Ethiopian Academy of Sciences

Science Center Director

POSITION TITLE: Science Center Director

DEPARTMENT: Science Center

REPORTS TO:  Deputy Executive Director

The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) is a not-for-profit and non-governmental organization established to promote a culture of scientific inquiry and creativity and the pursuit of excellence and scholarship in the sciences among Ethiopians. EAS, which was established in 2010 and got recognition by the Act of Parliament in 2013 (Proclamation No.783/2013), is mandated to provide, inter alia, evidence-based policy advice to the government and other stakeholders. Its major activities include undertaking consensus studies, conducting convening activities such as public lectures, conferences, workshops, and symposia on issues of national priority, and promoting science, technology, and innovation.

As an institution dedicated to promoting science and technology, EAS has taken the initiative to establish the first science center in Ethiopia, which will serve as a hub to promote a culture of science and enhance public understanding of science and technology in the country. Ideally, a science center is a vast undertaking where interactive exhibits spanning various disciplines are displayed using current technological advances. The center has been established with a mission to: be a space where learning science is an enjoyable and engaging experience; inform the public on the principles and applications of science and technology; promote and foster interest in scientific curiosity and inquiry; cultivate creativity and innovation; and promote a flourishing culture of scientific enterprise. With this, EAS would like to welcome suitable candidates to apply for the position of Science Center Director.

  1. JOB SUMMARY

The Science Center Director is in charge of the overall coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the science center’s activities, reporting to the Deputy Executive Director. S/he follows up on activities such as house shows, exhibits, creating public awareness in scientific enquiry, discovery awards, fundraising and preparation.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Job Responsibility #1: Planning and Implementing Core Activities

  • Planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the center’s activities;
  • Developing policies, strategies, and guidelines for generating resources for the center via entrance fees, event fees, membership fees, souvenir shops, science cafés, etc.
  • Preparing short-, medium -, and long-term activity plans and budgets for the centers;
  • Promoting and fostering interest in scientific curiosity and inquiry;
  • Coordinating educational programs and public outreach campaigns to promote science center visits
  • Organizing visits to the science center by various communities, groups, and individuals;
  • Promoting the visibility of the science center exhibits by organizing media coverage, online displays, and other means.
  • Cultivating creativity and innovation;
  • Ensuring that the center’s equipment and exhibits are in good condition;
  • Organizing periodic public events like science fairs, science competitions, and science lectures;
  • Working with educators in developing ideas that they can use in the center;
  • Facilitating proposal development and grant application; and
  • Performing other duties as assigned by the Deputy Executive Director.

Job Responsibility #2: Staff Management

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Job Responsibility #3: Networking, Learning, and Reporting

  • Establishes and maintains formal and informal communication mechanisms with governmental and non-governmental organizations;
  • Reinforces an organized approach to work;
  • Has the ability to see the big picture and assimilate complex scientific information; and
  • Prepares quarterly, biannual, and annual performance reports.

Job Responsibility #4: Others

  • Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  • MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  1. EDUCATION/TRAINING
  2. PhD or MSc/MA in Science, Technology, Health, Agriculture, Social Sciences, or a related field.
  3. EXPERIENCE
  4. 6–8 years of relevant work experience, out of which 2 years in a senior managerial position
  5.  TECHNICAL AND OTHER SKILLS
  6. Ability to provide leadership, communicate effectively, and promote a team approach to enhance staff commitment to successfully implement the science center strategic plan;
  7. Demonstrated technical and managerial ability, sound judgment, and the ability to interact and work effectively with others at all levels;
  8. Good knowledge of natural and social science developments and issues;
  9. Good interpersonal and communication skills; and
  10. Ability to effectively liaise with public and private stakeholders.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should submit their application letter along with their CV, indicating the position they are applying for in the subject line of the email, within 10 working days of the date of this announcement via E-mail: recruit@sc.eas-et.org, or in person at the headquarter around Gulele branch of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the old historic building of the late Blaten Geta Hiruy Wolde Selassie, or you may call (+251) 11 2590799/80 for inquiries.