Research Associate - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Research Associate
IITA-TZ-R4D-015-NRS-DSM

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (lITA) invites applications for the position of Research Associate. This position is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Multinational-CGIAR Project on Support to Agricultural Research for development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC) ..
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IIT A) is a member of a world-wide network of International Agricultural Research Centers. IITA's research focuses on smallholder cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa. UTA has a regional hub in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania which co-ordinates the work of the institute in East Africa.

Responsibilities

The Research Associate will work as a member of the SARD-SC project team in Tanzania, under the general supervision of the Country Project Coordinator. The nationally recruited staff (NRS) will:
Provide technical support to the team for effective deployment of high-yielding, pest and diseases resistant cassava varieties and technology scaling out.
Assist in evaluating high yielding, pests and disease resistant genotypes of cassava in farmers' fields
Support the evaluation of best-bet crop management options, the generation of tools and technologies to control pests and diseases in target areas
Establish and maintain demonstration and multiplication farms fo~ production and deployment of elite, stress tolerant varieties to resource-poor farmers in Tanzania in active collaboration with the existing research systems in the country
Work with other project staff in capacity building of public and private sector partners in production, agronomic practices to empower farmers and private entities to produce and distribute different planting materials of good quality.
Take lead in the establishment and maintenance of on-station arid on-farm trials across different locations
Support national program staff and other partners in field trial management and field data collections.
Undertake field data collection, input, quality control, validation and analysis.
Contribute to publications and presentation of research outputs.
Build capacity and provide practical trainings to farmers.
Carryout any other responsibility as may be assigned by the .supervisor

Required Qualifications / Experience
An M.Sc. degree in Agricultural sciences, Statistics or Economics with familiarity in conducting Agricultural research.

Skills and competences
Familiar with Cassava Value Chain stakeholders.
Highly effective in planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills with a positive attitude and strong administrative service orientation.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also display team attitude in accomplishment of duties.
Possession of excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good judgment and respect for confidentiality.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Proficient in the use of computers, database management software, statistical/econometrics analysis software, internet-based tools and other electronic communication tools.
Good writing skills and ability to communicate in English.

General information:
The initial contract for the position is for two years: renewable subject to performance and availability of funds. The duty station for the position will be IITA in Dar es salaam. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package, .
 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Country Representative,

IITA-Tanzania,

Plot No. 25, Mwenge - Coca-Cola Road,

Mikocheni Industrial Area

P.O. Box 34441,

Dar es Salaam,

Tanzania

Applicants are requested to please indicate the reference number for the position as indicated on the heading of the announcement in your application as well as on the subject of your email if sending by email.lf sending by post or hand delivery, please indicate the reference number on your application as well as on the left hand side of your envelope. Please note that any applications without the reference indicated will be automatically disqualified.

Closing date: Three weeks from the date of advertisement appearing in the newspaper. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted