Scholarship (Master of Science / Post Graduate)
The Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology (DVPMP), College of Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) of the University of Nairobi (UON) in collaboration with WorldFish and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute are offering a unique learning opportunity for gifted graduate students for two years duration to contribute to a regional project on Aquatic Animal Health research and education to support sustainable aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Background
African aquaculture is growing rapidly. Tilapia and catfish are the two most important farmed fish species in Africa. In Kenya, in addition to the two fish species, rainbow trout farming is practiced for both sport fishing and commercial farming in areas with the appropriate climatic conditions, specifically along the Aberdare ranges and Mt Kenya region. Following the economic stimulus program that promoted the establishment of aquaculture ponds in various parts of the country, the commercial and smallholder fish farmers are facing disease, production and marketing challenges that have not been fully investigated and documented. Little attention and research investments have been made to better understand disease epidemiology and control mechanisms in these cultured fish groups. With increased intensification and resultant proliferation of fish diseases, many African countries are now realizing the importance of biosecurity governance and building better aquatic animal health research capacity, diagnosis and management to support sustainable development of aquaculture in the continent. International partnerships and collaboration with expert institutions can facilitate the transition for African countries to develop and implement better biosecurity governance.
Increased Sustainability in the Aquaculture Sector in SSA, through Improved Aquatic Animal Health Management is a joint WorldFish and Norwegian Veterinary Institute’s regional project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation – Norad. Under this project, 6 master students will be enrolled to University of Nairobi with unique opportunity to be trained at WorldFish facility in Egypt, Fish for Africa Innovation Hub, undergo a one year coursework training at the University of Nairobi and be co-supervised by WorldFish and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute experts.
Requirements
We are looking for 6 talented students with background/interest in one or more domains of the following areas: fish biology, epidemiology and aquatic animal health management, microbiology, parasitology, virology, rapid molecular diagnostic, vaccinology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and contaminants, policy analysis or economics.
Applicants will be required to:
- Be in full employment in a relevant Kenyan institution or company in Kenya.
- Have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Veterinary, Fisheries, Aquaculture or related Sciences from a recognized university with a second Class honors.
- Have excellent writing and communication skills in English.
- Be willing to travel widely.
- Have strong skills in planning and management.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills and able to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment.
- Be trustworthy with high level of integrity.
Benefits
The scholarship will cover the cost of tuition fees, travels, research, thesis production and publication plus a moderate stipend for two (2) years.
Our Offer
This is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position. The successful candidates will be legally contracted by the University of Nairobi. The positions for 6 master students will be based in Kenya with significant travel for training in Egypt. Interviews are expected to be held before the beginning of 1st semester that start on 31 August 2021.Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information latest by 30 June 2021:
- A proof of employment.
- A cover letter including one-page (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate.
- Current curriculum vitae.
- Names and contacts (telephone, fax, and e-mail addresses) of two professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications. Your nominated referees ideally should have persons from each of the following category: direct supervisor, internal peer and/or direct report.
Screening will start immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Whilst we appreciate all those showing interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.
WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.
People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.
We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.