The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an accomplished seed system specialist knowledgeable in vegetatively propagated crops to plan and coordinate a major sweetpotato multiplication and dissemination effort in Mozambique in addition to conducting seed systems research. CIP Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) main regional office is in Nairobi, Kenya and it has a country office in Maputo, Mozambique.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, 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 is headquartered 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, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.
The position: The position will be based in Maputo or Manica, Mozambique. A full-time project coordinator in planning and managing the day-to-day implementation aspects of the dissemination effort of new drought-tolerant, orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in 60 districts of Mozambique. This person will be assisted by two BSc level agronomists and extensionists from other stakeholder organizations.
Duties and Accountabilities:
• Establish and manage the multiplication and dissemination of improved sweetpotato materials in collaboration with partners as well as the marketing of processed products in specified areas
• Conduct agronomic and organoleptic trials to maximize the performance of the clones under different input conditions and agro-ecologies
• Develop a framework for M&E and impact assessment for the project in collaboration with the partners
• Engage in research to test innovative water and input management systems and vine conservation techniques
• Work closely with other scientists in the region to capitalize on potential synergies to be gained from joint planning and implementation of other nutritionally enhanced crops in the same areas based on a farming systems perspective
• Execute and report on quarterly and annual work plans consistent with project objectives
• Engage in resource mobilization efforts to expand dissemination coverage
Selection Criteria:
• Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience or Master’s Degree with at least 7 years of experience in agronomy, seed technology, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of management and multiplication systems for vegetatively propagated
• Experience in managing sweetpotato multiplication systems, including tissue culture management, highly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Good working knowledge of Portuguese requisite.
• Ability to work in an international agricultural research center, interacting with its staff and managing research programs in a variety of institutional and ecological settings.
• Demonstrated expertise planning research, analyzing data and writing timely reports.
• Experience working under difficult field conditions in a developing country setting
• Good record of publications and citations.
• Aptitude for teamwork, leadership, and communications.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work under field conditions within Mozambique.
Conditions: Employment contract will be for an initial two-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 copied to Maria Andrade at m.andrade@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 15 June 2011 and will continue until the post is filled. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
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