Regional Scientist on Agricultural Systems Intensification

Regional Scientist on Agricultural Systems Intensification (Ref: R4D/RS-ASI/12/13)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Regional Scientist on Agricultural Systems Intensification.

IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

Under the formal supervision of the Central Africa hub Director and the plant production and health Director, and under the day-to-day supervision of the DR Congo Country Representative, the Regional Scientist will undertake the following tasks:

1. Assist in the general management of a project on agricultural systems intensification in D.R. Congo especially in the Maringa-Lopori-Wamba (MLW) landscape in Equateur Province with staff supervision.
2. Generate, update knowledge and information on the analysis of the production environment, the validation of interventions for intensification and the dissemination of best interventions for crops intensification which should lead to peer publication.
3. Act as IITA focal scientist for REDD initiatives in DR Congo and surrounding countries of Central Africa. Undertake climate change activities and collaborate with national REDD programs.
4. Establish and manage ecologically and economically viable protected and community-based natural resource management areas, develop livelihood alternatives through sustainable agriculture as a driver to decrease human pressure on forest.
5. Submit timely quarterly and annual reports as requested by the supervisor.
6. Participate actively in resource mobilization for other projects/activities.
7. Undertake any other duty as requested by the supervisor.

Educational Qualifications:

PhD in Natural Resource Management, Agronomy or related fields with more than two years experience in related fields

Core Competencies:

• Knowledge and skill in crop production, management and cropping systems.
• Knowledge in soil-plant relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish journal articles.
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent spoken and written English, knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
• Working knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially central Africa.

Duty station: IITA – Kinshasa, DR Congo

General information: The appointment is for two years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
Applications: Applications including cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link:http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application.

Closing Date: 31st December 2013

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.