Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization working with partners worldwide to use and conserve agricultural and forest biodiversity for improved livelihoods, nutrition, sustainability and productive and resilient ecosystems. Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership for a food secure future. Bioversity International has more than 300 staff and scientists’ worldwide working with almost 700 partners.
For further information on Bioversity International, consult the Web page at:http://www.bioversityinternational.org
BACKGROUND
The Nutrition and Marketing Diversity Programme of Bioversity International studies the use of biodiversity resources for improved food and nutrition security. Bioversity’s research is designed to explore how biodiversity conservation and use can provide immediate local as well as global benefits to people, especially in developing countries facing a growing burden of over and under nutrition. Biodiversity in agriculture, including crop genetic diversity, neglected or underutilized crops, plants and animals in smallholder agriculture and in a range of niches including aquatic environments and forests is an important a source of nutrients, food components and dietary diversity. Agricultural biodiversity is also crucial to address shifts towards uniform, simplified, and nutritionally poor diets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Working in a team focusing on a global research programme investigating sustainable diets and the role of agricultural biodiversity in improved nutrition and health, the incumbent will work with partners, stakeholders at the global, national and local levels in implementing the strategy and research agenda in nutrition. Based at Bioversity’s headquarters in Maccarese near Rome, Italy and reporting to the Leader of the Nutrition and Marketing Diversity Programme, the incumbent will:
- Develop, lead and manage nutrition research activities and projects on the use of agricultural biodiversity, particularly in the context of smallholder farmers in developing countries;
- Undertake research design, implementation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data for publication in peer review scientific journals.
- Contribute to the development of new funding opportunities including proposals and concept notes for the generation of financial and human resources to support the research agenda;
- Support the research focus on measurement and policy/programme options for sustainable diets and food systems;
- Identify options to support the use of biodiversity in cross-cutting policy and development agendas in agriculture, health, and environment;
- Support the refinement and implementation of Bioversity’s nutrition strategy in partnership with the CGIAR Research Program (CRP) Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) and other relevant research institutes, scientific and development bodies, including the integration of relevant research results and evidence; Collaborate with other programmes to incorporate nutrition tools, frameworks, indicators and approaches to strengthen the overall programme at Bioversity;
- Support engagement with key stakeholders and strategic partnerships with regional institutions, country government officials, international and local donors, international and local NGOs, universities and other resource institutions that work with Bioversity in livelihood, agriculture and nutrition programmes;
- Write scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from high quality research on agricultural biodiversity and nutrition and present at scientific for a;
- Contribute to other programmatic activities as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
- Ph.D. in international public health, nutrition, epidemiology or related field.
- Minimum of at least 5 years of progressively responsible international research experience in an area of nutrition and food security at the community and/or program levels, including positions in multi-disciplinary teams and in developing countries.
- Strong empirical and quantitative skills with statistical expertise and experience in design of food and nutrition studies and analyses especially in low and middle income countries.
- Strong project management skills including the coordination of teams and the management of financial resources, preferably in an international research or academic environment.
- Strong proposal development and writing experience including a track record of successful proposals.
- A record of achievement and innovation including publications in peer reviewed journals, reports and other technical formats.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to promote engagement through negotiation and consensus-building and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences.
- Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal.
Desirable:
- Formal training and/or research experience in the use of biodiversity for food and nutrition, traditional and indigenous food systems, or food-based approaches to health.
- Experience in implementing research supporting sustainable diets and the use of agricultural biodiversity including ecosystem health, ecology, plant sciences, or related economic aspects.
- Participation in global fora and networks on the future of global and local food systems.
- Experience with and / or participation in strategy development and implementation.
- Fluency in French, Spanish, or Italian.
Terms and conditions: This is an internationally recruited position. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year.
How to apply:
Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page (http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html) by clicking the “Apply” button, completing the online application and attaching the required information.
The closing date for the vacancy is 5 May 2013, but we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled, which can be monitored in the “Job Opportunities” section of our web site.
Please note that in the application you are required to provide the contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, which Bioversity will contact for short listed applicants.
Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity.
Women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply.
Bioversity International Scientist, Nutrition & Biodiversity
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