Thursday, August 3, 2023

PhD position: Doctoral student in Computer Science with focus on Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction

   
The Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, is currently accepting applications for a fully funded PhD position (4 years full-time), starting at the earliest convenience.

It is seeking a candidate with a keen interest in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, focusing specifically on Human-Robot Interaction.

The Robotics and Semantic Systems (RSS) is a growing division with collaborating groups with research and teaching in AI, Machine Learning, Robotics and Robotic Learning, Human-Robot Interaction, and Natural Language Processing. Together with the Dept. of Automatic Control, the division operates RobotLab LTH (https://robotics.lth.se), which grants access to many types of robots.

The focus of the PhD project will be human-robot collaboration, specifically investigating robot-to-human handover tasks, e.g. for surgical instruments. A detailed description of the project can be found at https://cs.lth.se/topp-elinanna/phd-project/. The project is funded by WASP and connected to the WASP Research Arena “Robotics”, providing ample opportunity for data collection and result demonstrations in addition to our own facilities at Lund University.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Digital Democracy Advisor

   
Chemonics International seeks a Digital Democracy Advisor for the anticipated $165 Million USAID Advancing Digital Democracy Activity. The goal of the Activity is to foster open, secure, and inclusive digital democracies in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights. Given that digitalization cuts across all sectors, the Activity will achieve its goal by offering to support and strengthen country-level and global multi-stakeholder coalitions that can identify opportunities for productive engagement, leverage incentive structures, and create shared language for tackling the most pressing issues in the digital age. The Digital Democracy Advisor will provide strategic technical oversight to the overall activity and will report directly to the Deputy Chief of Party. The position will be based in Washington, D.C. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

Provides strategic advice to Activity stakeholders on digital policy and regulations, legal and regulatory frameworks, internet freedom, digital human rights, and digital safety across multiple geographic regions
  • Oversees research, evaluations, and assessments on rights-respecting approaches to technology development, design, and deployment
  • Provide technical assistance to build the capacity of relevant stakeholders to promote human-respecting approaches and prevent the misuse of technology and data for digital repression
  • Facilitate the formation and strengthening of local, regional, and global networks to advance common objectives for respect and protection for human rights across the digital ecosystem
  • Supports collaborative working relationships with USAID technical staff, strategic partners, and stakeholders, and continually promotes outstanding client service and technical leadership
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and work experience in relevant technical competency area
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of experience, demonstrating technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred:
    • Legal and regulatory frameworks related to technology, digital platforms, data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, human rights protections, and/or information
    • Promotion of rights-respecting technology and business models
    • Human rights monitoring, advocacy, and reporting
    • Civic engagement, including public information campaigns, to increase advocacy and community mobilization
  • Knowledge of USAID’s Digital Strategy and industry trends in cross-cutting disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and manage working relationships with various counterparts, including USAID, government stakeholders, the private sector, academia, civil society, and technical experts on issues relating to digital democracy
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise staff, ensuring quality control of their responsibilities
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and exceptional oral and written communication skills
  • Strong knowledge of MS Office applications
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Fluency in English is required
Application instructions:

Please send an email with your CV and cover letter attached and ‘Digital Democracy Advisor’ in the subject line to [email protected] no later than August 11th 2023. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Chemonics values the protection of your personal data. If you are in the European Union, please read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process personal data. You may access the notice via the following link: https://chemonics.com/eu-recruiting-data-privacy-notice/.

