Head, Genetic Resources Center

(Ref: DDG-R4D/HGRC/10/11)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Head, Genetic Resources Center.

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.

IITA is looking for a suitably qualified person to fill the position of Head, Genetic Resources Center (GRC). IITA maintains a large genebank of both seed-based and clonally propagated species, such as cassava, yam, Musa, cowpea, soybean, maize and others. This genebank is the basis of the GRC that encapsulates the collections, the databases, research on the collections, and links to the users of the collections. The Head of GRC will give leadership to this effort and ensure the effective conservation and use of the collection within IITA and externally.

Position/Responsibilities

Provide essential oversight and leadership of the genetic resources research program, primarily within sub-Saharan Africa.

• Secure maintenance and preservation of the international collections maintained at IITA and update standard international operational procedures as appropriate.
• Maintain a strong research program on secure conservation methods for clonally propagated crops.
• Develop a strong research program on germplasm characterization, combining agromorphological and molecular data with the objective of a) evaluating the diversity of the collections and b) developing decision support tools for optimization of germplasm management.
• Develop germplasm evaluation programs in collaboration with respective breeding programs.
• Work closely with the Germplasm Health Unit on germplasm indexing and sanitation.
• Supervise all germplasm exchanges and ensure harmony with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
• Contribute to capacity building in the conservation and use of plant genetic resources worldwide.
• Take part in the development of global conservation strategies.

Educational Qualifications

PhD degree in plant breeding, genetics, conservation biology or related areas. A minimum of 8 years of experience in genetic resource conservation of seed and clonally propagated collections, molecular genetics, molecular taxonomy/phylogeny, or any other related field.

Core Competencies:

• Substantial experience in plant genetic resources conservation and use.
• Familiarity with in situ conservation.
• Experience in management of genebank operations with multiple species.
• Publication in high ranking scientific journals on ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources, genetic resource diversity assessment or evaluation, or conservation of clonally propagated species.
• Experience with database management.
• Ability to create strong and sustainable links with diverse partners.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa and good contacts with NARS scientists in the region is an added advantage.
• Proficiency with written and spoken English; knowledge of French is an asset.

Duty station: IITA Ibadan, Nigeria

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.

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

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.