International Potato Center
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Ref: 10-37 SSS/IRS/SSA
Seed System Specialist
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an accomplished seed system specialist to conduct a globally recognized research program and to lead CIP’s research and outreach efforts on seed technology and systems in CIP’s potato and sweetpotato programs.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes and sweet potatoes, sustainable management of natural resources and urban agriculture. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals, in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger and child and maternal mortality. CIP and its partners contribute high-quality science and capacity building to the global effort to reduce poverty, hunger and malnutrition and make sustainable development possible for poor potato and sweetpotato farmers, their families and communities. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru and staff and activities in other locations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.
The position: Potato and sweetpotato are among the top five world staple crops with increasing production in developing countries, i.e. Africa. However, limited access to healthy planting material is the key constraint to productivity increase and sustainable profitability for small growers. CIP research has addressed this constraint through improvement of seed production technology and linking public and private sectors. CIP has had some success in piloting components of seed systems in developing countries linking public and private sectors, and recognizes that seed systems are an essential mechanism for disseminating new potato and sweetpotato varieties with pro-poor traits.
Duties and Accountabilities:
• Continue to enhance seed production systems for greater impact in small growers’ lives
• Manage both innovative leading-edge research in seed systems, as well as practical, field oriented integrated approaches in line with the objectives of CIP’s research programs.
• Work closely with research networks, local private sector, and national agricultural research programs in planning and coordinating CIP’s seed systems research in the regions.
• As a member of the Research Team, the incumbent will contribute to the strategy and direction of CIP’s research and represent the center in a variety of research, investor and partner forums.
• The position will be based at CIP’s Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya, with frequent international travel.
Selection Criteria:
• PhD in agricultural sciences, preferably agronomy or plant health, and 7 or more years of recent experience in practical as well as cutting edge seed systems research in vegetatively propagated crops, and experience in research management;
• Experience in managing seed born diseases in potato or sweetpotato or other vegetatively propagated crops, and familiar with regulatory seed schemes;
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships and attracting substantial research funding;
• have abilities to interact and establish strong partnerships with the private sector,
• Strong communication skills and ability to develop a close and effective working relationship with a variety of stakeholders such as researchers, administrators, and farmers;
• Commitment to work in a multi-partner, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment and in developing countries;
• Fluency in English is required and knowledge of French or Portuguese is desired
Conditions: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. 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 referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will continue until the post is filled.
All applications will be acknowledged, only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org
Please specify source in your application (DevelopmentAid.org)
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
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