Chemonics International seeks a Deputy Chief of Party

   
Chemonics International seeks a Deputy Chief of Party for the anticipated $165 Million USAID Advancing Digital Democracy Activity. The goal of the Activity is to foster open, secure, and inclusive digital democracies in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights. Given that digitalization cuts across all sectors, the Activity will achieve its goal by offering to support and strengthen country-level and global multi-stakeholder coalitions that can identify opportunities for productive engagement, leverage incentive structures, and create shared language for tackling the most pressing issues in the digital age. The Deputy Chief of Party will support the overall oversight of activity leadership and strategy and will report directly to the Chief of Party. The position will be based in Washington, D.C. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:
  • Work closely with the Chief of Party to support technical management and oversight of the activity, overseeing a portfolio of contract buy-ins from a range of USAID missions and bureaus
  • Manage a team of personnel to ensure successful delivery of buy-ins, ensuring efficient planning, coordination, development, implementation, and tracking of buy-in activities
  • Oversee development of a robust partnership network in alignment with the Activity’s objectives, the scope of buy-ins, and USAID’s commitment to locally led development
  • Coordinate with Activity staff to design, structure, and competitively tender grants under contract (GUC) and subcontracts that contribute to the Activity’s objectives
  • Use co-creation to engage new and local partners in GUC and subcontract development process
  • Contribute to annual work planning
  • Serve as acting Chief of Party, when necessary
Qualifications:
  • A bachelor’s degree in international development, business administration, governance, or a relevant technical field. An advanced degree is preferred.
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience with development projects, including managing contract buy-ins for development activities (preferably of same size, scale, and complexity) is required
  • Experience implementing development activities that support the following areas:
    • Legal and regulatory frameworks related to technology, digital platforms, data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, human rights protections, and/or information.
    • Promotion of rights-respecting technology and business models.
    • Human rights monitoring, advocacy, and reporting.
    • Civic engagement, including public information campaigns, to increase advocacy and community mobilization.
  • Experience leading diverse teams and demonstrated skills in organizing, tracking, and monitoring resources and ensuring quality control of activity implementation
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and exceptional oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of managerial processes and techniques in project management
  • Good adaptive mindset, facilitation, and collaboration skills
  • Experience with technology/technology integration is highly desirable
  • Fluent spoken, written and reading abilities in English
Application instructions:

Please send an email with your CV and cover letter attached and ‘Deputy Chief of Party’ in the subject line to [email protected] no later than August 11th 2023. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Chemonics values the protection of your personal data. If you are in the European Union, please read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process personal data. You may access the notice via the following link: https://chemonics.com/eu-recruiting-data-privacy-notice/.

