AfricaRice , Extension Agronomist (Coordinator of the SARD-SC Project)
Extension Agronomist
(Coordinator of the SARD-SC project)
Ref: IRS/05/RD/2012
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) wishes to employ a highly qualified Extension Agronomist (Coordinator of the SARD-SC Project) who will be based at AfricaRice in Cotonou, Benin.
Authority
The Extension Agronomist will be based at AfricaRice in Cotonou, Benin. He/she will coordinate the Multinational-CGIAR project ‘Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC)’, funded by the African Development Bank and implemented by AfricaRice. He/she will report to the program leader of the Rice Sector Development (RSD) Program. The Extension Agronomist will be part of a multi-disciplinary research team working to sustain and improve the productivity of rice-based systems in Africa in line with AfricaRice’s mission and mandate.
About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is an association of 24 African member states and one of the 15 international Centers supported by the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR). The Center’s mission is to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa, through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment.
Responsibilities
The Extension Agronomist will:
- Pro-actively facilitate the dissemination of good agricultural practices from land preparation to harvest and post-harvest practices in ‘rice sector development hubs’, selected by national partners in sub-Saharan Africa;
- Liaise with different partners involved in rice production, i.e. farmer organizations, agricultural machinery manufacturers, input dealers, and rice marketers and promote the establishment of sustainable public-private sector partnerships along the rice-value chain;
- Expand and nurture a strong network of partners involved in rice research and development activities;
- Provide feedback to scientists on the performance of rice technologies;
o Coordinate an inter-disciplinary, international and culturally diverse project team within the SARD-SC project;
o Be responsible for the overall implementation, including functional administrative and financial management, of all SARD-SC project activities;
o Develop project implementation, monitoring, delivery and communication plans together with work package leaders and national coordinators;
o Conduct backstopping visits to participating countries and partners;
o Maintain donor relations and ensure timely submission of progress, technical and financial reports;
o Manage contracts between AfricaRice and national project partners;
o Assure visibility of the SARD-SC project in coordination with the Information and Knowledge Management specialist;
o Ensure synergies and links between the SARD-SC project and other projects implemented by AfricaRice and partners in sub-Saharan Africa;
- Undertake any other duties as required by the needs of the Center.
Qualifications
- PhD degree in a relevant field;
- At least 5 years of experience in agriculture, research & development, and project management;
- Strong project and team management experience (demonstrated success in managing at least two multi-country agricultural projects of significant duration);
- Working experience / exposure to international organizations and interdisciplinary agricultural research;
- Working experience in Africa and knowledge of rice-based systems are considered important assets;
- Fluency in oral and written English with a working knowledge of French.
Terms and Conditions
o This is an internationally recruited position.
o AfricaRice provides an attractive international salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
o The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility for renewal.
Application procedure
Candidates should send an application (including a cover letter and a detailed CV with the following information: Name, surname, gender, date of birth, family status, nationality, certificates obtained, professional experience, language skills (French/English), and the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / email) of three referees.
To apply online for this position, please click on the following web link:
Applications will be considered up to 30 March, 2012.
AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations, and encourages applications from women and developing country professionals.
AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only short listed candidates will be contacted.
To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at www.AfricaRice.org
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