Project Officer - Research and Innovation Brokerage

COLEAD is looking for a Project Officer based in Nairobi, Kenya, to strengthen its Research and Innovation Brokerage Department and support the implementation of research and innovation activities, mainly in East and Southern Africa, as part of its support programmes to the horticultural sector in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

Within the COLEAD team, you will actively contribute to the implementation and monitoring of research and innovation projects supporting partners from the private mainly in horticultural sector (fruit and vegetable production, processing and/or export-oriented companies, producer groups and organisations, consultants/service providers, professional organisations, etc.)

and the public sector (National Plant Protection Organisations, research institutes, universities and training centres, laboratories, etc.) These different projects aim to achieve the specific objective of the programmes implemented by COLEAD i.e. to enable smallholders, farmers' groups and organisations, as well as MSMEs to access national, regional, and international markets in compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and market requirements, in a sustainable framework.

The position will be based at COLEAD’s office in Nairobi, Kenya, with a primary focus on East and Southern Africa. As a Project Officer, your main tasks and responsibilities will be to provide technical, administrative and logistical support for the implementation of COLEAD's research and innovation programme, mainly in East and Southern Africa, by: Contribute to the implementation of Research and Innovation projects Support the Research and Innovation Brokerage team and Project Managers in the planning, implementation and monitoring of research activities for partner beneficiaries, covering crop protection, crop production, food loss and waste, and smart technologies: Contribute to the preparation and design of research activities, including literature reviews, surveys of COLEAD partners, and data compilation and analysis; Support the COLEAD team in drafting and reviewing terms of reference, work plans and trial protocols for the implementation of research activities; Identify appropriate and qualified local service providers and research partners, particularly in East and Southern Africa; Support the preparation and follow-up of contracts with local service providers, including deliverables, reporting and invoicing, according to COLEAD and donor procedures; Support the design, planning, implementation and reporting of field trials in coordination with Project Managers and research partners, ensuring compliance with agreed protocols and relevant standards.

Trials may cover crop production including but not limited to crop protection, seeds, varieties, loss, waste, soil and water management, as well as relevant associated digital technologies. Contribute to day-to-day technical, administrative and financial monitoring of research activities against agreed objectives, work plans, budgets and terms of reference; identify implementation constraints and follow up on agreed corrective actions; Liaise with input suppliers and manufacturers (including seed, fertiliser, and plant protection product companies) and support the logistics required for research activities; Liaise with research institutions and technical partners in East and Southern Africa, other ACP countries and the EU to support research implementation and knowledge exchange; Support liaison with relevant national and regional authorities on research activities, trial requirements and related administrative procedures ensuring that activities are fit for purpose and aligned with industry standards; Analyse requests for support from research organisations, particularly in East and Southern Africa; Assist the COLEAD team in the organisation and logistics of research-related capacity building activities, in collaboration with local partners.

Contribute to regulatory monitoring and knowledge management Contribute to the monitoring of changes in relevant national, regional, EU and international regulations; Contribute to the updating of the COLEAD Crop Production Toolbox; Contribute to the collection, quality checking and compilation of trial data and reports, and to the updating of the trials database.

Contribute to the development of technical advisory material Collect and compile data from a variety of sources on emerging issues affecting horticultural production (in particular covering sanitary and phytosanitary issues, and sustainable production); Contribute to the development of new technical advisory material based on the results of COLEAD research activities (e.

g. technical brochures and sustainable crop production guides) supporting the practical use of research findings by partners; Contribute to the provision of information (internally and externally) on the activities and results of COLEAD Research and Innovation Team, using a variety of communication tools (e.g. scientific publications, newsletters, social media).

In addition to the Research and Innovation Brokerage Department, you may also be required to contribute to the implementation of activities by other COLEAD services, namely: Market Intelligence, Technical Assistance, Training Unit, Information and Communication, Network and Alliance, Regulations and Standards and Access to Finance.

You may also be asked to: Organise and analyse calls for tenders for the pre-selection of external service providers; Attend events such as conferences, workshops, fairs and trade shows; Contribute to the development of training tools and the digitalisation process of such tools. You will work closely with the Research and Innovation Brokerage Project Managers, under the direct supervision of COLEAD's Research and Innovation Manager.

Internally, you will collaborate regularly with all members and departments of the COLEAD team. Externally, you will be in regular contact with private and public-sector partners and service providers (experts). Profil Higher education qualification in agronomy, agricultural or horticultural science, environmental science, botany or a related field.

At least 5 years’ relevant professional experience in agriculture or horticulture, including supporting project implementation in East and/or Southern Africa. Practical field experience in crop protection and applied research, including the implementation and monitoring of agricultural field trials, trial protocols, data collection, quality control, analysis and technical reporting.

Fluency in spoken and written English. Good organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise assigned activities, follow procedures and report progress to Project Managers. Clear communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently within agreed responsibilities and collaborate with colleagues and partners from different cultural backgrounds.

Initiative, adaptability and a practical approach to problem solving, combined with a willingness to learn, propose improvements and seek guidance when needed. Commitment to COLEAD’s mission and values. Assets: Experience in efficacy trials for plant protection product registration and familiarity with relevant national or regional trial requirements.

Knowledge of sustainable agricultural production, including conventional or organic systems and environmental issues affecting agriculture and trade. Knowledge of food loss and waste reduction. Familiarity with digital technologies for agriculture, including artificial intelligence and remote sensing. Experience in training or developing digital learning materials.

Knowledge of European and international regulations and standards relating to plant health, food safety, the environment and trade. Working knowledge of French, Portuguese and/or languages relevant to East and Southern Africa. Informations contractuelles This is a full-time position, based in Nairobi (Kenya), for a fixed term of one year, with the possibility of renewal.

The start date will be agreed with the selected candidate. The position is to be filled as soon as possible. Joining COLEAD means joining a multicultural and passionate team. It is also an opportunity to gain an enriching experience within a civil society organisation working for cooperation and development in ACP countries.

COLEAD's values are commitment, difference, humanity, performance, and continuous improvement. To apply, please send your CV + cover letter + references by Monday 19th of October 2026.