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Agronomist/Seed Specialist International Potato Center (CIP)

10:52:00 AM

Screening starts: Dec 20, 2011 |

Unit: SSA |

Type: Regional

Ref.: 11-30 ASS/RRS/SSA

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an Agronomist/Seed Specialist to conduct and organize CIP’s seed multiplication and germplasm and processing research with yam bean a promising but under-utilized leguminous root crop, in Ghana and Benin.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security and improving well-being and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to produce high-quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The position: This position will be based in the CIP office at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in Kumasi, Ghana. The Agronomist/Seed Specialist will work in the frame of the Yam bean project. The project seeks to improve food quality and availability and sustainability of farming systems in Central and West Africa. The Agronomist/Seed Specialist should possess excellent communication skills to ensure successful project implementation. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with local teams and partners.

Duties and Accountabilities:

  • Implement multiplication of yam bean (YB) and orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) accessions for on-station and on-farm trials
  • Supervise on-farm trials of YB and OFSP accessions in order to produce storage roots for testing YB food products
  • Manage plant quality sample preparation (YB and OFSP) for testing locally and dispatch to Lima, Peru
  • Engage selected partners with skills in food technology to process and evaluate consumer acceptability of YB-based products
  • Liaise with the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB), and scientists on joint research and provide oversight of YB processing studies at INRAB
  • Provide planting materials and backstopping to NGOs at multiplication sites and on-farm trials in Benin
  • Help prepare annual work plans and assure timely reporting.

Selection Criteria:

  • MSc in agronomy, seed system or related fields.
  • At least five years of experience managing agronomic trials and seed multiplication.
  • Experience in seed systems, and integrated crop management research.
  • Demonstrated planning and organization capabilities.
  • Excellent social skills and a collaborative style.
  • Excellent written and oral communication in English and French required.
  • Willing to work on multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Willingness to travel.

Conditions: Employment contract will be for a one-year term with a three-month probationary period with possibility to be extended. Salary will be regionally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life, and disability insurance. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 20 December, 2011 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply

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