Header

Cropping Systems Agronomist

Position Title:Cropping Systems Agronomist
Type of Contract:Internationally Recruited Staff
Location:Pakistan
Desired Skills:
Description:
We are seeking an experienced agricultural scientist to contribute to its research, innovation, and dissemination-related activities in Pakistan. 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 selected scientist will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Conservation Agriculture Program, and will play a key role in Pakistan Agricultural Innovation Project (AIP), a four-year, USAID-supported Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) program, designed to promote economic growth in Pakistan by bringing more farms and more hectares under improved technologies and management practices, and by increasing the productivity and production value of livestock, horticultural, and cereal crops.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information:www.cimmyt.org. CIMMYT will manage and take overall responsibility for AIP, and manage its Cereals and Cereal Systems projects.

The selected scientist will be based at the CIMMYT Office in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Specific responsibilities of the position 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.

  • 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.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

  • 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)
We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.
To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 10 May, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12293 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org.

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