Maize Seed Systems Specialist for Latin America

Support Latin American smallholders and seed producers in improving maize productivity and the competitiveness of the regional seed industry!

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and results-oriented Maize Seed Systems Specialist with excellent understanding and skills in seed production and breeding, to join our international team of scientists working on improving the livelihoods of maize farmers in the developing world.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more info www.cimmyt.org   

The scientist will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program (GMP) and will contribute to the deployment of high-yielding, stress tolerant maize germplasm in Mexico and Latin America. The position contributes to and draws on the experiences of a large multi-disciplinary research team with focus on deploying improved maize cultivars.

The position will be based at the CIMMYT Headquarters in El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico, but will involve frequent travel, including other CIMMYT field sites in Mexico, besides active collaboration with public and private seed enterprises, and local and international partners.

The main responsibilities of the position will be:

• To provide string support for seed production and deployment of improved maize cultivars to the farmers in Mexico, in active collaboration with the maize seed sector in the country.
• To design and implement seed commercialization plans, including inbred line maintenance, production of breeders, pre-basic and basic seed of parental lines of CIMMYT-based cultivars, partnership with relevant public and private sector institutions for increased commercial seed production, and field-based activities for promotion and enhanced adoption of elite maize varieties by the target communities.
• To work with partner organizations involved in promoting and harmonizing the seed sector in Mexico.
• To work with other CIMMYT staff to improve the capacity of public and private sector partners in the seed systems (including small- and medium-sized seed companies, community-based and non-governmental organizations) through development of training modules on seed production, and conducting training in seed business management, seed multiplication, seed marketing, quality assurance, etc.) to empower them to produce and distribute maize seed.
• To perform other duties as directed by supervisor.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• MSc/PhD degree in Plant breeding, Agronomy, Seed technology or related field.
• Applied knowledge in maize seed production, management of demonstration and validation trials, variety release procedures, seed regulations, seed quality, experimental design, field trial management, data analyses using different statistical programs, and field experimental operations, preferably in maize.
• Experience in seed sector development, seed business management, and seed dissemination.
• Successful record of hybrid maize commercialization.
• Strong communication skills in Spanish, and a good working knowledge of English, with an ability to communicate information in a coherent and informative manner.
• Strong self-motivation and innovative skills.
• Demonstrated good communication and organizational skills and ability to teach.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships.

The position is for an initial fixed-term of three years, renewable based on performance and availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

Apply online or email cover letter (detailing your competencies and experience for the position) and CV no later than October 30, 2012 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org  / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12242 in the header of your email).
For further information please contact Dr. B.M. Prasanna, Director, Global Maize Program, b.m.prasanna@cgiar.org 
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.