POSTGRADUATE (DOCTORAL AND MASTERS) POSITIONS
The University of Nairobi in partnership with the University of Hohenheim (Germany), Egerton University (Kenya) and the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Kenya is participating in a project titled “Strengthening Urban Resilience in Food and Nutrition Security in Kenya” (SURE-FOOD)” sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), funding period: 1 June 2021 – 31 May 2024 (AfResi-Call). The transdisciplinary African-German project team (Universities Hohenheim, Nairobi and Egerton, and the ATPS) aims at finding sustainable solutions for strengthening knowledge and resilience systems against food insecurity and malnutrition aggravated by rapid urbanization. The goal is to provide adequate, safe, nutrition-dense, preferred and affordable food to improve health and well-being of urban dwellers, with particular focus on the most vulnerable groups. The project will cover research funding for activities linked to the thematic areas outlined under the different work packages below.
The project is seeking to recruit 5 Doctoral researchers and MSc students in various areas of research outlined below:
1. DOCTORAL POSITIONS
Work Package 1: Resilience Analytics.
PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics
The doctoral researcher will carry out socioeconomic research related to urban household food nutrition and security resilience analytics in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and household surveys, the impacts of food safety innovations and new approaches of community outreach will be evaluated.
Applicant must be a holder of a Master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics or related studies from an institution recognized by University of Nairobi (UoN) Senate.
Work Package 2: Resilience Structures.
PhD in Food Science and Technology/ Food Safety and Quality
The doctoral researcher will carry out research related to food market capacity in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements. This will involve a market survey and packaging intervention for market vendors component to establish the extent to which the market delivers safe and adequate quantities of preferred foods, year-round, for all urban dwellers, at affordable prices.
Applicant must be a holder of a Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology/ Food Safety from an institution recognized by University of Nairobi (UoN) Senate.
Work Package 3: Resilience Agents.
PhD in Food Nutrition and Dietetics
The doctoral researcher will carry out research related to nutrition education and communication in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements. It will involve designing and implementing a community-based participatory integrated (nutrition education & community gardening) intervention to enhance nutrition knowledge and promote consumption of diversified diets using local food resources among schools/households in the informal settlements. Applicant must be a holder of a Master’s degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics or related fields from an institution recognized by University of Nairobi (UoN) Senate.
Work Package 4: Resilience Champions
PhD in Food Science and Technology
The doctoral researcher will carry out research related to food policy and advocacy. This will involve stakeholder analysis of actors, their roles, linkages, contexts, power and influence along the food and nutrition security (FSN) value chain through a policy and institutional landscape study with regards to the FNS and policy dialogue/advocacy to mainstream the project outcomes into government policies and programmes. The student is expected to also develop a policy strategy for dissemination and outreach of project outcomes across all target stakeholders in the country (including city boards and assemblies) and in regional and continental forums as well as develop the “Action Plan” (resilience strengthening tool). Applicant must be a holder of a Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology; Agricultural and Applied Economics or related studies from an institution recognized by University of Nairobi (UoN) Senate.
Work Package 5: Simulation Tool “Nutrition and Health-driven Food Security Policy Generator
PhD in Biostatistics and Computing
The doctoral researcher will develop a simulation tool targeting nutrition and health. The tools are based on linear programming analysis, but there is room for innovation. Applicant must be a holder of a Master’s degree in Biostatistics or computing or relevant field from an institution recognized by University of Nairobi (UoN) Senate.
The positions will be based at the University of Nairobi and Egerton University with field activities implemented within Nairobi county.
Other Qualifications of the applicant:
- Proven interest in development topics.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Very good writing skills, team work orientation and good communication skills.
- Proficiency in computer programming, including web design and app development.
- Experience with goal programming an added advantage
2. MASTERS POSITIONS
The MSc candidate will carry out research related to nutrition education and communication in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements. It will involve data collection on nutrition related interventions at households and community level; and implementing a community-based participatory integrated intervention to enhance nutrition knowledge and promote consumption of diversified diets using local food resources among schools/households in the informal settlements. The candidates should be holders of a Bachelor's Degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics or related field with an Upper Second Class Honours or above or equivalent qualification from recognized Institutions. They should be enrolled for Master’s Degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics or related fields for at least one year (Admission shall be confirmed by letter from the Direct Board of Postgraduate Studies) and satisfied senate by passing the course work. Further, they should demonstrate to the satisfaction of SURE FOOD Project Team the ability to undertake postgraduate studies
Other Qualifications of the applicant:
- Proven interest in development topics.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Very good writing skills, team work orientation and good communication skills.
Female and male applicants are equally encouraged to apply for these positions.
Application Documents:
- A letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Admission letter
- Concept Note...
- Copies of relevant certificates.
- Contact details of 2-3 referees.
The applicants must be Kenyan citizens
Female and male applicants are equally encouraged to apply for these positions.
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS BEFORE SUBMISSION:
1. A letter of motivation
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Publication list.
4. Abstract of master’s Thesis.
5. Copies of relevant certificates.
6. Contact details of 2-3 referees.
The applicants must be Kenyan citizens
The deadline for application is 30th November, 2021.
Please submit these documents by email in a single PDF file to the PI, SURE FOOD Project, University of Nairobi at SUREFOODS UON at sure.foods.uon@gmail.com.
For any further inquiries kindly contact PI, Dr. Catherine Kunyanga at +254 722 873 357.
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