Potato Scientist

International Potato Center
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

       Ref:  12-95 PS/RRS/SSA

Potato Scientist

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an innovative potato scientist with experience to undertake research studies and implement project activities to strengthen potato research in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

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 CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The Position: This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The scientist will be engaged primarily in the implementation of project related research activities in the region, to strengthen potato research in a holistic manner by interlinking specific disciplines into a systems approach. The scientist should be committed to using research for development in a complex cooperative environment of research and development partners, specifically focusing in capacity building of partners in a PPP approach, in alignment with CIP’s regional and the CRP’s priority setting.

Duties and Accountabilities:

·         Conduct targeted research on potato cropping, adaptation, evaluation, and other research activities for the CRP’s 3.4 Roots, Tubers, and Bananas and CRP 1.2 Humid Tropics Systems, currently conducted within the Sub-Saharan Africa region

·         Contribute to research activities and implementation strategies for seed systems in the context of African countries

·         Contribute to research activities in holistic system approaches to improve potato-based cropping systems in particular research related to agronomy and phytopathology

·         Develop partnerships and propose resource mobilization strategies such as training programs and other joint activities to strengthen the potato program in Sub-Saharan Africa

The successful candidate will have:

·         PhD degree in phytopathology, agronomy, seed system or related field, preferably in potato.

·         At least two years’ research experience in the design and implementation of crop management and seed systems

·         Capable of developing and applying innovative concepts in crop diversity assessment and evolutionary studies

·         Demonstrated success in working within inter-disciplinary teams and partnerships for research implementation;

·         Bring in a network of scientific contacts for collaborative research

·         Experience as a team member in collaborative, multi-disciplinary proposal writing

·         A good publication record consistent with years of research experience;

·         Excellent social skills and a collaborative style;

·         Willingness to work in a multicultural team and being culturally sensitive;

·         Proactive, innovative and creative attitudes;

·         Willingness to travel extensively within the region;

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Good working knowledge of French, Portuguese and/or Spanish is an asset.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term with the possibility of renewal. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.

Applications:  Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, 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 Elmar Schulte-Geldermann (e.schulte -geldermann@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 5 November 2012 and will continue until the post is filled.

CIP seeks diversity and gender balance in its staff.

Women and citizens of developing countries are particularly urged to apply.

To learn more about CIP please visit http://www.cipotato.org/cip/jobs.asp