The Secretariat
ATPS has an independent and dynamically evolving Secretariat with staff to provide executive direction, administrative implementation and physical infrastructure to the network.
The new ATPS Governance Structures have also adapted a Regional Secretariat with a less hierarchical line management structure – managed by a Secretariat Management Committee (SMC). The Secretariat is led by a Secretariat Management Committee (SMC) chaired by the Executive Director. The SMC comprises the Executive Director (ED); Director of Research, Training and Communications (DRTC); Finance and Administration Manager (FAM); the STI Policy/National Chapter Liaison Officer (STIP/NCLO); the Senior Secretary/Programs Administrative Assistant (SSPAS) who is the Secretary to the SMC, and any other Senor Staff that may be appointed by the Executive Director, from time to time. The SMC provides strategic intellectual and administrative direction to the Secretariat and regional activities of the ATPS, in liaison with the ATPS National Coordinators’ Regional Council. The SMC meets regularly to review the activities of the Network for effective continuous monitoring and control and inputs into the network management decisions. Where the SMC fail to reach an agreement on specific management decision, the ED shall consult with the Executive Administrative Board Committee accordingly and/or use his discretion as per the provisions of the ATPS Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual.
As per the ATPS Articles of Association: Clause 65 the functions of the Regional Secretariat include:
- Identifying all issues of common interest among the chapters;
- Co-ordinating activities and providing overall intellectual and administrative leadership and supervision to the chapters;
- Formulating regional strategy;
- Designing regional programmes, programme of work and budget;
- Calling for regional proposals;
- Evaluating proposals submitted for funding;
- Screening , approving and funding regional activities;
- Monitoring and implementing regional activities;
- Providing guidance and oversight to national activities;
- Seeking funding for support of both national and regional activities;
- Linking the affiliate chapters with other initiatives and representing them in international fora;
- Managing and coordinating international donor support;
- Formulating , overseeing , and coordinating operational standards of the affiliate chapters;
- Managing accountability and reporting systems of the company Network including affiliate chapters;
- Inspecting and audit records and accounts of the affiliate chapters;
- Co-ordination of all the reports and research publication relating to the work done in pursuit of the company’s objects;
- To promote, encourage and assist in various forms of product development through research analysis, publication, marketing, royalties, licensing and related activities for the benefit of the company;
- To own and protect intellectual property including patent prosecution.
The adoption of the new less hierarchical structure of the Secretariat Line management followed the recommendations of the ATPS regional Secretariat SWOT analyses conducted on 22 June 2007 and the subsequent decision no. 12.9.2.3 of the 12th ATPS Board meeting dated 28 June 2007 The specific terms of reference for each position are held at the ATPS Secretariat Finance and Administration Department.
Acronyms
- ED—Executive Director (Board appointed)
- DRTC—Director of Research Training & Communications (Board appointed)
- RTCL—Research Training and Communications Leader
- SCOO—Senior Communications and Outreach Officer
- FAM—Finance and Admin Manager
- SSPAS—Senior Secretary/Programs Administrative Assistant
- SROs—Senior Research Officers
- ROs—Research Officers – Pre- or Post Doctorates
- COOs—Communications Officers
- STIP/NCLO—STI Policy / National Chapter Liaison Officer
- AO—Accounts Officer
- ITA—Information Technology Assistant
- AAR—Administrative Assistant/ Receptionist
- DM—Driver/Messenger
- RAs/Interns—Research Assistants/Student Internship
Interns
Secretariat Staff
Executive Director
Dr.Kevin Chika Urama is the Executive Director at ATPS. Dr Urama holds a PhD in Land Economy (Environmental and Ecological Economics Option), with the 2002-3 James Claydon Prize for the most outstanding PhD thesis in Economics or related subjects, St. Edmund's College, University of Cambridge. He has an MPhil in Environmental and Ecological Economics from the University of Cambridge (Distinction) and an MSc in Agricultural Finance, University of Nigeria (Prize for the best MSc in Faculty). He has a first class honours degree in Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria.
He is experienced in developing and managing collaborative trans-disciplinary projects and research networks for effective technology / knowledge sharing amongst relevant institutions and networks in Europe and Africa. Dr. Urama sits on various Boards, Advisory Boards and Advisory Councils for many science, technology, and innovation-based initiatives, including the international Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) and the Responsible Innovation (MVI) of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, (NWO). He sits on various editorial Boards for international journals including Ecological Economics, Science and Public Policy, Environmental Policy and Governance, etc. Dr. Urama is also the Inaugural President of the African Society for Ecological Economics (ASEE), the African chapter of the International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE). He is currently the Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the UNEP Global Climate Change Adaptation Network for Africa, and member of the UNEP International Panel for Sustainable natural resource management. He holds many distinctive prizes and awards for academic excellence and leadership.
