RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR TO SLARI (REF: DDG-R4D/A-SLARI/08/12)
Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
(IITA) invites applications for the position of a Research for
Development Advisor to SLARI.
IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D)
organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and
supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development
needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our
partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer
risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth
from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited
scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff
based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.
POSITION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
In consultation with the Program Coordination Unit (PCU) in Sierra
Leone, Director General of SLARI, and WAAPP country teams, the Research
for Development Advisor to SLARI will, among other assignments:
Provide leadership for interdisciplinary research leading to cassava crop improvement at SLARI; this will include the:
development of highly productive, adapted cassava varieties and/or
breeding populations, with desired traits such as disease and pest
resistance, better nutrient use efficiency, as well as higher root and
leaf qualities for household and industrial uses design, planning and
implementation of on-farm and demonstration trials of near-finished
cassava varieties development/strengthening of a sustainable system for
production and delivery of high quality planting materials
Mentor SLARI staff and graduate students involved in cassava research for development; including guidance in the:
design of project proposals on emerging needs as part of an exit strategy from the WAAP project
development of research briefs and allied information resources aimed at
agricultural research managers, policy makers and development partners
to promote public awareness of, and corrective research responses and
solutions to, pre- and post- harvest problems of key concern along value
chains.
writing of scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed journals www.nigerianbestforum.com
preparation of presentations on activities, results and impacts of the
cassava value chain at scientific meetings within and outside the
country
Lead the preparation of the technical reports as required by the donor and in conformity with IITA requirements;
Organize training courses and study visits related to the cassava value
chain for national program scientists and technicians; and assist the
organization of annual planning meetings related to the cassava value
chain;
Facilitate arrangements to introduce technologies developed at IITA and
elsewhere for in-country testing, adaptation and evaluation, and advice
on management of the technical resources to effect desired changes.
Report to IITA and keep SLARI and the WAAP team leader in the country duly informed about activities and progress.
DUTY STATION: Njala Agricultural Research Centre, Njala, Sierra Leone
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
Education: PhD in Agriculture with a major in Plant Breeding.
Working Experience: A minimum of
12 years experience in tropical agriculture, with at least six of these
devoted to research on cassava in Africa.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE MUST:
i) Have demonstrated experience in running a successful cassava breeding program.
ii) Be competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
iii) Have a good record of strengthening capacities of national research programs, preferably on root crops.
iv) Have good understanding of seed systems for clonally propagated crops.
v) Be able to communicate fluently in English.
KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
i) Excellent leadership, management, interpersonal, and team building skills.
ii) Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
iii) Good experience of collaboration with NARS scientists.
iv) Familiarity with on-farm research methods.
General Information: Initial appointment is for three years (renewable)
starting as soon as possible. IITA offers a competitive remuneration
package paid in US dollars.
APPLICATIONS: Applications including covering
letter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should
be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application
CLOSING DATE: 31st August 2012
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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