Research Assistant‐Agronomy

Research Assistant‐Agronomy

Ref: GSS/41/RD/2013/09

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Research Assistant‐Agronomy to be based at AfricaRice, Dar‐Es‐Salaam.

About AfricaRice

AfricaRice is one of the 15 international agricultural research Centers that are members of the CGIAR Consortium. It is also an autonomous intergovernmental association of African member countries.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be hosted at the regional center of the Africa Rice Center in Dar‐ Es‐Salaam, Tanzania. S/he will be mostly involved in research activities in rice‐agronomy and weed science. S/he will be working in research projects on parasitic weeds, good agricultural practice and integrated weed management mainly in the East‐African region (e.g. Tanzania and Uganda) and be assisting a team consisting of scientists, students and other support staff.

Under the direct supervision of the Agronomist, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

ð  Establishment and supervision of on‐farm, on‐station and screen house experiments on agronomy and weed science issues;

ð  Conducting farmer participatory experiments and rice stakeholder surveys;

ð  Participating in multidisciplinary research activities;

ð  Collecting managing and analyzing data;

ð  Contributing to preparation of presentations, writing up of technical reports and other scientific publications in English;

ð  Supporting the Agronomy – Weed science team in Dar Es Salaam;

ð  Carry out any other professional duties as needs arise within the Center.

Qualifications/Selection Criteria

Education: M.Sc. degree or equivalent in agronomy, weed science or any closely related field

Work Experience: Experience in working with a range of stakeholders such as farmers, scientists, public and private partners and NGOs, is preferred; Experience in farm surveys, conducting on‐farm research trials preferably with rice.

Key Competencies Required: Knowledge on statistical analysis of research data, familiar with computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint are required.

The ideal candidate must have prepared for extensive work‐related travel within the research area of AfricaRice; s/he should be able to take initiatives and work satisfactory with a minimum of supervision in a multicultural setting and as a team player.

Language

English and French are the working languages of AfricaRice. For the position advertised, strong oral and written communication skills in English are required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Terms and Conditions

o  This is a regionally recruited position.

o   AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender‐sensitive working environment.

o  The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility for renewal.

Application procedure

Candidates should send an application (including a cover letter and a detailed CV with the following information: Name, surname, gender, date of birth, family status, nationality, certificates obtained, professional experience (stating clearly beginning and end dates of each experience: day, month, year), language skills (French/English), and the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / email) of three referees.

To apply for this position, please send your applications:

To: AfricaRice‐HR@cgiar.org with the vacancy reference in subject: GSS/41/RD/2013/09

Or to the following address: Head, Human Resources Unit, AfricaRice, 01 B.P. 2031, Cotonou, Benin Republic

Applications will be considered until Friday, October 18, 2013.

AfricaRice is an equal opportunity employer. AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations and particularly welcomes applications from women and developing countries.

AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at

www.AfricaRice.org