Head of the CIP Genebank

Ref.: 12- 08 GH/IRS/HQ

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic scientist to head our potato, sweetpotato and Andean root and tuber crops (ARTCs) germplasm bank. In close collaboration with CIP colleagues and public, private and international partners, the position has responsibilities to implement CIP’s vision to conserve, expand, characterize and distribute the world’s largest collection of roots and tubers for the benefit of humankind.

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 is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity 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 has headquarters in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The position: The position reports to the Head of Research Support Units and will be based at CIPs headquarters in Lima, Peru.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific direction and oversight to ensure the effective curation of the root and tuber collections while adhering to world class genebank standards
• Collaborate closely with the Center’s Science Leaders in planning and coordinating actions for genetic resources management, research and capacity building of partners worldwide
• Develop collaborative efforts with CIP’s leaders at headquarters and in other regions
• Develop collaborative efforts with public, private, local and international partners to advance the ex-situ conservation, collection and use of root and tuber genetic resources
• Work closely with the CIP Health Quarantine Unit and the Germplasm Acquisition and Distribution Unit to ensure world class phytosanitary standards and harmonization with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
• Represent the Center in a variety of research, investor and partner forums. Increase the visibility and reputation of the CIP genebank. Position the CIP genebank as a world-class, innovating institution that serves as a role model to other genebanks worldwide
• Conduct fundraising activities to support and expand the physical infrastructure, as well as the scope and operations of the CIP genebank.

Selection criteria:

• S/he will be a dynamic, energetic, results oriented person.
• Capacity to strategically define a long term vision for the CIP genebank and turn that into medium and short term objectives.
• Capacity to manage not only the technical aspects associated with a genebank, but also the financial and economic sides of the operations.
• PhD degree in a plant science discipline and a minimum 5 year experience in genetic resource conservation.
• Experience in management of genebank operations with multiple clonally-propagated crops.
• Extensive knowledge of treaties, conventions and IPRs on plant genetic resources.
• Strong background and publication record in fields such as: genetic resources, ex-situ conservation, diversity assessment, conservation of clonally propagated crops.
• Excellent knowledge of the ISO 17025 quality standard.
• Experience in database management and understanding of molecular tools for the characterization of genetic resources.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships and attracting funding
• Commitment to working in a multi-partner and multi-cultural environment and be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Fluency in English is required and knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

Conditions: Employment contract will be for an initial three-year term with possibility of renewal. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP provides additional benefits including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Allowances toward relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependents’ education and annual leave are also provided. 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 letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 21 March 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted. CIP seeks diversity and gender balance in its staff. Women and citizens of developing countries are encouraged to apply.