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Science Writer Project Editor - International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) seeks a Science / Project Writer and Editor for the Global Wheat Program. The selected candidate will belong to the Corporate Communications Unit and report to the Unit Head, but will work directly with the Global Wheat Program Director and scientists to prepare, review and edit project proposals, scientific papers for publication in refereed journals, and help formulate project documents that meet reporting requirements of donors.

The selected candidate will have at least a BA or BSc in communications, literature, science, or other relevant fields, and at least one to three years of experience in relevant work for this position.

Essential skills for this position include:

• Experience in science writing and/or journalism.
• Strong, proven English writing and grammar skills.
• Ability to write/edit under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.
• Capacity to understand processes and issues related to science and technology.
• Clear grasp of communications strategies and creativity in applying them to raise awareness of CIMMYT’s activities and achievements.
• Ability to work in a team of researchers from many countries and cultures.

Desirable characteristics include:

• Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish.
• Experience in developing successful project proposals.
• Familiarity with international development issues.
• Familiarity with web publishing and interactive media.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT® (www.cimmyt.org), is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. The center works to sustainably increase the productivity of maize and wheat systems and thus ensure global food security and reduce poverty. The center's outputs and services include improved maize and wheat varieties and cropping systems, the conservation of maize and wheat genetic resources, and capacity building. CIMMYT belongs to and is funded by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (www.cgiar.org) and also receives support from national governments, foundations, development banks, and other public and private agencies.

CIMMYT has had enormous impact in the developing world. It is the center of excellence for work on two of the three most important food crops in the developing world. Its most famous employee, Dr. Norman Borlaug, is credited by many with saving more lives than any other individual in the history of the world. Borlaug’s work dramatically increased yields of wheat in the Indo-Gangetic plains in the 1960s and 1970s, staving off starvation for hundreds of millions. For this work, Borlaug received the Nobel Prize in 1970. Scores of other CIMMYT efforts have saved or enriched millions of lives, from releasing disease-resistant varieties and varieties resistant to drought and heat and soil deficiencies, to dispersing techniques to reduce farmer costs and post-harvest losses. In developing countries, wheat varieties developed by CIMMYT and its partners cover 75% of the area planted to modern wheat varieties.

The initial appointment is for three years, with possible renewals based on performance. The position will be preferably based at CIMMYT headquarters, near Mexico City. The starting date for the position will be 01 April 2012. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (for pre-school, elementary, secondary, and other pre-university grade levels), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.

CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Apply online no later than March 4th, 2012, go to www.cimmyt.org. Click on “About us – Job Opportunities-2012/01 Position”. Please complete the on-line application and attach a detailed CV and a cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the position.

For further information please contact Mike Listman, Head, Corporate Communications, m.listman@cgiar.org or Human Resources Officer, jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.