Chemonics seeks a Driver & Administrative Assistant for USAID/Tanzania

   
Chemonics seeks a Driver & Administrative Assistant for the USAID/Tanzania Heshimu Bahari Activity. The USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity is part of the U.S. government’s biodiversity and climate change conservation portfolio in Tanzania. This will incorporate a series of interventions that support and strengthen the capacity for biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation in a manner that i) reduces the use of illegal and unsustainable fishing; ii) improves the governance and management of coastal land and seascapes; and iii) improves policy development and capacity to implement policies. These interventions together will reduce threats to marine and coastal biodiversity in Tanzania while moving Tanzanian institutions further on their journey to self-reliance. The Activity has four integrated objectives:
  • Strengthening the enabling framework for a network of Marine Management Areas (MMAs) and Fishery Replenishment Zones (FRZs) to support biodiversity conservation, climate resilient communities, and sustainable wild-caught fisheries.
  • Community co-management of MMAs/wild-caught fisheries and climate resilience strengthened.
  • Private sector investment in MMAs and wild-caught fisheries expanded.
  • Integration of relevant science to MMA and fisheries policy and management improved.
The driver & administrative assistant (the role will encompass both sets of responsibilities) is responsible for driving Chemonics staff, consultants and partners to locations of project meetings and activities and maintaining project vehicles in good condition. S/he will also support the project’s administrative team as needed. The position is based in Dar es Salaam with local and regional travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Driving:
  • Drive staff to meetings and appointments as assigned.
  • Helping with loading and unloading of office goods/materials and staff luggage as needed.
  • Collecting and delivering goods and documents related to project activities.
  • Operate the vehicle in accordance with the Chemonics International Vehicle Policy and ensure that passengers comply with this policy e.g., the wearing of seat belts.
  • Responsible for day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle including checking oil, water, battery, brakes, tires etc.; and ensuring it remains undamaged and in working order.
  • Ensure the vehicle is in clean condition, both inside and outside.
  • Maintain the vehicle travel and maintenance log as per policy.
  • Manage the daily mileage record and petrol consumption.
  • When dealing with outside organizations, presenting Chemonics International in the best possible manner by being tidy, helpful and courteous.
  • Report to the supervisor immediately any accident involving a project vehicle and assist in the investigation of and follow up to any such accident.
  • Notify the supervisor of any maintenance or vehicle problems.
  • Ensure the vehicle is at all times kept clean and tidy.
  • Assist the project operations staff in ensuring timely car insurance renewals
Administrative Support:
  • Coordinate procurement needs, including liaising with vendors and collecting price quotes. Assist with arranging travel, visas, and hotel accommodations for project-related travel
  • Manage online fuel reports from fuel suppliers
  • Coordinate logistics for program events
  • Compile, deliver and collect documentation from tax authorities and government entities, as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications:
  • A certification of relevant vocational training or a bachelor’s degree in administration/logistics or a related field. Vocational training and Certification from a reputable driver’s education program will be an added advantage
  • At least two years of administration and driving experience
  • Must have a current, valid license with an excellent driving record showing no history of accidents
  • Must be a skilled and experienced safe driver for highway driving
  • Sound knowledge of driving rules and regulations
  • Preferred working experience with an international organization or donor project, including skills in minor vehicle repair
  • Good communications ability in both Kiswahili and English
  • Good personal qualities with ability to function in a team environment that includes different ages, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds; demonstrated cultural sensitivity and sound understanding of the needs of vulnerable groups
  • Demonstrated high level of personal integrity
  • Excellent organizational, time management and interpersonal skills
  • Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards
  • Ability to work after normal office hours
  • Basic knowledge of first aid
  • Good knowledge of the region where the project operates, including its streets, neighborhoods, airports and government offices
Period of Performance: On/about August 31, 2023, through the life of project.

Application Instructions:

Please apply here. Applications will be reviewed through August 11th, 2023. Early applications strongly encouraged. No telephone inquiries, please.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Chemonics seeks a Communications Specialist for USAID/Tanzania

   
Chemonics seeks a Communications Specialist for the USAID/Tanzania Heshimu Bahari Activity. The USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity is part of the U.S. government’s biodiversity and climate change conservation portfolio in Tanzania. This will incorporate a series of interventions that support and strengthen the capacity for biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation in a manner that i) reduces the use of illegal and unsustainable fishing; ii) improves the governance and management of coastal land and seascapes; and iii) improves policy development and capacity to implement policies. These interventions together will reduce threats to marine and coastal biodiversity in Tanzania while moving Tanzanian institutions further on their journey to self-reliance. The Activity has four integrated objectives:
  • Strengthening the enabling framework for a network of Marine Management Areas (MMAs) and Fishery Replenishment Zones (FRZs) to support biodiversity conservation, climate resilient communities, and sustainable wild-caught fisheries.
  • Community co-management of MMAs/wild-caught fisheries and climate resilience strengthened.
  • Private sector investment in MMAs and wild-caught fisheries expanded.
  • Integration of relevant science to MMA and fisheries policy and management improved.
The communications specialist is primarily responsible for raising awareness about and reporting on Heshimu Bahari program successes. S/he will be responsible for managing all reports and written deliverables that are submitted to USAID. The communications specialist will also ensure that all project materials and communications products adhere to the Heshimu Bahari branding and marking requirements. This position is based in Dar es Salaam with local and regional travel as needed.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the Heshimu Bahari Activity that will set content and quality standards for all project materials and outreach including identifying, preparing and disseminating core messages, results, and successes to target audiences.
  • Work with project management and other project team members to develop communications activities which support the implementation of their components.
  • Draft communications products and deliverables including but not limited to annual work plans, success stories, quarterly reports, and annual reports.
  • Design, manage, and oversee implementation of communications campaigns to support specific project components and/or partner agencies programs.
  • Organize media events including press conferences, TV/Radio programs, public discussions, opinion surveys, workshops for media representatives, and other presentations in conjunction with partners.
  • Prepare and oversee pre-testing of communications messages, materials, and programs to ensure the project reaches its strategic communications goals.
  • Monitor the impact of public awareness/communications activities.
  • Help identify and manage primary contracts with the media and local communication production houses.
  • Support development and review of project publications.

