Objective

icipe seeks to recruit an Audio-Visual Specialist under the ICT Unit. The position is tenable at the icipe Duduville Campus, Nairobi, Kenya. The Audiovisual Equipment Specialist will manage, coordinate, and provide technical oversight for all audio-visual assets and systems across the icipe campus. The role will ensure the availability, reliability, optimal performance, and lifecycle management of conference-room systems, auditorium technology, broadcast and recording infrastructure, digital signage, and event-support equipment. The Specialist will lead the design, integration, testing, commissioning, and user training of enterprise AV and AV-over-IP solutions, in compliance with international standards and institutional policies. Responsibilities will also include preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, vendor coordination, inventory management, and SOP development, supporting icipe’s research, capacity-building, and knowledge-dissemination activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of all campus audiovisual assets, including procurement, installation, maintenance, tracking, and disposal of AV equipment such as projectors, displays, cameras, microphones, mixers, and control systems.
• Design, configure, and commission AV-over-IP (AVoIP) systems for conference rooms, auditorium, and event spaces using industry-standard platforms such as Dante, Crestron, Q-SYS, and Netgear AV switches.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of AV systems to ensure 99%+ uptime for critical meeting rooms, broadcast studios, and hybrid-event venues.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including signal flow diagrams, rack layouts, IP addressing schemes, and user manuals using tools such as XtenAV and Microsoft Visio.
• Lead the integration of broadcast and recording infrastructure, including switchers (e.g., vMix, TriCaster), PTZ cameras, streaming encoders, and NAS storage systems for content production and archival.
• Coordinate and deliver hands-on training sessions for staff and event organizers on the operation of AV systems, control panels, wireless microphones, and video conferencing platforms.
• Oversee vendor relationships, service-level agreements (SLAs), and contractor performance for AV installations, repairs, and equipment supply to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage AV inventory and asset registers, conducting quarterly audits to track equipment
• location, condition, utilization rates, and replacement cycles.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for AV system usage, booking protocols, incident reporting, and escalation pathways to standardize service delivery across campus.
• Provide technical leadership for high-profile institutional events, including high profile visits, international conferences, and hybrid webinars, ensuring flawless audio, video, and
• streaming delivery.
• Collaborate with ICT and facilities teams to integrate AV systems with campus networks, access control, room scheduling platforms, and building management systems for smartcampus functionality.
• Specify technical requirements, evaluate vendor proposals, and participate in tender processes for AV equipment procurement, system upgrades, and infrastructure expansion projects.
• Monitor emerging AV technologies and industry trends (e.g., NDI, SRT, AI-powered cameras, wireless presentation systems) and recommend innovations that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with international AV standards (e.g., ITU, AES, SMPTE) and institutional policies on cybersecurity, data protection, and electromagnetic compatibility in all AV deployments.
• Prepare periodic reports on AV system performance, maintenance activities, budget utilization, user feedback, and improvement plans for submission to senior management and governance committees.

Key Deliverables

Audio-visual equipment setup and planning

• Schedule maintenance: Keep an accurate record of all planned meetings and allocated rooms.
• Equipment configuration: Advance room set up, configuration, and calibration of highquality audio, video, lighting, and display equipment according to event specifications.
• Cable management: Route and secure all power, network and signal cables safely to
• maintain an organized and safe environment to eliminate structural hazards.
• System testing: Perform meticulous pre-event diagnostic tests, sound checks, and video signal routing to guarantee zero technical failures during live presentations and meetings.

Event support

• Real-time operation: Manage audio mixing consoles, video switchers, camera feeds, and display screens seamlessly throughout live presentations and meetings.
• Media management: Oversee the flawless and timely playback of digital media, presentation decks, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

Recording as needed.

• Cue execution: Coordinate with event coordinators, master of ceremony or speakers to execute technical cues precisely on schedule.
• Equipment maintenance and inventory management
• Preventative maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and cleaning, firmware updates, and component testing on projectors, microphones, display screens, and control systems.
• Asset inventory: Maintain an accurate and updated inventory log of all audio visual equipment, documenting equipment status, check-outs, returns, damages, and repair timelines.
• Troubleshooting: Prompt diagnosis and resolving unexpected hardware, software, or signal flow failures under high-pressure, live-event conditions.

Customer support and logistics coordination

• End-User training: Provide clear, non-technical operational walkthroughs for staff and customers using the meeting rooms audio-visual equipment.
• Post-event support: Safely handle the shutdown and safe return and storage of all equipment following the conclusion of an event.

Mandatory Requirements

• At least three (3) years of progressive, hands-on experience in audiovisual systems design, integration, maintenance, and technical support in a corporate, institutional, or broadcast environment.
• Proven experience managing AV assets, vendor contracts, and service-level agreements in a multi-site or campus environment.

Professional Certifications

• Demonstrable professional certifications in at least two of the following AV/AVoIP platforms: Dante (Levels 1-3), Crestron, Q-SYS, Yamaha ProAV, Sennheiser, PTZOptics, NDI, or Netgear AV.
• Additional certification or training in ICT networking (e.g., Cisco CCNA, Fortinet, Peplink) and cybersecurity fundamentals will be a distinct advantage.

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in system documentation tools such as XtenAV, Microsoft Visio, or AutoCAD for creating signal flow diagrams, rack layouts, and IP schematics.
• Proficiency in video conferencing platforms e.g. MS Teams, zoom etc
• Working knowledge of broadcast and streaming technologies including video switchers (vMix, TriCaster), PTZ cameras, encoding systems, and NAS/storage architectures.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and report on AV installations, upgrades, and event-support activities using tools such as MS Project or similar.

Others:

• Experienced with Radio Automation and TV broadcast software e.g vMix, Cinegy, NextKast, Radio Cloud, Jazzler, Dm, AVRA.
• Virtual Productions with Aximmetry and Unreal Engine5.
• Experienced with Digital IP & analog broadcast consoles e.g Axia, Forum IP, Atrium, AxelTech among others.

Time Frame and Consultancy Fee

• The consultancy is for a period of 1 year. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. The Consultant will be paid monthly by icipe, subject to adherence to key deliverables and timely reporting.

Reporting

• The consultant shall report to the ICT Manager during the consultancy period.