Closing date: 15 Sep 2026

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering an MSc-level applied research fellowship to evaluate the impact of bee biodiversity restoration on Robusta coffee pollination, productivity, and quality in Uganda. Robusta coffee is an important crop and source of income for smallholder farming communities across East Africa. Its production depends on healthy agroecosystems that support diverse insect pollinators and the pollination services they provide. However, changes in agricultural practices, habitat conditions, and exposure to synthetic pesticides can affect pollinator health and diversity and potentially limit pollination services and crop productivity. At the same time, beekeeping offers an opportunity for coffee farmers to diversify their income through the sale of honey and other hive-derived products. The research fellow will assess insect pollinator and forage plant diversity, pesticide residues in beehive products, and the impact of honeybee supplementation on coffee productivity to Inform policies that support pollinator-friendly coffee farming. Objective The MSc research fellow will: (i) Assess insect pollinator and bee forage plant diversity in Robusta coffee farming systems. (ii) Assess farm health through analysis of pesticide residues in beehive products. (iii) Determine the impact of honey bee supplementation on coffee productivity. Research Activities • Assess insect pollinator and bee forage plant diversity in selected Robusta coffee farms. • Collect and analyse beehive products for pesticide residues to assess farm-level risks to honey bees and other pollinators. • Conduct honey bee supplementation experiments to determine their impact on coffee productivity. Eligibility Criteria • Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as in entomology, ecology, or a related discipline, and have scored at least a second-class (upper division). • Expertise in crop pollination, plant-pollinator interactions, or agroecological farming practices. • Experience with experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. • Experience with community science and decentralized Measurement, Verification, and Reporting (MRV). • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate research findings, prepare detailed reports. • Already registered for MSc in a recognized University in Uganda. • Completed course work/year one of study, awaiting research. • Candidates who are staff members of a public university, or considered for university teaching or research staff recruitment, are encouraged to apply. • Qualified female candidates and candidates from less privileged regions or groups as well as candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse research team spanning entomology, ecology, taxonomy, and community engagement. This fellowship contributes to a partnership between icipe, Forested, and Farm Africa for Phase 1 piloting of Bee Bond, a first-in-class model for outcomes-based pollination finance in regenerative agricultural supply chains. How to apply Applications will be accepted up to 15th September 2026. Applicants must submit the following documents online (email applications will not be accepted): • A concise letter of motivation, outlining your interest in the position, relevant experience, and willingness to commit full-time. • A detailed CV (including academic background, field experience, and software skills; name, contact details, age, gender, and the names of at least two referees). • Certified copies of BSc certificate and transcripts. Selection Process • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. • Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview. For Questions and Further Information For further inquiries about the MSc project, you may contact Dr. Beatrice Nganso (bnganso@icipe.org) and copying Dr. Abdel-Rahman Elfatih (eabdel-Rahman@icipe.org), Ms. Justine Sequeira (justine.sequeira@forested.co) and Mr. Arop Samuel (arops@farmafrica.org). If you have any questions regarding icipe DRIP program, kindly contact Ms. Vivian Atieno, Capacity Building Officer, icipe. Email: vatieno@icipe.org