Project Cohort Study Coordinator - International Potato Center

Ref.: 12-39/RRS/SSA

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a well-qualified nutritionist, or agricultural economist with a strong nutrition interest for the Sweetpotato for Profit and Health Initiative (SPHI) to work in an Agriculture-Health-Nutrition nested cohort study based in Bungoma, Western Kenya. The cohort is a sub-sample of an on-going action research project known as Mama SASHA that is exploring linking pro-vitamin A rich sweetpotato to ante-natal care services for pregnant women.

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, improved 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 contribute 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: The position requires a committed individual to work collaboratively with a team of researchers to design a longitudinal study that follows a cohort of women throughout their pregnancy and for 9 months after the birth of their child. The coordinator will subsequently be in charge of all aspects of data collection and coordination of the laboratory analysis, under the supervision of the senior project nutritionist. CIP has its main regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, but this position will is based in the Mama SASHA project office in Bungoma, Western Kenya.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Assist in the design, implementation, and analyses of a prospective agriculture-nutrition effectiveness study and coordinate the biochemical analysis
• Train and supervise field teams, ensuring that they operate smoothly
• Monitor data collection and data entry for quality control and maintain project databases
• Develop protocols for and monitor the transport and storage of biological samples
• Assist in managing all ethical clearances, the project office and project related accounts
• Ensure timely submission of progress updates, briefs and project reports
• Participate in writing peer reviewed journal publications

Selection Criteria:

• MSc. in International Nutrition, Public Health or other relevant combination of disciplines such as agricultural economics with a strong nutrition minor; Ph.D. preferred;
• At least three years’ research experience in the design and implementation of household level or community surveys in developing countries strongly preferred; relevant experience in Africa preferred;
• Knowledge of Kiswahili preferred
• Strong organizational and teambuilding skills
• Self-starter and committed to shared goals

Conditions: Employment contract will be for a 27 months with six months of probation period with possibility of renewal. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Allowances towards relocation, housing, home leave travel, and annual leave are also provided. 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 referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to CIP-recruitment@cgiar.org, copied to Frederick Grant at f.grant@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 30 May 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