Roots and Tuber Systems Agronomist

Roots and Tuber Systems Agronomist (Ref: DDG-R4D/RTA/01/10)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) with headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria invites applications for the post of Roots and Tuber Systems Agronomist.

IITA is a non-profit organization based in Africa. It works with national entities to increase food production in tropical Africa. We have over 100 international scientists and support staff and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. More information on IITA is available on http://www.iita.org/

Position: The Roots and Tuber Agronomist will work with other agronomists, plant breeders, plant health scientists, social scientists, and other colleagues to develop crop, soil and pest management options for root and tuber systems, with emphasis on cassava and yam based systems. IITA has, in the past, generated several component technologies which when applied in carefully selected combinations and with due consideration to prevailing socioeconomic factors will produce more synergistic and sustained outcomes associated with high cropping system productivity. The Systems Agronomist will provide leadership in synthesizing integrated crop, soil and pest management options with high probability of success in different agro ecological zones in sub-Saharan Africa.

Duty Station: Ibadan, IITA Headquarters, Nigeria. Frequent travel is expected and candidates should be willing to work in small-scale farm settings in Africa.

Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities for the Agronomist will include:

• Conducting strategic and adaptive research on the agronomy of root and tuber crops, building on past research and responding to needs as identified jointly with project teams.
• Investigating nutrient flows, nutrient use efficiency, and beneficial cultural practices in the use of fertilizers in root and tuber systems.
• Investigating adaptation of root and tuber crop germplasm to target environments.
• Designing, planning, testing and disseminating integrated crop, soil and pest management strategies for root and tuber systems that address farmers’ needs along different intensification gradients in sub-Saharan Africa
• Adapting and testing tools (e.g. simulation models, information systems, and GIS) for matching improved technologies to different farmer-targeted niches for root and tuber crop production.
• Contributing to studies on genotype x soil fertility interactions and the design of breeding strategies towards increased fertilizer use efficiency in root and tuber cropping systems.
• Contributing to propagation of selected root and tuber crop varieties for widespread and rapid distribution through links with national programs and the private sector.
• Resource mobilization through grant proposals and strengthening of partners’ capacities, including co-supervision of postgraduate thesis research with university lecturers.

Educational requirements: The candidate should have a PhD degree in Agronomy with experience in integrated crop, soil and pest management

Core Competencies:

• Proven skills and experience in agronomy research both in the field and the laboratory.
• Good scientific publication record.
• Familiarity with participatory and action research methods.
• Modeling of cropping systems.
• Computer literacy and statistical data analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent leadership, management, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• Fluency in oral and written English and working knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa, and good contacts with NARS scientists in the region is an added advantage.

General Information: The initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Applications: Interested persons are requested to apply to the Human Resources Manager with a copy of their CV, names and addresses of three referees and a covering letter (not more than 2 pages) indicating their interest/competency in handling the work, overview of similar work undertaken and their comments on the Terms of Reference. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://old.iita.org/cms/details/job_application.aspx.

Closing date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted