Geospatial Agronomy Scientist at CIMMYT

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative and self-motivated scientist for the position of Geospatial Agronomy Scientist for a four year project, co-led by CIMMYT and IITA, entitled ‘Transformation of agronomic research and delivery services for smallholder farmers in maize-based systems of Sub-Saharan Africa (TAMASA)’. We are looking for an individual who has proven expertise in building, managing and combining/analyzing complex geospatial data for decision support. The selected candidate will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Global Conservation Agriculture Program, and will contribute to a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team applying systems approaches for agricultural research in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania.

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 Nairobi, Kenya.

Specific duties of this position include:

• Lead the development of a bio-physical (soils, agronomy, weather/climate) knowledge management framework contributing to decision making regarding intensification options at the regional, country, landscape and farm levels.
• In collaboration with project country coordinators and relevant institutions, develop and implement collection, curation, and management of relevant bio-physical and socio-economic data sets.
• Coordinate with the project socio-economic scientists the articulation of bio-physical and socio-economic information at various levels/scales.
• Develop and provide novel solutions/tools for agronomy data collection to project partners and related CIMMYT/IITA projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Develop and test proof of concept models to enhance decision making by stakeholders at national to farm-level scales.
• Identify key thematic and geographic data/information gaps for sound land management decision making.
• Contribute to building capacity of national institutions through the identification and co-supervision or mentoring of project supported graduate students.
• Collaborate with CGIAR and other research institutes to support/enhance project outputs and develop synergies with other projects to maximize project impacts.
• Communicate research results to various audiences and in various forms, papers for publication and presentations.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• PhD in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Soil Science, or other Earth Sciences.
• Minimum 5 years' of relevant post-doctoral experience.
• Expertise and publication record in geospatial analyses and/or geospatial software development. Experience with open-source geospatial analysis and software development frameworks preferred.
• Understanding of gender and social inclusion issues, and experience with ways of addressing these in research for development programs, in order to promote equality of opportunity and outcomes.
• Clear understanding of the challenges for sustainable intensification in SSA and the role of improved scientific knowledge management for decision support to development interventions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, experience working and interacting effectively with a variety of stakeholders (farmers, extension workers and information service providers, public and private sector entities, national programs), and demonstrated ability to collaborate well across disciplines and with key collaborative institutions and agencies.
• Previous working experience in Africa preferred.
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

We will offer an initial contract for three 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, 5 December 2014 to HR, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12368 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Esther Mendoza, Acting Staffing Specialist, at e.m.ramos@cgiar.org

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