, methods and software (e.g., machine learning, R, ODK are considered an advantage)
Strong digital skills – proficient in presentation, project management and collaboration tools
Experience in low- or middle income countries in agricultural/ development settings
Experience in facilitating events in a multi-cultural environment
Teamwork – ability to lead work in an agile and fast-paced environment
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; ILRI Post-Doctoral Fellow – Science and Practice of Innovation and Scaling Jobs in Kenya
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