GIS and Remote Sensing Scientist

Position Title:	GIS and Remote Sensing Scientist
Type of Contract:	Internationally Recruited Staff
Location:	Bangladesh
Desired Skills:
Description:	We are seeking an experienced and resourceful Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) Scientist to join a new USAID funded agricultural R4D project focussed on efficient surface water irrigation, scale-appropriate mechanization, and conservation agriculture, to sustainably intensify cropping systems in Southern Bangladesh. The five-year, > $12 million project activities are being implemented in collaboration with International Development Enterprises (iDE), and will integrate and build upon synergies created with the already operational Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh project. As the GIS and RS Scientist, you will work to implement and applied research and monitoring systems to help geographically guide and track project interventions throughout Southern Bangladesh. The successful applicant will join the multi-institutional and interdisciplinary team that coordinates the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh. CSISA is a collaborative R4D program launched in 2010 with funding from USAID. It combines the strengths CIMMYT, IRRI, and WorldFish in collaboration with public and private sector partners. For more information about CSISA, please visit: http:// www.csisaportal.com The CSISA Mechanization and Irrigation project (CSISA-M.I.) represents new and distinct project activities within CSISA. CSISA-M.I. will intensify dry season cropping in the impoverished regions of Southern Bangladesh by facilitating broad access to low-cost and efficient surface water irrigation combined with innovative agronomy, and by researching, perfecting, extending and commercializing scale-appropriate agricultural machineries and associated services at scale. To achieve these aims, CSISA-M.I. will deliver new models for public and private partnerships to increase capacities and provide the foundation for effective irrigation and mechanization service markets. 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. The position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and will require frequent travel between project field sites, primarily districts of Jessore, Khulna, and Barisal. Specific duties of this position include: Contributing to the development, testing, refinement, and implementation of new GIS and RS tools to target, guide, and monitor CIMMYT’s efforts to sustainably intensify cropping in Southern Bangladesh. Contributing to the use of RS tools to improve precision agricultural management (e.g., use of NDVI and other sensors to improve crop nutrient management or to rapidly assess soil quality). Managing geospatial databases and ensuring integration and georeferencing of all project data. Coordination and collaboration with the CSISA-M.I. Monitoring and Evaluation and Data Management coordinator to improve monitoring and data archiving systems. Mentoring and overseeing the work of project-based staff. Maintenance and archiving of field data in alignment with CIMMYT’s data management system. Communicating key messages and project progress with other scientists, donors, policy makers, and other primary stakeholders. Publication of research findings in technical reports and in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes: PhD degree in geography, remote sensing, landscape ecology, or related fields. Assiciated degrees in agricultural, hydrological, or environmental sciences, or related disciplines, would be beneficial. Excellent working experience with ArcGIS, as well as with remote sensing packages (e.g. ENVI, Erdas Imagine, others). At least 4 years of practical experience in applied GIS and RS research, preferably in the context of developing nations or South Asia. Excellent facilitation, communication, and team-building skills. Capacity and desire to work within a team framework among a group of multi-disciplinary and multi-national scientists. Strong proficiency in written and spoken English. Publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Knowledge of South Asian environmental and hydrological management issues, agricultural crop and farm systems (preferred). We will offer an initial contract for 2 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 Sunday, 19 May, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12298 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.