Cropping Systems Agronomist

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (‘CIMMYT’) seeks an experienced agricultural scientist to contribute to its research, innovation, and dissemination-related activities in India. In additional to strong theoretical knowledge of agricultural systems, the ideal candidate will have a mix of practical field skills, an ability to conceptualize the challenges to agricultural development broadly, as well as specialized knowledge in one or more key areas where CIMMYT requires regional technical leadership such as weed science, water resources, or agricultural mechanization. The successful candidate will also have a problem-solving orientation and approach work with a clear focus on issues of scale, sustainability, and underlying processes. Interest in training and capacity building are a must. Work experience gained in the developing country context is desirable.

The successful applicant will join the multi-institutional and interdisciplinary team that coordinates the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (‘CSISA’). CSISA is a collaborative research for development program launched in 2009 with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the US Agency for International Development. It combines the strengths of several members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (IRRI, CIMMYT, IFPRI, ILRI, and WorldFish) in collaboration with a large number of public and private sector partners in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. The overall goal of CSISA is to increase food and income security in South Asia through the accelerated development and inclusive deployment of new varieties, sustainable and productive management technologies, and innovative policies. CSISA also endeavors to place technologies in the context of markets, risk, and other barriers that, without complementary strategies, can constrain advances in production and improvements in livelihoods.

Core Responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the development, testing, and refinement of key new agricultural technical innovations, specifically those related to sustainable intensification (e.g. conservation agriculture, site-specific management, precision water management, scale-appropriate mechanization, etc.)
• Contributing to the development of training modules and outreach materials that will support a variety of change agents including agro-dealers and extension agents
• Contributing to the definition of major change pathways that will catalyze sustainable development at scale among targeted South Asia farmers
• Developing strategic working relationships with public, private sector, and Civil Society (NGOs, Cooperatives, etc.) partners
• Mentoring and overseeing the work of project-based staff
• Communicating key messages and project progress with donors, policy makers, and other primary stakeholders
• Summarizing research findings for journal publication

Requirements:

• A PhD degree(s) in agricultural sciences
• At least 4 years post-PhD experience in applied agricultural research
• Good partnership building and networking experience with the public and private sectors
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and team-building skills
• Experience with impact pathway analysis and theories of change
• Strong proficiency in written and spoken English
• Knowledge of South Asian cropping systems (preferred)

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.

The position will be based India and will require extensive travel between project sites, primarily in the eastern states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 2 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), 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 August 5^th, 2012 at www.cimmyt.org click on “About us – Job Opportunities- 2012/29 Position”. Please complete the online application, including your cover letter, competencies and experience for the position, and a detailed CV/resume.

For further information, contact Dr. Bruno Gerard, Director, Global Conservation Agriculture Program, b.gerard@cgiar.org or the Human Resources Office, jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.