Agronomist Specialist

Agronomist Specialist (Ref: 14-29 AS/IRS/ASIA)

The International Potato Center (CIP) in association with the CGIAR Consortium for the Sustainable Development of Agricultural Research in Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC Consortium) is seeking a highly skilled, results-oriented Agronomist Specialist to Head CIP’s Tashkent Office. CIP seeks diversity and gender balance in its staff. Women and citizens of developing countries are particularly urged to apply.

The Center:CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research for development with a focus on potatoes, sweetpotatoes, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is to emphasize the use of roots and tubers to improve the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equality 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 over 30 locations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The Position: This position will be based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan hosted by ICARDA-PFU (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas- Program Facilitation Unit) and will report to the Regional Operation Leader in Asia. The successful candidate will liaise with CIP-Asia Regional Office in Delhi, with CIP Headquarters in Lima, and be part of the team in charge of CIP’s strategic objective 2 (SO2): “Enhancing Food Security in Asia through the Intensification of Local Cereal-based Systems through the Adoption of the Early-Maturing Agile Potato”. Experience in potato variety evaluation and seed production is also sought as these are the two priority areas of research within CIP’s SO2 and required for support to national programs. Knowledge of approaches to agricultural system intensification and value chain or sector development will be an asset.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Head CIP’s Tashkent Office for CAC, liaising with CIP-Asia and Headquarters, SO2 team, and ICARDA-PFU to assure financial accountability, contractual norms and communication roles.
• Implement under the advice of CIP’s future Asia Potato Breeder, local use of CIP potato germplasm for population improvement and variety development.
• Contribute to building capacity of partners in national agricultural research systems (NARS) in best practices for improving potato varieties and seed systems, germplasm movement, crop management and cropping systems research with emphasis on natural resources (water) and control of main diseases and insect-pests.
• Develop efficient methods and approaches for the evaluation and selection of CIP- red germplasm with emphasis on adaptation to temperate conditions, market quality and resistance to abiotic stress, including evaluation of acceptance and utility of candidate varieties according to target environments and value chains.
• Guide local NARS in the establishment of more efficient seed potato systems, including an appropriate combination of formal, semi-formal and farmer-based seed systems.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of the CGIAR Research Programs (CRP) on Roots, Tubers and Banana, and that of Dryland Systems. Manage bilateral projects active in the region.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop proposals according to CIP’s SCP, which at the same time should contribute to strategic research areas of relevant CRPs.
• Develop a partnership strategy for implementing SO2 in the CAC region, with focus on strengthening current partnerships with NARS, NGOs, donors and other organizations.
• Publish and communicate research results primarily in international peer reviewed journals and other means.

Selection Criteria:

• PhD degree in Agronomy, Plant Breeding or related discipline.
• At least 5-10 years post-graduate experience in agronomy.
• Good knowledge of plant protection, crop management, seed potato systems, rapid multiplication methods, assessment and use of Genotype x Environment interaction for variety development.
• Experience in experimental design, implementing field experiments, statistical analysis, and excellent computer literacy.
• Interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment, respecting local culture and policies.
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of Russian, or other Turkic languages spoken in the CAC region, is highly desirable.
• Strong entrepreneurial skills and a proven background in resource mobilization and partnership building, combined with a good knowledge of donor interest and priorities in CAC.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the region, internationally and locally.

Conditions: Employment contract will be for an initial three-year term (with a three month probation period) with possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

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

How to apply:

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 ciprecruitment@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 26 May 2014 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.