Research Technician - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (lITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (lITA) on behalf of the International Rice Research Institute (lRRI) invites applications from suitable candidates for the position of Research Technician to be based in Bagamoyo.

Background: IRRI, or the International Rice Research Institute, is a nonprofit independent research and training organization.

IRRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. We develop new rice varieties and rice crop management techniques that help rice farmers improve the yield and quality of their rice in an environmentally sustainable way. We work with our public and private sector partners in national agricultural research and extension systems in major rice-growing countries to do research, training, and knowledge transfer.

Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day operation of activities in the field/screen house/greenhouse
Lead and oversee contract workers during field/screen house/greenhouse operation and monitor efficiency.
Prepare materials to be used in field/greenhouse/screen house/laboratory experiments (e.g. seeds, soil, nutrient solution,
labels)
Oversee, implement and monitor field/screen house/greenhouse activities from seeding to harvesting to seed processing
and ensure that all operations meet standards of quality assurance
Supervise and handle sample collection, processing
Perform specific procedures related to experiments study in Plant Breeding
Prepare and emasculate materials to be used in crosses and assist in pollination activities
Perform seed germination in phytotron and screen house
Lead systematic bagging and harvesting of panicles
Conduct large number of crosses of selected materials
Assist in mass screening of rice cultivars, including species, assessment of damage and data collection
Education requirements and experience: The successful candidates should have
Diploma in general Agriculture with 2 years relevant working experience or certificate in general agriculture with 5 years experience
Experience in rice production
At least some working experience at research, training or extension institution would be preferable
Basic knowledge of MS Office programs such as Word and Excel or related software.
Basic English skills is mandatory.

Terms of appointment:
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff position for an initial 2 year fixed term contract. Contract extension will depend on performance and availability of funds. The successful candidate will be on probation period for six months.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant's current or previous organization or applicants direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). Should be sent to the

Regional Administrator, IITA-Tanzania, Plot No. 25,

Mwenge - Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni Industrial Area

P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Deadline: 04 Dec 2014