JOB OPPORTUNITIES

VACANCY NOTICE

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is currently offering two biosafety fellowships in the framework of a new capacity building initiative focused on Subsaharan Africa. The ICGEB is an international, intergovernmental organisation conceived as a centre of excellence for research and training in genetic engineering and biotechnology with special regard to the needs of the developing world, and has developed a comprehensive programme on biosafety centred on capacity building and dissemination of scientific information.

The prime objective of this new iniative is to strengthen the ability of developing countries in Subsaharan Africa to fully integrate into the worldwide effort to assure full and balanced consideration of biosafety issues in pursuing the appropriate uses of modern biotechnology in agriculture. This will be achieved, inter alia, by the establishment and staffing of satellite focal points of biosafety expertise in Subsaharan Africa to support local and regional regulatory systems overseeing the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The fellows will be trained, initially in ICGEB's Biosafety Unit, Trieste, Italy to become “Biosafety Specialists” for the focal points envisaged in Southern Africa.

Once re-located to the ICGEB-Cape Town component, they will orchestrate the development of the initiative from within the African region, responding to the identified needs of the governments, local authorities and institutions involved. This will include, inter alia, carrying out face-to-face interviews with key personnel in the region, as well as organising and implementing regionally-based workshops, and accompanying delegations from Subsaharan African countries to regional and international biosafety meetings.

The fellowships are for a period of 3 years with an annual remuneration of 24,000 Euro per annum, and travel to and from the fellow’s country of origin or South Africa (whichever is most pertinent), as well as medical insurance for the duration of the fellowship, will be provided.

 General Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidates will:

• be nationals from a Subsaharan African country (not necessarily currently based in Africa),
• hold an advanced degree (preferably a Ph.D. in a biotechnology-related field) and/or have at least two years of experience in the field of biosafety,
• have an acute awareness of regional biosafety-related issues,
• have experience in roles requiring consultative and analytical skills, for example, forming partnerships with individuals and organisations to enhance project goals,
• have exceptional written and oral communication skills, in positions requiring culturally sensitive communication with a broad and diverse audience; have demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a team effort, possess highest integrity,
• be able to travel as needs dictate,
• preferably be below the age of 40.

An application consisting of a statement of interest (1-2 pages), a complete curriculum vitae, a list of publications, an English Language Proficiency Certificate (such as TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate or equivalent [non applicable when scholastic education has been conducted in English]), along with 3 letters of recommendation must be submitted, quoting the reference BMG/08/010 and where the announcement was first seen, to the address below on or before 15 August 2008.

Applications from women are particularly encouraged.

For further information contact:

Dr. Wendy Craig, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB),
Padriciano 99, 34012 Trieste, Italy. Tel.: +39-040-3757383, Fax: +39-040-226555, Email: craig@icgeb.org

Send applications (preferably by Email) to:

ICGEB Biosafety Unit
Padriciano, 99
34012 Trieste
Tel. +39-040-3757320; Fax: +39-040-226555; Email: biosafe@icgeb.org

Download the PDF version of the Vacancy Notice