Research Assistant , International Potato Center (CIP)

Research Assistant (Ref: 13-65 RA/NRS/SSA)

The International Potato Center (CIP) and the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) are seeking a Research Assistant with skills in postharvest and value chain analysis to support implementation of a new research project on “Expanding Utilization of RTB and Reducing Their Postharvest Losses”. The position will be based in Kampala, Uganda.

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 works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

The RTB Program: The CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) is a broad alliance of research-for-development stakeholders and partners. Our shared purpose is to exploit the underutilized potential of root, tuber, and banana crops for improving nutrition and food security, increasing incomes and fostering greater gender equity – especially amongst the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations.

The Position: The Research Assistant will be based at the CIP Kampala office and will report to the Project Leader. She/he will be part of CIP’s regional team of social and health scientists. We seek to fill the position by 1 January 2014 to support timely project start-up.

Duties and responsibilities: The position involves the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support the Project Leader in research management and coordination on postharvest and value chain aspects of RTB crops.
• Contribute to developing a detailed research plan and schedule for the project in collaboration with research partners from CGIAR and national institutions in Uganda.
• Engage with research partners and private sector stakeholders to support development and monitoring of work plans and ensure timely delivery of research outputs.
• Contribute to design, implementation, analysis, and writing up of quantitative and qualitative research in collaboration with research partners.
• Contribute to capacity strengthening of research partners in the area of gender research and participatory research methodologies.
• Provide leadership in implementing at least one priority research activity, which can qualify for an Advanced Academic Degree.
• Contribute to design and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation.
• Participate in workshops, technical forums, and field visits with project partners and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to project reporting as advised by the Project Leader.

Selection Criteria:

The successful candidate will have:

• Master’s Degree in social or agricultural sciences with specific expertise in postharvest and value chain analysis; alternatively, First Degree with at least 5 years research experience and readiness to pursue Master’s Degree.
• Thorough knowledge of current approaches and methodologies in agricultural value chain, postharvest, and gender research.
• Firs-hand experience with postharvest and value chain research on RTB crops in Eastern and Central Africa; specific experience in Uganda is an advantage.
• Familiarity with the CGIAR research agenda and partnership modalities.
• Publication record on agricultural value chain, postharvest, and gender.
• Excellent proficiency of English and at least one relevant Ugandan language.
• Ability to travel frequently within Uganda and periodically on the region.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a one-year term with the possibility of renewal. This is a nationally recruited position. CIP provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

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-nbo@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 10 December 2013 and will continue until the post is filled. 

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org. 

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