Seed Production Specialist

Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) / International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT)

Position of Locally recruited Seed Production Specialist

The Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), an international organization managed by CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) invites applications for the position of Seed Production Specialist (Nationally Recruited Staff). The incumbent would be responsible for facilitating the transfer of nurseries, evaluation of varietal screening trials and seed production on BISA farms. The incumbent would also assist in capacity building of seed growers, extension agents, service providers and farmers. The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years subject to satisfactory completion of probation period (1 year) and subsequent renewal based on satisfactory performance and availability of sufficient funds.

Major Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

 Design and implement seed road maps, including inbred line maintenance, production of breeders, pre-basic and basic seed of parental lines of various cultivars, partnership with relevant public and private sector institutions for increased certified seed production, and field-based activities for promotion and enhanced adoption of best varieties by the target communities.
 Work with other BISA staff to improve the capacity (including development of training and seed production modules, seed business training, seed multiplication) of public and private sector partners in the seed systems (including small- and medium-sized seed companies, community-based and non-governmental organizations) to empower them to produce and distribute maize and wheat seed (breeder, foundation, and certified).

Education / Experience:

 PhD in plant breeding, seed technology
 At least 5 years of experience in conducting hybrid seed production, inbred multiplication, seed certification etc
 Applied knowledge in maize and wheat seed production, management of demonstration and validation trials, variety release procedures, seed regulations, seed quality, experimental design, field trial management, data analyses using different statistical programs, and field experimental operations, preferably in maize and wheat
 Working knowledge of English and local regional languages at duty station

Professional Competencies:

 Planned and organized approach
 Strong self motivation and innovative skills
 Demonstrated good communication and organizational skills and ability to work under pressure
 Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships

Job Location:

 At BISA sites in Ladhowal, Punjab and Pusa, Bihar

Emoluments:

 Salary is negotiable and based on qualification and experience (Please indicate your expectations)

Send your application along with a copy of your CV electronically to: m.chandiramani@cgiar.org complete with your e-mail and local address with telephone number (including code). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All other CVs will be retained in our Data banks for any future requirement of similar professional staff. Reference letters may also be attached from your current supervisors if possible.

Last date of application: Last date of receipt would be May 31, 2012. The position will be treated as closed as soon as a suitable candidate in identified.