Before joining ATPS as Director on 01 September 2007 and subsequent confirmation as Executive Director in November 2007, he was leading large international and trans-disciplinary research programs at the Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen UK, where he retains his position as a Senior Research Fellow. He is blessed with a wife: Charity, an environmental scientist; and three children: Kevin (Jnr), Charity (Jnr) and Emmanuel.
Selected Publications
Kevin has over 60 publications in various media including international journals, book chapters, popular articles, etc
Other Current Positions
- Co-Chair, Steering Committee of the UNEP Global Climate Change Adaptation Network for Africa,.
- Member, UNEP International Panel for Sustainable Natural Resources Management, http://www.unep.fr/scp/rpanel/pdf/Introduction_to_the_Resource_Panel.pdf
- 2004- Present: Inaugural President, African Society for Ecological Economics (ASEE); http://www.ecoecoafrica.org.
- 2005- Present: Lead Resource Person: African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) Water and Environment program, http://www.atpsnet.org/
- 2003- Present: Associate Research Fellow, African Institute for Applied Economics, (AIAE), 128 Park Avenue, GRA, P.O. Box 2147, Enugu, Nigeria, http://www.aiae-nigeria.org.
- 2003- 2008: Hon. Research Fellow, Geography and Environment within the Geosciences School, University of Aberdeen, UK, http://www.abdn.ac.uk
Finance and Administration Manager
Richard Murimi Muriuki is the Finance and Administration Manager at ATPS. He is responsible for the overall Administration, Personnel and Finance management at the ATPS. He is also responsible for providing information, technical support and advice to the ATPS team in all HR and finance related matters and coordinating such activities. In addition Mr Muriuki is responsible for provision of strategic leadership and guidance in developing and implementing guidelines and procedures governing finance, human resources and administration support system at the ATPS.
Prior to joining to becoming the ATPS Finance and Administration Manager, Richard served as the ATPS Finance Officer. Mr Murimi also worked for Swift global (K) Ltd as an Accountant before joining the ATPS.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Education (Economics and Accounting) and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K). He also holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Institute of Human Resource Management and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi.
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Senior Secretary and Program Administrative Assistant
Ms. Carol Thuku is a Senior Secretary and Programme Adminstrative Assistant at the African Technology policy Studies Network (ATPS). She joined the network in 2000 from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) where she did her internship and worked briefly as a receptionist and temporary secretary.
Carol is a professional secretary with certification from the Pitman Qualifications body before the brand was fully integrated into City & Guilds (UK) a few years ago. She has over 9 years experience in providing outstanding administrative and personal support to the office of the ATPS Executive Director. She also has long standing practical experience in programme and grant administration as well as coordination of conference and workshop logistics.
Carol is currently in her final year of study at the Africa Nazarene University where she is undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) majoring in Management. She is conversant in basic French.
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Senior Research Officer
Nicholas Ozor, B. Agric (Nig.,First Class Honours); MSc (Nig., Distinction) Ph.D. (Reading & Nig.), is a Senior Research Officer at the African Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS) Nairobi, Kenya where he provides leadership in Climate Change and Agricultural Innovations research and research capacity building. Prior to his appointment at the ATPS he worked as a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Dr Ozor is a Commonwealth Scholar(Split-site Doctoral Programme) and holds the Best PhD Thesis Award inAgriculture in Nigeria, 2006, under the Nigerian Universities Doctoral Theses Award Scheme (NUDTAS) organized by the National Universities Commission. He also holds the Wellcome Trust Award for the Best PhD Presenter in 2006 during the Development Studies Association Conference at the University of Reading,United Kingdom.
Dr Ozor has led and is currently leading many internationally funded research studies bordering on natural resource management, innovation studies, climate change, development issues,policy issues, technology management and transfer, advocacy, and private sector involvements. He has good mastery of the computers and its applications to problem solving situations. Dr Ozor is a member of many professional organizations and has published over 40 articles in reputable international journals and as book chapters. He has attended many international conferences/workshops aimed at evolving sustainable best practices for national, regional and international development initiatives. He holds many distinctive prizes and awards for academic excellence and good community leadership. Dr Ozor’s vision is to be at the frontier of learning and in the consequent application of the rich knowledge acquired to make a positive difference to humanity. He is married to Gloria, a literary artiste, and blessed with children.
