ILRI Scientist- Animal Genetics/ Breeding

Vacancy Number: AGB/BIOTECH/11/12
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duration: 3-year contract renewable

Base salary from USD 45,000 – 55,000 per annum depending on experience. Total salary & benefits package circa USD 90,000 (tax free*)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia.www.ilri.org.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. www.cgiar.org.

The ILRI seeks to recruit a Scientist – Animal Genetics/Breeding. This position exists to manage development of animal genetic resource tools (AnGR) and information systems as decision support tools and aids for conservation and sustainable use of AnGR to contribute to the development, establishment and management of country AnGR database (e.g. Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System (DAGRIS) to support the development of viable breeding strategies and institutional arrangements for developing countries.

 Specific responsibilities

1)    Project management

• Lead and manage projects and field activities, working closely with both national and international research and development partners
• Prepare budgets and monitor their use in the project cycle.
• Be responsible for evidence-based assessment of the feasibility and appropriateness of animal genetic resource (AnGR) models to be piloted, including working with partners on gender dimensions, farmer business and organizational strategies and potential constraints to adoption.
• Document discussion and minutes during scientific meetings and discussions with partners and ensure follow up on action points, including communicating with the broader ILRI as required.
• Work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in a developing country setting.

2)    Scientific contributions and expected outputs

• Undertake analytical work based on regional priorities in AnGR utilization and sustainable development for developing countries.
• Apply existing and new conceptual frameworks to identify pro-poor opportunities for improving AnGR in the associated value chains.
• Updated versions of the Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System (DAGRIS).
• Carry out synthesis of studies and literature around topical issues affecting AnGR improvement, utilization and development in developing countries.
• Document innovative approaches that may help to integrate phenotypic and molecular genetic information in practical breeding programs.
• Publish research results in peer- reviewed journals, conference proceedings or other public media.

3)    Capacity building

• Contribute to the capacity building component of ILRI:  including organizing and implementing relevant training for stakeholders and international partners.
• Supervise MSc and PhD students from different countries on relevant topics
• Mentor graduate students within the Biotechnology theme and provide supportive training in developing soft skills where required.
• Train trainers in developing countries to improve their understanding and strengthen their skills to implement sustainable AnGR improvement projects.
• Co-ordinate and facilitate scientific exchanges with partners from both developed and developing countries to enhance practical skills in AnGR utilization under developing country conditions.

4)    Communication and representation

• Contribute to preparing strategic communication products relevant to AnGR in developing countries.
• Participate in the communication of Biotechnology and ILRI work, e.g. through preparation of ILRI publications such as working papers, policy briefs, technical reports, journal publications, conference papers and presentations at relevant forum.
• Facilitate workshops and meetings for specific projects (Chicken Health Research 4 development; DAGRIS etc.

5)    Partnerships

• Work to strengthen existing partnerships. Strategically identify new partners and collaboration needs; actively explore partnership opportunities; effectively lead implementation of collaborative activities; successfully motivate participation and commitment within the partnerships; monitor and cultivate healthy and effective performance of partnerships.
• Represent Biotech Theme (especially BTO3) on official matters within ILRI-Ethiopia, and when requested by ILRI management, outside ILRI.
• Establish and maintain professional contacts, and interact with both national and international office holders and experts, other researchers, international organizations, development partners, and stakeholders in AnGR.
• Facilitate meetings, discuss, prepare and agree on MoU’s and CRA’s with partners
• Collaboratively work with partners (national and international) in the joint supervision of graduate students in various research projects.

6)    Resource mobilization

• Lead and contribute to the development of research for development proposals for funding. Based on circumstances, play a role as PI, primary partner and as a supporting applicant.

7)    Team management

• Lead the biosciences team in Addis in an effective way through coaching, mentoring, empowering and building a team which is vibrant and effective. Furthermore, effectively manages resources (financial and physical) under BT Addis group. The group includes a post doc, research technicians, field assistants, consultants and students (PhD and MSC).
• Enhance the capacity of the group members in response to existing needs and emerging challenges in AnGR.

8)    Institutional development

• Contribute to the development of strategies to better support pro-poor livestock improvement in developing countries.
• Contributing to the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops organized or co-organized by BT03 team and Biotech.
• Network with a large number of partners/stakeholders.

 Requirements

• PhD in Genetics / Animal Breeding, with at least 5 years working experience at an international  or regional level.
• Proven science communication skills and demonstrated ability to produce high quality scientific publications.
• Strong capabilities in data analysis, including competency in a number of statistical package, such as SAS, GenStat, SPSS etc.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise a research group (including students), mentor young researchers.
• Proven management skills and ability to prioritize, deliver under pressures and  within set  deadlines.
• Good knowledge of developing country livestock production and systems, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia regions.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Training skills (on aspects of animal genetic resources for ILRI staff and professionals from partnering institutions).
• Networking skills (establishment of new collaborations); through improved collaboration and communications, improve the visibility of ILRI and its research activities on animal genetic resources; thereby maintain good will for collaboration.
• Research proposals development; Application of scientific knowledge in community-based animal breeding and disease control, including provision of information on animal genetic resources.

Position level: Research Level 4C Scientist Level 1 or 2, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Post locations: This position is based Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

Terms of appointment: ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: – 15% Pension – Medical insurance for staff and dependents – Life insurance – Education allowance for children – Housing allowance – Relocation Allowance – Annual Home leave – Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days+public holidays.

*Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Applications procedure: Applicants should address a cover letter and CV to Human Resource Director explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. email applications to ilri-AGB@cgiar.org by 30 November 2012. The position reference number ‘AGB/BIOTECH/ /11/12’ must be clearly indicated in the email subject line.

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website athttp://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries with experience of working internationally are particularly encouraged to apply.