Assistant Director Research, Consultancy and Partnership

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) recruitment portal at recruitment.kise.ac.ke.

Prove Your Research Leadership Beyond the CV

This role demands more than a list of publications. KISE is looking for someone who can translate research into policy, forge partnerships, and drive innovation in special needs education. Your application needs to show you've done this at scale.

1. Map your experience to the 12-year requirement: The posting is specific: twelve years of relevant experience, with at least three at Principal Research and Innovation Officer level or comparable. In your CV, break down your roles by years and highlight the three years where you led research or innovation at a senior level. Use titles and dates that make this progression obvious to the screening panel.

2. Showcase partnership-building achievements: The role involves establishing local and international partnerships. Instead of just saying you 'collaborated,' quantify it: 'Established 5 research partnerships with universities across East Africa, resulting in 3 joint grant applications.' Concrete outcomes demonstrate your ability to enrich KISE's research programmes.

3. Demonstrate policy development expertise: You'll be coordinating the development and review of research policies. Prepare examples of policies or strategies you've drafted or revised. In your cover letter, mention specific policy documents you contributed to and how they improved research governance or innovation output.

4. Highlight patenting and innovation commercialization: KISE expects you to undertake patenting of research and innovations. If you have experience with intellectual property, patents, or technology transfer, make it prominent. Even if you haven't filed a patent, describe how you've supported innovation documentation or commercialization processes.

5. Prepare for questions on research dissemination: The role includes coordinating dissemination of research information. Expect interview questions on how you've communicated research findings to diverse audiences—policymakers, educators, and the public. Have examples ready of reports, conferences, or digital platforms you've used to share research.

6. Emphasize database and monitoring skills: You'll be developing a research and innovation database and monitoring programmes. Brush up on your data management and M&E skills. Be ready to discuss tools you've used (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or custom databases) and how you've used data to inform decision-making.

7. Align with KISE's mission in special needs education: Your background may be in engineering, science, or social sciences, but KISE focuses on special needs education. In your application, connect your research experience to the field of inclusive education or disability studies. Show that you understand the unique context and can apply your expertise to advance KISE's mandate.

8. Prepare a vision for research and innovation at KISE: The panel will likely ask how you would elevate KISE's research profile. Draft a brief vision statement that includes concrete steps: e.g., setting up a research repository, launching an annual innovation symposium, or creating a partnership framework with regional universities. This shows you've thought deeply about the role.