Job title: Young Scientists Kenya Liaison and Outreach Officer
Reports to: Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) Partnerships and Programme Director
Duration of the contract: Part-time (10 days per month) for 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Location: Nairobi
Start date: Immediately
Background Information.
Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) is an exciting new initiative aiming to provide a platform for young secondary school students in Kenya to investigate development challenges, discover new technologies and advance current knowledge through research and innovation. YSK will provide students with the opportunity to participate in scientific learning experiences and to explore the unlimited potential of science.
The Ministry of Education launched Young Scientists Kenya in 2017, as the premier national schools competition for science and technology in Kenya. The proposed model is based on two already functional models; the Young Scientists Tanzania launched in 2011 and the BT-Young Scientist and Technology Exhibitions (BT-YSTE) of Ireland which was started in the 1960s. YSK will build on many of the lessons learnt from these successful models and will retain formal links with the initiative in Ireland. YSK is fully supported by Government but with strong engagement of different institutions such as universities, teachers, business representative and private sector organisations.
The YSK Liaison Officer will work with the YSK Partnerships and Programme Director to build relationships with senior and technical Government officials, at national and County levels, in an effort to position YSK as the key STEM flagship programme in Kenya. The YSK Liaison Officer will work on a part-time basis within the YSK Secretariat, which is funded through private sector sponsorship and serves an independent Advisory Board. She/he will also liaise with Government in organising successful Annual YSK Exhibitions.
Objectives of Young Scientists Kenya
The objective of YSK is to popularise science through an outreach programme and an attractive annual exhibition and competitions that schools and students can participate in. The students are encouraged to generate ideas for the projects based on the realities in their communities and will receive mentoring/ practical advice on research methodologies.
The highlight of the YSK science outreach activities includes secondary school students participating in an annual exhibition through an application process in four areas; Biological and Ecological Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Technology.
Objectives of Young Scientists Kenya (YSK).
- To galvanise public private partnerships and sponsorship on ST&I promotion at basic education level and the application ST&I for development.
- To develop and pilot test a national competition to promote natural and social sciences among secondary school students in Kenya.
- To use YSK as a tool of science culture change among young secondary school students, strengthen learning and instructional methodologies in science and technology.
JOB PURPOSE
The YSK Liaison and Outreach Officer will work closely with the YSK Partnerships and Programme Director on a part-time basis to ensure strong collaboration, visibility of YSK and buy-in from key stakeholders from the government, the academia, the private sector, development partners among others for the YSK initiative.
KEY DELIVERABLES:
Government Outreach and Liaison
Build relationships with senior and technical officials at the Ministry of Education and with key
Government stakeholders at County Level;
Secure other high level Government support/champions for YSK;
Position YSK as the key STEM flagship project in Kenya with key Government institutions.
Raise the profile of YSK at national and local levels, including through regular visits to participating
Counties;
Develop and maintain a YSK database of all County and sub-Country Heads of Education (CDE’s)
and data on all 47 County Secondary Schools;
Facilitate the smooth processes of YSK engagements in the 47 counties;
Support the YSK Partnerships and Programme Director and YSK Administrative Assistant in communication and media activities, including social media, as required, to improving visibility of
YSK activities;
Support the YSK Partnerships and Programme Director in liaison with sponsors, as needed; Submit monthly reports to the YSK Board on the Government Liaison activities and results.
Academic Qualifications and experience
Advanced degree in Management, Business Administration or Education Management Bachelor degree/background in science or a relevant field required.
Minimum of 3-5 years’ demonstrated equivalent industry experience.
Key Skills and Competencies
Excellent oral & written communication skills.
Demonstrated reasoning and strategic problem-solving abilities.
Exceptional networking and advocacy skills, including the ability to build rapport and engage
effectively with individuals and organisations from a diversity of backgrounds and contexts. Ability to understand and operate sensitively across a wide range of cultural contexts.
Ability to work effectively within an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and results-oriented culture.
Adaptability, flexibility, and openness to working collaboratively with colleagues and partners
across the country, including virtually.
Professional proficiency in English required.
Application process
All applicants must send a CV, Cover letter and expected Salary to [email protected]. Due to limited resources, YSK will contact only the shortlisted candidates, any offer made will be conditional on receipt of 3 favourable written references, (from your most recent employer, any other previous employer and a character reference). YSK reserves the right to call the referees, in case clarification is required post the receipt of complete reference forms.