IITA Recruitment: Regional Scientist (Agronomy) Ref: DDG-R4D/RSA/ZAM/01/13
Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Regional Scientist (Agronomy) (Ref: DDG-R4D/RSA/Z/01/13).
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.
IITA seeks a qualified person for the position of Regional Scientist in Zambia to conduct agronomic research on legumes and maize.
Position/Responsibilities:
The primary responsibility will be to conduct research to intensify and improve the productivity of maize-based systems through on-station and on-farm studies to identify appropriate crop varieties and management practices.
Specific responsibilities will be:
- Characterization of chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils to determine the extent of land degradation in selected communities and recommend appropriate soil amendments.
- Screen germplasm to increase the range of maize and legume varieties available to farmers through participatory testing and release.
- Integrate improved cowpeas, soybean and other legume varieties into maize-based cropping systems and adapt to farmer circumstances using participatory approaches.
- Facilitate adoption and adaptation of productive and resilient agronomic practices for intensification of maize-legume cropping systems.
- Enhance delivery of seeds of improved locally adapted varieties to farmers in partnership with the private sector seed companies.
- Participate in training of farmers and extension workers for the purpose of promoting widespread use of improved crop varieties and agronomic practices.
- Develop and disseminate recommendations for improved maize-based production systems in collaboration with diverse partners.
- Publish findings from research in high impact peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to resource mobilization.
Educational Qualifications:
The candidate must have a PhD in Agronomy, Crop Physiology or related field.
Core Competencies:
- Knowledge and skill in crop production, management and cropping systems.
- Knowledge in soil-plant relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to write and publish journal articles.
- Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Working knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Southern Africa.
Duty station: IITA Zambia, Chipata
General information: The appointment is for two years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
Applications: Applications including cover 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: 26 February 2013 or until a suitable candidate has been identified.
