Systems Agronomist - The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Systems Agronomist (Consultancy) (Ref: DDG-R4D/SA/CC01/12)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Systems Agronomist.

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

As part of the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative to address global hunger and food security issues (www.feedthefuture.gov), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting multi-stakeholder agricultural research projects to sustainably intensify key African farming systems in the Sudano Sahelian zone of West Africa, the Ethiopian Highlands, and Eastern/Southern Africa. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is the lead institute for developing and implementing the project in West Africa together with a wide range of partners. This research project focuses primarily on cereal-based farming systems in Northern Ghana and Southern Mali but is intended to result in spill-over effects in other similar agro-ecological zones.

IITA is seeking an experienced consultant in systems agronomy to start the implementation of this project. This may develop into a longer term position.

The consultant will report to the Project Coordinator.

Position/Responsibilities

· Provide leadership in designing, planning and testing integrated natural resource and crop management strategies that address farmers’ needs in different intensification gradients in the savannahs of northern Ghana.

· Conduct strategic and adaptive research on the agronomy of cereal and legume crops.

· Coordinate the establishment of demonstration plots focusing on participatory dissemination of improved crop, integrated soil fertility, integrated pest management, and crop-livestock management technologies with relevant stakeholders.

· Develop, adapt and test tools (e.g., simulation models, databases, information systems, and GIS) for matching improved technologies to different farmer-targeted niches for food and cash crop production.

· Develop and disseminate recommendations for improved crop-livestock-based production systems in northern Ghana in collaboration with diverse partners.

· Work with other scientists (e.g., economists, food technologists) on the commercial opportunities for selected crops and livestock in the food, feed, and industrial markets.

· Engage in financial and human resource mobilization to strengthen the project.

· Contribute to the strengthening of NARS partners’ capacity in natural resource and crop management strategies in northern Ghana.

· Provide guidance and direction to technical staff of the project.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a PhD degree in agronomy from a recognized university.

Core Competencies:

• At least 5 years of post PhD experience in agronomy research.

• Excellent knowledge of English: working knowledge of French would be an asset.

• Knowledge of farming systems in the savannah zones in West Africa is of advantage.

Duty station: Tamale (Nyankpala), Ghana

General information: Estimated consultancy duration: 1 March 2012 to 30 September 2012

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: 10 February 2012

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

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.