Associate Scientist, Humid Tropic Agroecology and Farming Systems

Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization working with partners worldwide to use and conserve agricultural and tree 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.

Purpose of Role

As part of Bioversity’s Agrobiodiversity and Ecosystem Services Programme, the incumbent will conduct research on agroecological intensification and risk management through the use of agrobiodiversity operating from Bioversity’s Uganda. The majority of the work conducted will take place in the context of CGIAR Research Program on “Humid tropics” farming systems[1]. Collaborations are also expected with parallel research programs on Aquatic Agriculture Systems[2], Dryland Systems[3] and Roots Tubers and Bananas[4] which use system based approaches to improve food and nutritional security and overall productivity, and transform the lives of rural poor in the humid tropics. Building on Bioversity’s strengths and collaboration with the Commodities, and the Nutrition & Markets Programmes, research will include a focus on livelihood systems that include important banana and cacao cropping system components. The Bioversity office in Uganda enjoys close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of scientists from Wageningen University and IITA. Though based in East Africa, the candidate will also be working in collaboration with the Bioversity’s team and partners across the regions of Africa, Latin America, and South East Asia.

Key responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Agrobiodiversity and Ecosystem Services Programme Leader, the position will be based on the Bioversity Office in Uganda or Burundi and managed by Bioversity’s regional Office for Sub-Saharan Africa. The incumbent will have interdisciplinary skills and an understanding of how to integrate field-based methods with advanced systems modeling and team based approaches cutting across disciplines.

The appointee will have the following responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of a conceptual framework and research in development strategy for agroecological intensification and risk management at the field and farm scale using as a model smallholder banana- and cocoa-based systems;
• Support the design, effective data collection and quantitative analysis on the potential for agroecological intensification and agrobiodiversity use by smallholder and resource-poor rural households across socio-economic and agroclimatic gradients;
• Contribute to the prototype development for field and farm agroecological intensification and risk management, building on more effective resource use, in partnership with smallholder households;
• Co-develop complementary field and farm level models, both quantitative and qualitative, which explore alternative approaches to agroecological intensification and risk management through the use of agrobiodiversity at different scales bringing together farmer local knowledge and science-based agroecological frameworks and processes;
• Advise MSc and PhD students and collaborate with national and international scientists in the use of modeling and farmer-scientist prototype testing for agroecological intensification and risk management through the use of agrobiodiversity;
• Contribute to the development of proposals to fund research in development of agroecological intensification and risk management in collaboration with other programme staff;
• Author and publish articles in peer-reviewed international and regional technical journals; assist with the preparation of technical materials to make principles and practices of agroecological intensification and risk management more accessible and participate in training of diverse users of research tools and results;
• Contribute to other organizational and programmatic activities as and when required.

Qualifications and competencies:

Essential qualifications & competencies:

• PhD in agroecology, agroecosystem science, system modeling or other discipline that is appropriate for taking a quantitative systems approach at field and farm level.
• Statistical knowledge and experience in studies and quantitative analyses of agro-ecosystem and farm data.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in research on agroecological systems, agricultural development, and/or cropping and livelihood systems.
• Experience with the implementation of research projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team work skills including the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels and work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in English, both verbal and written; basic French language skills.
• Well-developed analytical and synthesizing skills including the ability to write clear and concise scientific documents and research proposals.
• Strong desire to work in an output driven environment integrating theory with practice; combined field and analytical experience, and a desire to use scientific skills to tackle agricultural development problems of global significance.

Desirable qualifications and competencies:

• Quantitative skills in simulation and bioeconomic modeling and a background in biology, agronomy, ecology, ecophysiology or environmental sciences.
• Ability to integrate socio-economic and agroecological dimensions.
• Qualitative skills in farmer participatory systems research and ability to interact/collaborate with smallholder families and/or groups.
• Publication record in high impact journals and a record of writing successful project proposals.
• Participation in global fora and networks on the relevant areas.

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 periodof one year.

For further information on Humid Tropics Farming Systems: http://humidtropics.cgiar.org

For further information on the Aquatic Agriculture Systems, consult the Web page at: http://aas.cgiar.org/

For further information on the Dryland Systems, consult the Web page at: http://drylandsystems.cgiar.org/

For further information on the Roots, Tubers and Bananas, consult the Web page at: http://www.rtb.cgiar.org/

How to apply:

Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page by clicking the Apply button, completing the online application and attaching the required information, no later than 31 March 2014. 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.