Yam Seed System Specialist The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Yam Seed System Specialist (Ref: DDG-R4D/YSSS/10/11)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of a Yam Seed System Specialist - Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA) project.

IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA

The position requires an individual with knowledge of clonally propagated crops, and in particular, seed systems development of these crops. Specific knowledge and understanding of yam is preferred to provide technical expertise that increases availability of high quality seed yams. She/he will work as a member of a dedicated interdisciplinary team, at IITA. The position requires active interaction with other members of the project, governmental agencies, private sector, NGOs and farmers' groups involved in seed production, certification and trade. It will also include significant travel within the region for establishment and monitoring of project activities.

Position/Responsibilities

· Execution and supervision of seed yam production system activities as per the YIIFSWA project framework, including planning, monitoring and reporting.

· Contribute to high ratio seed yam propagation research and technology transfer.

· In partnership with project team establish effective yam value chains and business models for sustainable and profitable seed yam production.

· Provide capacity building support within Nigeria and Ghana for high ratio seed yam propagation at an academic level and for more informal training of farmers and trainers.

· Coordinate on-station and on-farm activities concerning with establishment, production and promotion of breeders, foundation and certified seed yams of targeted varieties.

· Actively engage the public and private sector for enhanced adoption of high quality seed yam production technologies.

· Participate as resource person in training courses concerning with seed system activities (seed production, seed business development, seed certification and integrated management of yam).

· Together with the project team, identify critical challenges to seed yam production systems in Nigeria and Ghana, and formulate strategies to overcome these challenges, including improving public-private partnerships, private enterprise development, and linkages to the formal and informal seed sector.

· Effectively communicate with other members of the project team, especially with those involved in seed yam system development activities.

· Prepare progress reports, publications for peer reviewed journals, training modules and other documents.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a PhD degree in agronomy/agriculture, seed technology, agronomy, breeding, pathology, virology or related disciplines from a recognized university.

Core Competencies:

· At least 4 years of post-doctoral experience desired.

· Experience in tissue culture and propagation of clonally propagated crops under screenhouse and field conditions.

· Knowledge in clonal crop propagation, establishment and management of on-farm trials, integrated crop management procedures, variety release procedures, seed regulations, seed certification, seed commercialization and trade.

· Working experience / exposure to international organizations and interdisciplinary agriculture research.

· Working experience / involvement in development and promotion of multi-stakeholders commercial seed systems.

· Familiarity with agriculture and farming systems in West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. Working experience with yam (Dioscorea spp.) is desirable.

· Willingness to travel frequently and work under field conditions in Nigeria and Ghana.

· Proficiency in use of computers, application of statistical software and data management and analysis tools.

· Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

· Excellent English oral and written communication skills with knowledge of French desirable

Duty station: IITA-Ibadan, Nigeria but with extensive travel within the region.

General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application

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