Closing date: 18 Sep 2026

Background

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is an international research institute headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, working across Africa to contribute to sustainable development through research and innovation in insect science and related areas. icipe’s research addresses challenges related to food and nutrition security, human and animal health, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and gender-responsive approaches. Through multidisciplinary research, capacity strengthening, partnerships, and policy engagement, icipe contributes to generating evidence and innovations that support resilient and sustainable food systems.

The Regional Multi-Actor Research Network on Agroecology in East Africa (RMRN-EA) is an EU-funded regional initiative supporting research, learning, and engagement among multiple actors to advance agroecological transitions in East Africa. The project seeks to contribute to a sustainable agri-food system transition in sub-Saharan Africa based on agroecological principles and practices. Implemented in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the project establishes and operationalises a regional multi-actor research network to strengthen collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and evidence for agroecological transitions.

As part of the project’s commitment to promoting inclusive and gender-responsive agroecological transformation, applications are invited from a suitably qualified master’s degree candidate to undertake research on gender and policy analysis for agroecology in the project countries.

Research Focus

The selected student will undertake a policy analysis examining how gender considerations are reflected, addressed, and mainstreamed within policies, strategies, frameworks, and institutional arrangements relevant to agroecology.

The research may explore, among other areas:

• The extent to which agroecology-related policies recognise gender inequalities and differentiated roles, needs, and priorities of women and men.
• How policies address women’s, men’s and youth’s access to and control over productive resources, knowledge, technologies, markets, finance, and decision-making.
• The extent to which gender is integrated into national and regional agroecology policies, strategies, programmes, and implementation frameworks.
• Institutional mechanisms and capacities for implementing gender-responsive agroecology policies.
• Policy gaps, opportunities, and enabling conditions for advancing gender-responsive agroecological transitions.
• Recommendations for strengthening gender responsiveness in agroecology policy and implementation.

The research may involve desk-based policy review and analysis, complemented by key informant interviews and/or stakeholder consultations, depending on the agreed research design.

Key Responsibilities

The selected Master’s student will:

1. Develop a research proposal and analytical framework in consultation with the project supervisory team.
2. Identify and review relevant policies, strategies, legislation, programmes, and institutional frameworks related to agroecology and gender.
3. Conduct a systematic gender analysis of selected policy documents.
4. Undertake stakeholder consultations or key informant interviews where appropriate.
5. Analyse and synthesise findings across the selected country/countries.
6. Develop recommendations for strengthening gender-responsive agroecology policies and implementation.
7. Prepare a Master’s thesis/dissertation and a policy-oriented research output, such as a policy brief or journal manuscript.
8. Present findings to relevant RMRN-EA stakeholders and contribute to project knowledge-sharing activities.

Eligibility

Applicants should:

• Be currently enrolled in a master’s degree programme in development studies, agricultural economics, agricultural and applied economics, gender studies, environmental studies, public policy, sociology, economics, or a related discipline.
• Have successfully or about to complete Msc coursework.
• Have a demonstrated interest in gender, agricultural development, agroecology, food systems, policy analysis, or sustainable development.
• Have basic knowledge and/or experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Be able to undertake independent research while working effectively with a multidisciplinary research team.
• Have an interest in producing research that can contribute to policy and practice.

Preference may be given to candidates with prior experience in gender analysis, policy research, agricultural or food systems research, or agroecology.

 

Geographic Scope

The research will be situated within the RMRN-EA project countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Depending on the approved research design, the student may focus on one country or undertake a comparative analysis across two or more countries.

 

Expected Outputs

The selected student is expected to produce:

• An approved Master’s research proposal.
• A gender-responsive policy analysis framework.
• A comprehensive policy analysis report/thesis.
• A policy brief highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• A presentation of findings to relevant RMRN-EA stakeholders.
• Where feasible, a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

 

Supervision and Collaboration

The student will work under the supervision of their university academic supervisor and in collaboration with the RMRN-EA project research team. The project team will provide technical guidance on the research focus, policy analysis framework, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of findings.

The research is expected to contribute both to the student’s academic requirements and to the broader evidence base supporting gender-responsive agroecological transitions in East Africa.

Duration

The research is expected to be undertaken over approximately 12 months, aligned with the student’s Master’s programme and the RMRN-EA project timeline.

 

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A CV (maximum 3 pages).
2. A motivation letter (maximum 1 page) outlining their interest in the research opportunity and relevant experience.
3. A brief research concept note (2–3 pages) outlining the proposed research question, objectives, methodology, and expected contribution.
4. Proof of current Master’s enrolment and completion of coursework.
5. Contact details of two academic/professional referees, including the university supervisor where applicable.

Application Submission

Applications should be submitted electronically through icipe CBID platform by 18 September 2026 with the subject line: “Application – Master’s Research on Gender Policy Analysis for Agroecology”

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

RMRN-EA is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and equitable participation in research. Applications from suitably qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Beatrice Muriithi/ Dr. Frank Chidawanyika

bmuriithi@icipe.org / fchidawanyika@icipe.org