Country: Malawi
Closing date: 17 Sep 2018
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking for a dynamic and innovative Agronomist - Plant Pathologist to be based in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.
The Position: The selected candidate will be engaged primarily in the implementation of project related activities, to strengthen the potato sector development in a holistic manner by interlinking relevant disciplines and actors from public and private sectors. The scientist should be committed to using research for development in a complex and cooperative environment of research and development partners, specifically focusing in capacity building of partners capacity in a PPP approach, in alignment with CIP’s strategic programs and the CGIAR Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) priorities. She/he must be knowledgeable in value chains understanding of business side of production.
Key responsibilities:
- Support in the implementation of client-oriented models for rapid access to quality seed. • Participate in the promotion and development of adapted seed potato technologies and business models for actors along the seed potato value chain.
- Development, validation and applied research in seed quality maintenance, potato agronomy and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) technologies.
- Work in the development and advocacy of locally adapted protocols and schemes for seed quality control.
- Research on suitable options for demand creation with seed and ware potato. • Work in a strong capacity building and training through Training of Trainers, extension workers and partners.
- Ensure the development and implementation of evidence-based scaling strategies • Develop partnerships and propose resource mobilization strategies such as training programs and other joint activities to strengthen the potato program in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Provide technical assistance to the national program, when requested and within the limits of available resources, in seed systems, variety development, and integrated potato management.
- Participate in the implementation of the global and regional potato research and development activities approved for execution with the country and participating in region and global fora as requested.
- Work in collaboration with Public-Private sector stakeholders to build effective seed potato value chains.
- Develop partnerships and propose resource mobilization strategies such as training programs and other joint activities to strengthen the potato program in SSA.
- Supervise research and collaborating with national partner scientists to build an effective research base on potato.
Write communication materials targeted at a lay audience.
What are we looking for?PhD degree in agronomy, plant pathology or related field, preferably in potato. Candidates with a PhD in agribusiness are highly welcome to apply if the MSc. was obtained in one of the before mentioned disciplines.
At least four years of research for development experience in project design and implementation in the agricultural sector.
Experience in managing potato seed multiplication system preferred.
Proven value chain experience: must demonstrate that knowledge goes beyond just production.
Capable of developing and applying innovative concepts seed systems assessment, implementation and evolutionary studies.
Demonstrated success in working within inter-disciplinary teams and partnerships for research implementation.
Bring in a network of scientific contacts for collaborative research.
Experience as a team leader in collaborative, multi-disciplinary project management.
A relevant publication records consistent with years of research experience.
Willingness to travel extensively under field conditions.
Ability to work in an international agricultural research center, interacting with its staff and managing research programs in a variety of institutional and ecological settings.
A good ability and demonstrated expertise to write, plan research, analyze data and complete timely reports.
Proactive, innovative and creative attitudes;
Good skills in teamwork, leadership, training, and communications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required other relevant languages are an asset.
How to apply:
How to apply? Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/jobs/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references. Screening of applications will begin on September 16th , 2018 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.