You can contact Dr Ozor on the following email address: nozor@atpsnet.org;
Driver/Messenger
Richard Muchesia Inyende is the Driver/Messenger at ATPS. His main duties include delivering and posting letters and general transport logistics.
Richard has also successfully undergone training on anti-carjacking techniques at Glen Edmonds Performance Driving School.
IT Assistant
Akenga Joined ATPS on 1st July 2008 as an intern in the information technology section of the Finance and Administration department. He was later retained on a part time basis in 2009 in the same capacity while still taking his studies. Akenga was confirmed as a full time employee at ATPS in January 2010
Akenga holds a Bsc. degree in Software Engineering from Kenyatta University and is currently undergoing training in Oracle Database Administration.
While at ATPS, Nelson manages the Local Area Network, the ATPS website together with its mini sites and the library, as well as providing technical support to staff.
Communications Assistant
Hannah joined ATPS on May 1st 2010 as an intern in the communications department and currently works as a communication assistant. She holds a Bsc. Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi. While at ATPS, Hannah assists with communication and stakeholder dialogue by writing conference proceedings summary reports, assisting in preparation of promotional and advocacy materials, assisting in knowledge brokerage and policy advocacy, research capacity building and administrative duties as assigned by the Ag. Senior communications and outreach officer.
Hannah is currently on study leave
Research Officer
Ernest Nti Acheampong is a research officer at ATPS. He is responsible for undertaking research, coordinating research capacity building programs, and fundraising activities. He was previously working for the International Water Management Institute, Accra, Ghana, as a research officer.
Ernest holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He also holds a double master degree in International Land and Water Management, and Agricultural Systems Research and Development from the Wageningen University and Research Center and Montpellier SupAgro in the Netherlands and France respectively.
Ernest has worked with both national and international Non-Governmental Research Organizations who are engaged in multi-disciplinary research. He has engaged in several research projects including the Community Integrated Conservation Project, Climate Steward Programs, Basin Focal Project and Agricultural Water Management Solutions Project.
Ernest has also gained additional knowledge and experiences through participation in research training and development programs in tropical ecology and biodiversity conservation organized by the Tropical Biology Association in Madagascar, and the Earthwatch Institute in Kenya, and Capacity Building in Agricultural Water Management Strategies using AquaCrop model, jointly organized by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) and Soil and Water Environmental Research Institute (SWERI), Cairo, Egypt.
Post-doctoral Research Officer
Michèle Francine Mbo’o-Tchouawou is a Post-doctoral Research Officer at the ATPS; where she provides research supports and undertakes fieldwork on thematic research projects and programs. She is also involved in some internationally funded research activities including innovation studies, technology transfer and climate change as well as other environmental issues.
She Holds a B.Com (with Honors, HEC-ESCI, Morocco); an MSc. (Distinction, University of Clermont-Ferrand II & University of Paris Sud 11, France); and a Ph.D. in Economics (University of Paris Sud 11, France).
Before joining ATPS, she was an associate tutor in Economics at Ecole Polytechnique and postdoctoral research fellow with the Innovation and Regulation of Digital Services Chair in Paris, France where she carried out scientific research on how to analyze innovation dynamics and ICTs innovative business models. She also had four years of teaching experience as lecturer in Economics at the University of Paris Sud 11 (France) and the Telecom & Management Institute - SudParis (Evry, France).
Communications Assistant
Jacinta Kahi is a Communications Assistant at ATPS. At ATPS, she is responsible for reviewing and editing ATPS publications; supporting the Francophone National chapters; translating ATPS publications from English-French-English; managing the ATPS Library; being a rapporteur at ATPS meetings; transcribing conference proceedings; assisting in media outreach and dissemination of information; assisting in regular updating of the ATPS website; assisting in administrative work
She holds a Bachelor of Education degree (Arts – French and Secretarial Studies) from Kenyatta University. Prior to working at ATPS, Jacinta was working as a Content Editor at Inmobia Entertainment.
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Administration & Programmes Assistant
Eunice Kariuki is an Administration & Programmes Assistant at ATPS. Her main duties include Procurement of goods and services for ATP office, Monitor the supply of materials in the office in the office including stationeries and replenish them as required among others.
Eunice holds a BSc degree in International Business Administration from United States International University, a Diploma in Secretarial duties from PITMANS, Level 1 of Accounts and International Computer Driving license levels 1 and 2. She is currently pursuing an MBA from Daystar university,
Eunice has worked at AICAD (African Institute for Capacity Development) as an Administrative Assistant, a Programmes Assistant and as a Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of a Car Dealing Company In Nairobi