Kigali Collaborative Research Centre

About the Job:

The Kigali Collaborative Research Centre (KCRC) is seeking someone to take on the role of Project Coordinator for Afri-SET, the Sensor Evaluation and Training Centre for West Africa. KCRC, a research centre located in Kigali, Rwanda manages a diverse portfolio of academic research projects focused on impact in Africa. The Afri-SET project is one of several projects focused on air quality and climate change. KCRC is seeking an individual with experience in air quality or atmospheric science who has shown success at managing research projects in Africa.

This position is a 100% full-time position for one (1) year. Upon satisfactory performance, the position can be extended for another two (2) years. The position is based in Rwanda with an anticipated December 1 start date.

Project Overview:

Low(er)-cost air quality sensors (LCS) are an important tool for air quality monitoring and management, especially in the Global South. However, the performance of LCS in the Global South, especially in Africa, still needs to be quantified before these instruments can be deployed and used with a high degree of trust and confidence. Afri-SET is a joint effort between KCRC and the University of Ghana (UG) that evaluates LCS in the West African context to begin establishing this trust and confidence. In addition to sensor evaluations, Afri-SET also focuses on capacity building/training on all aspects of air quality and atmospheric science.

Role Description:

The Project Coordinator at KCRC’s main duties fall into 5 main categories:

• Project management - ensuring KPIs and deliverables are met for project sponsors.
• Capacity building/training facilitation - conceptualizing, identifying trainers, organizing, and executing capacity building programs in air quality/atmospheric science for the Global South (especially in Africa)
• Fundraising - identifying sources of funding, writing proposals, engaging with funders.
• Network building - engaging and interacting with all parties interested in air quality in Africa including, but not limited to, NGOs, government agencies, academia, citizen scientists, industry, and international organizations. Engaging with industry is especially important for Afri-SET to continue to evaluate LCS from different manufacturers.
• Air quality/atmospheric science expertise - along with the University of Ghana-based PI and co-Project coordinator, provide guidance/mentorship to students and young

Duties:

• Project management on current funded work - ensure KPIs and deliverables are met according to contractual obligations while managing project budget. Examples include organizing training workshops, engaging with manufacturers to obtain LCS for Afri-SET evaluations, co-authoring reports on LCS performance as well as scientific and lay publications, hiring and managing personnel, filing periodic program and financial reports, and liaising with relevant KCRC administrative and financial personnel.
• Fundraising - identifying and engaging with funders to ensure long-term sustainability of Afri-SET as well as develop new extensions in other parts of Africa and other air quality/atmospheric science-related activities.

Essential Skills/Requirements:

• Demonstrated Grant and project management skills working with global funding sources.
• Can understand and work towards KPI and deliverable production in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate international collaborative activities on the African continent including workshops, training, and fieldwork and supporting finding and acquisition of research-related personnel and equipment.
• Ability to communicate and build relationships with stakeholders in air quality across the continent.
• Familiarity with air quality and/or atmospheric science through MS or PhD degree in relevant field or equivalent past work experience.
• Ability to spend a significant amount of time traveling on the African continent, Europe, and the UK supporting the research programs.
• Excellent English language communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Willingness to reside in Rwanda.
• Fluent in French or Portuguese.

How to Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume, and any qualifications via the apply button.

The cover letter should explain your specific interest in and qualifications for this job. The initial expected workload is 100%. Application review will begin on October 25, 2024.