General Project Communications 
  • In consultation with USAID and project staff, create project materials and templates as needed (PowerPoint presentations, brochures, etc.).
  • Review and ensure compliance of all project materials to USAID branding/marketing guidelines.
  • Train all project staff in basic communications tools and skills, including effective presentations, building success story messages into everyday interactions, measuring and reporting on impact, capturing lessons learned and best practices.
  • Support the Knowledge Management Lead to monitor the impact of project communications activities.
  • Take photos during Heshimu Bahari events and archive them on the Activity’s shared drive.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Heshimu Bahari senior leadership consistent with qualifications, this Scope of Work, and Heshimu Bahari Activity requirements.
Media Relations 
  • Write and distribute media advisories, press releases and other materials as requested by the media regarding Heshimu Bahari activities and events.
  • Attend and help organize Heshimu Bahari major events to ensure:
    • Proper USAID and Heshimu Bahari visibility (banners, logos on materials)
    • Photos are of high quality
    • Communication with journalists
  • Serve as primary project contact with journalists. Build and maintain a communications link with Heshimu Bahari experts and journalists; regularly answer media inquiries.
  • Review and/or collect press-clippings to determine Heshimu Bahari’s general visibility in the media and after major events.
  • Manage electronic and hard copy archives of all project communications materials.

Qualifications: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
  • At least 15 years of related public relations, public outreach, or communications for development experience
  • Experience in Tanzanian development sector preferred
  • Experience in helping put together key messages for key stakeholder groups
  • Ability to take the lead on organizing events
  • Strong writing skills
  • Strong knowledge of Tanzanian media
  • Demonstrated experience: producing written products such as articles, reports, fact sheets, proposals, speeches, success stories, press releases, web site content; planning and managing events and site visits, working with TV/Radio.
  • Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite are required; knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop a plus
  • Photography and videography skills
  • Understanding of USAID rules and regulations related to communications programs
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is required
  • Demonstrated leadership, versatility, interpersonal skills, and integrity

Period of Performance: On/about August 31, 2023, through the life of project.

Application Instructions:

Please apply here. Applications must be submitted by August 11th, 2023. Early applications strongly encouraged. No telephone inquiries, please.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Chemonics seeks a Finance Assistant for USAID/Tanzania

   
Chemonics seeks a Finance Assistant for the USAID/Tanzania Heshimu Bahari Activity. The USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity is part of the U.S. government’s biodiversity and climate change conservation portfolio in Tanzania. This will incorporate a series of interventions that support and strengthen the capacity for biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation in a manner that i) reduces the use of illegal and unsustainable fishing; ii) improves the governance and management of coastal land and seascapes; and iii) improves policy development and capacity to implement policies. These interventions together will reduce threats to marine and coastal biodiversity in Tanzania while moving Tanzanian institutions further on their journey to self-reliance. The Activity has four integrated objectives:
  • Strengthening the enabling framework for a network of Marine Management Areas (MMAs) and Fishery Replenishment Zones (FRZs) to support biodiversity conservation, climate resilient communities, and sustainable wild-caught fisheries.
  • Community co-management of MMAs/wild-caught fisheries and climate resilience strengthened.
  • Private sector investment in MMAs and wild-caught fisheries expanded.
  • Integration of relevant science to MMA and fisheries policy and management improved
The finance assistant is primarily responsible for preparing, recording, storing and reporting Heshimu Bahari financial transactions. The position will be entrusted with access to ABACUS, a financial and accounting system used by Chemonics International. The position is based in Dar es Salaam with local and regional travel as needed.

