Potato Breeder International Potato Center (CIP)

Ref.: 11-06/PB/IRS/SSA

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced potato breeder who has strong initiative and motivation to join its international team working to breed improved potato varieties that would help address food security and poverty reduction in developing countries. The scientist will be a member of the Genetics and Crop Improvement team at CIP and will contribute to the utilization of the unique genetic resources kept by the organization for developing potato varieties that meet the needs of developing countries in the 21st century.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tuber crops. Our vision is one of “roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor”. CIP is dedicated to contributing towards food security and improved well-being in the developing world through research and partnerships underpinned by high quality science, state of the art technology, and training. 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 (CGIAR), a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 major donors from the public and private sectors.

The Position: The Potato Breeder will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The scientist will seek to combine in novel potato varieties multiple characteristics including disease resistance, stress tolerance and a range of other characteristics which would benefit producers and consumers. The scientist will be responsible for the implementation of a state-of-the art potato breeding program in Africa and for the interactions with critical partners and stakeholders. Activities in Genetics and Crop Improvement comprise the evaluation of landraces, and of the wild and improved accessions of potato germplasm held in the CIP genebank for their use in breeding schemes and for selection and adaptation to diverse agro-ecologies including: tropical highlands, subtropical lowlands and temperate areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, prioritize and implement local use of CIP-held potato germplasm for population improvement and variety development through an Africa-based breeding/crossing program.

• Work with a team of breeding and evaluation specialists to characterize and improve access to information on performance of potato genetic resources and varieties

• Develop efficient and participatory ways of evaluating adaptation and utility of improved populations in target environments and systems

• Publish and communicate research results through journals, Internet and other outlets

• Develop concept notes and proposals in strategic research areas to sustain breeding activity

• Contribute to the global efforts in potato germplasm conservation and use and to capacity building of partners in national agricultural research systems.

Selection Criteria:

• PhD degree in Plant Breeding or associated discipline.

• A minimum of 5 years post-graduate experience in potato breeding including practical field breeding and the use of population genetics approaches.

• Excellent knowledge of genetics, plant protection, statistics and assessment and use of Genotype x Environment interaction for breeding and variety development.

• Knowledge of marker-assisted selection tools and strategies for breeding vegetatively-propagated crops. • Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

• Experience in experimental design, agronomy and field experimentation; excellent computer literacy, and data management skills.

• Strong communication and networking skills; Interest and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

• Knowledge of project management and team coordination business concepts.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of French, Portuguese and/or Spanish would be an asset.

• Strong team player, self-motivated, goal-oriented and committed to shared goals.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term. Employment conditions include an attractive remuneration package, including health care, home leave, and other benefits. Regional and international travel is required. 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 cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience at cip-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 2 January 2012, and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; 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