Purpose of the Role
The Head of the Integrated Data and Analytics Platform provides strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for icipe’s Integrated Data and Analytics Platform, one of the Centre's four primary platforms. This role positions the Centre as a leader in insect-related databases, digital research tools, and the delivery of data-driven decision-making solutions. The position integrates data management, modeling, remote sensing, socioeconomic analytics, digital tools, and monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) functions into a unified platform. The incumbent will generate foresight and impact evidence, build decision-support systems, and embed gender and social inclusion policy insights across all of icipe’s research for development work.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Provide strategic guidance for the Platform, aligned with icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2026-2030 framework.
- Lead the development and review of annual workplans and operational frameworks.
- Manage staffing, budget, and performance, promoting teamwork, innovation, and accountability.
- Foster collaboration with other icipe Platforms, Themes, and Directorates.
- Build partnerships with key stakeholders to leverage integrated data and analytics services.
Scientific Leadership in Socio-Economic Research
- Lead the design and implementation of a robust socio-economic research agenda (qualitative, quantitative, micro, and macro).
- Develop conceptual frameworks for MEL and GESI (gender equality and social inclusion) analyses.
- Integrate socio-economic analyses into multidisciplinary programs related to agri-food systems, global health, and climate change.
- Produce peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and impact studies.
Scientific Leadership in Data Science and Modelling
- Direct the implementation of advanced data science and modelling to address ecological and socio-environmental challenges.
- Provide strategic direction for geospatial analytics, Earth observation, and biostatistics.
- Integrate climate, ecological, biological, and remote sensing datasets into unified analytical pipelines.
- Design and deploy scalable, AI-driven digital advisory tools for researchers and policymakers.
Centre-wide MEL
- Lead the implementation of the Centre-wide results framework and assess performance against KPIs.
- Maintain digital tools, dashboards, and advisory systems.
- Ensure the integration of socio-economic data with other analytics to produce impact evidence.
- Strengthen institutional learning and adaptive management.
Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
- Lead the platform’s contribution to proposal development and resource mobilization.
- Establish strategic partnerships with governments, donors, universities, and the private sector.
- Represent icipe at scientific, policy, and donor forums.
Requirements and Qualifications
- PhD in Agricultural Economics, Data Science, Modelling, Geo-information, or a related field.
- Minimum of 12 years of relevant professional postdoctoral experience, including senior leadership roles.
- Expertise in agricultural socioeconomics, including econometrics and qualitative/quantitative research.
- Expertise in data and geo-information sciences, including remote sensing and Earth observation applied to environmental and health systems.
- Experience in MEL, impact assessment, and digital decision-support systems.
- Experience in research-for-development settings, preferably in Africa.
- Strong analytical, quantitative, and modeling skills.
- Proven track record in resource mobilization and managing donor relationships.
- Commitment to gender equity, youth inclusion, and ethical evidence collection.
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