Agricultural Mechanization Scientist

Agricultural Mechanization Scientist

We are seeking an experienced and resourceful Agricultural Mechanization Scientist to join a new USAID funded agricultural R4D project focused on efficient surface water irrigation, scale-appropriate mechanization, and conservation agriculture, to sustainably intensify cropping systems in Southern Bangladesh. The five-year, > $12 million project activities are being implemented in collaboration with International Development Enterprises (iDE), and will integrate and build upon synergies created with the already operational Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh project. As the Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Scientist, you will work to implement and applied research and extension program in partnership with public and private sector partners centered on the use of efficient and scale-appropriate agricultural machinery to intensify dry season cropping in Southern Bangladesh.

The successful applicant will join the multi-institutional and interdisciplinary team that coordinates the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh. CSISA is a collaborative R4D program launched in 2010 with funding from USAID. It combines the strengths CIMMYT, IRRI, and WorldFish in collaboration with public and private sector partners. For more information about CSISA, please visit: http://www.csisaportal.com The CSISA Mechanization and Irrigation project (CSISA-M.I.) represents new and distinct project activities within CSISA. CSISA-M.I. will intensify dry season cropping in the impoverished regions of Southern Bangladesh by facilitating broad access to low-cost and efficient surface water irrigation combined with innovative agronomy, and by researching, perfecting, extending, and commercializing scale-appropriate agricultural machineries and associated services at scale. To achieve these aims, CSISA-M.I. will deliver new models for public and private partnerships to provide the foundation for effective irrigation and mechanization service markets.

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 information:  www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and will require very frequent and extensive travel between project field sites, primarily districts of Jessore, Khulna, and Barisal.

Specific duties of this position include:

• Contributing to the development, testing, refinement, and field implementation of new agricultural machineries, conservation agriculture and other innovative agronomic practices, specifically those related to sustainable intensification under on-farm conditions.

• Oversight of scale-appropriate agricultural mechanization extension activities throughout Southern Bangladesh, in collaboration with government extension and private-sector partners.

• Contributing to the development of training modules and outreach materials that will support a variety of change agents including agricultural service providers, agro-dealers, extension agents, and private sector agricultural machinery manufacturers and sellers.

• Contributing to the definition of major change pathways that will catalyze sustainable development.

• Development of strategic working relationships with public, private sector, and Civil Society (NGOs, Cooperatives, etc.) partners.

• Mentoring and overseeing the work of project-based staff.

• Maintenance and archiving of field data in alignment with CIMMYT’s data management system.

• Communicating key messages and project progress with other scientists, donors, policy makers, and other primary stakeholders.

• Publication of research findings in technical reports and in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:• A PhD degree(s) in agricultural sciences, agronomy, agricultural engineering, or related fields.

• Practical working knowledge of conservation agriculture (preferred).

• Demonstrated research experience in topics associated with scale-appropriate agricultural machineries, as well as experience in training farmers in their efficient and effective field use.

• At least four years applied experience in applied, on-farm, adaptive, and participatory agricultural research in developing nations.

• Demonstrated partnership building and networking experience with the public and private sectors.

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and team-building skills.

• Experience with impact pathway analysis, logical frameworks, and theories of change (preferred).

• Prior experience working in the context of USAID or similar donor funded agricultural development projects (preferred).

• Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.

• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• Knowledge of South Asian cropping systems (preferred).

We will offer an initial contract for 2 years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

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.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 1 November, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12296 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at  g.flores@cgiar.org.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.