Research Associate - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
IITA - TZ- R4D-020- NRS- DSM

The International Institute· of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a member of a world-wide network of International Agricultural Research Centers. IITA's research focuses on smallholder cropping systems in sub-Saharan Atrica. IITA has a regional hub in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania which co-ordinates the work of the institute in Eastern Africa
To support this work, IITA is looking for a Research Associate. This position is required to support the Aflatoxin biocontrol project.

Duty Station: This is a Nationally Recruited Position and the incumbent will be based in Dar es Salaam Tanzania

Responsibilities:

As a member of the aflatoxin management teqm, actively participate in the development of aflatoxin biological control for maize and groundnut in Tanzania; contribute to documenting the prevalence of aflatoxin along the maize and groundnut value chains; and provide technical support to various
Aflatoxin projects in Tanzania, and raising aflatoxin awareness among farmers and biocontrol technology to mitigate aflatoxin.

Specific TORs -
Actively collaborate, participate and support aflatoxin biocontrol activities in Tanzania
Assist in the design and lead implementation of field, screen house and laboratory experiments
Manage collection, preparation and analyses of samples for mycotoxin analysis
Evaluate the efficacy of aflatoxin biocontrol strains on maize and groundnut
Participate in the production and evaluation of aflatoxin biocontrol following set standards and protocols, and adhering to Tanzanian regulations
Assist in the management of linkages with various research development partners in Tanzania
Play an active role in awareness creation and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in
Tanzania
Participate in workshops in Tanzania to share, results with stakeholders, and create awareness of
mycotoxin and biocontrol of aflatoxin Organize regular planning and review meetings with all stakeholder and implementing partners.
Effectively manage and maintain laboratory equipment, materials, reagents with adherence to standard practices and protocols
Carefully collect, organize and analyze data from field, screen house and lab experiments and field surveys
Provide technical support (e.g. dispatch of samples, import, export permits and phytosanitary certificates, etc ) to Senior Pathologist as' and when required .
Manage support staff in all plant pathology activities, and contribute to orienting new staff and students in good laboratory techniques .

Develop and revise scientific papers from existing drafts and from new studies for submission to peer reviewed and Thomson indexed journals
Develop succinct and informative reports detailing design and treatment effects from experiments and surveys as shown by logical and statistically sound interpretation of the data
Actively seek and share ideas and opportunities for' collaboration with staff representing other institutions that have mandates to improve the efficiency of the agricultural sector
Act in an independent and responsible manner to represent IITA both within and outside working hours
Interact with national and international partners towards developing and implementing aflatoxin management strategies on behalf of IITA.
Report directly to your supervisor and respond to requests in a timely, transparent, positive and professional manner .
Any other duties as may be assigned
Educational requirements and experience: The successful candidate should have:
The candidate should have a MSc in either Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology, Food Science. (including Food Microbiology, Food Technology, Food Nutrition, etc.), or equivalent degree.
Experience of at least 3 years working in agricultural development projects,
Training or understanding of aflatoxin or microbiology and 'field research is essential, and managerial skill is desirable.
Good understanding of the agricultural sector and its development challenges in Africa, such as those affecting technology dissemination, adoption, and impacts. .
Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural-environment.
Demonstrated communication & organizational skills and ability to prepare high quality reports.
Demonstrated ability in stakeholder and partner engagement and policy dialogue.
Excellent leadership and team building skills.
Strong interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
Willingness to travel for field work

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

General information:

The initial contract for the position is for two years: renewable subject to performance and availability of funds. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package
Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of two referees 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 .
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. If sending by post or hand delivery, please indicate the reference number on your application as well as on the left and side of your envelope. Please note that any applications Without the reference number indicated will be automatically disqualified.

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