Responsibilities
  • Review charges and cost allocations, ensuring that all back-up documentation and approvals are available
  • Processes payments for all invoices related to procurement of goods and services, ensuring all necessary back-up documentation is verified, collected, and filed according to established operating principles and procedures
  • Processes payments for monthly payroll and benefits in a timely manner, ensuring all necessary back-up documentation is verified, collected, and filed in accordance with established operating principles and procedures
  • Processes and ensures payment of income tax, social security, and value-added taxes to the relevant Tanzanian authorities
  • Maintains the project bank account, including monitoring the account balance, outstanding checks and other transactions, and providing regular updates to the project’s accountant regarding the status of the account
  • Maintains the project’s petty cash account
  • Processes and reconciles expense reports for project staff in a timely and efficient manner, in accordance with established operating principles and procedures of both USAID and Chemonics
  • Maintains project equipment and updates inventory tracker
  • Updates project financial records using web-based software and submits monthly reports to the Chemonics’ Washington office within the established timeline
  • Assists with occasional auditing of expenses, bank deposits, issuing payments to vendors, as well as ensuring proper stewardship and accounting of funds for grants, other program activities, and program operations
  • Performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field required
  • Minimum of three years’ experience; a background working with USAID or other international donors desirable
  • Previous experience working in Tanzania
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
  • Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Office software (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint), as well as experience preparing spreadsheets, graphs and tables
  • Fluency in English required; fluency in Kiswahili preferred
Period of Performance: On/about August 31, 2023, through the life of project.

Application Instructions:

Please apply here. Applications will be reviewed through August 11th, 2023. Early applications strongly encouraged. No telephone inquiries, please.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation Director | Washington, DC | 2023

   
Chemonics International seeks a CLA Director for the anticipated $165 Million USAID Advancing Digital Democracy Activity. The goal of the Activity is to foster open, secure, and inclusive digital democracies in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights. Given that digitalization cuts across all sectors, the Activity will achieve its goal by offering to support and strengthen country-level and global multi-stakeholder coalitions that can identify opportunities for productive engagement, leverage incentive structures, and create shared language for tackling the most pressing issues in the digital age. The CLA Director will oversee the overall collaboration, learning, and adapting process and implement the monitoring and evaluation and knowledge and communications systems for the ADD activity. The position will be based in Washington, D.C. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:
  • Leads monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL), improving the availability, quality, and quantity of evidence related to the Activity’s objectives that can help to amplify and sustainability effects beyond the life of the activity
  • Builds adaptive management into the design and implementation of activities, ensuring they fit the context, the application of lessons learned, anticipation of emerging challenges, and maximum efficiency and effectiveness
  • Leads the development, revision, and implementation of the Activity’s MEL plans, ensuring that it aligns with contract requirements including client objectives, and defining indicators and drafting indicator reference sheets
  • Implements and designs the projects M&E systems and streamlining of MEL plans
  • Work with technical staff to ensure consistent and timely data collection and develop databases and spreadsheets to ensure data is well-maintained
  • Trains selected staff and partners on the operations of the M&E system and collection methods, and gather the databases of technical staff and partners to update MEL systems
  • Establishes continuous improvement systems and activities for the monitoring and evaluation of data collection in order to increase the performance of data collecting and reporting
  • Leads and oversees submission of written deliverables and strategic communications for USAID and other donors including project reports, work plans, MEL plan, one pagers, factsheets, success stories, and other related documents

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor degree in relevant field, advanced degree preferred
  • At least 5 years’ experience in MEL and/or knowledge management for USAID activities
  • Experience in designing, implementing, and managing learning and adaptive management processes, including the quality collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of information for program decision making
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff
  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building competencies coupled with strong written and verbal communication skills

Application instructions:

Please send an email with your CV and cover letter attached and ‘CLA Director’ in the subject line to [email protected] no later than August 11th 2023. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Chemonics values the protection of your personal data. If you are in the European Union, please read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process personal data. You may access the notice via the following link: https://chemonics.com/eu-recruiting-data-privacy-notice/.