ROOTS AND TUBER SYSTEMS AGRONOMIST (REF: DDG-R4D/RTA/01/10)
COMPANY'S PREAMBLE:
Africa has complex problems that plague agriculture and people’s lives. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty. Our award winning research-for-development (R4D) is based on focused, authoritative thinking anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We work with partners in Africa and beyond to reduce producer and consumer risks, enhance crop quality and productivity, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is an international non-profit R4D organization since 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the CGIAR (www.cgiar.org).
THE POSITION:
The Roots and Tuber Agronomist will work with other agronomists, plant breeders, plant health scientists, social scientists, and other colleagues to develop crop, soil and pest management options for root and tuber systems, with emphasis on cassava and yam based systems. IITA has, in the past, generated several component technologies which when applied in carefully selected combinations and with due consideration to prevailing socio-economic factors will produce more synergistic and sustained outcomes associated with high cropping system productivity. The Systems Agronomist will provide leadership in synthesizing integrated crop, soil and pest management options with high probability of success in different agro ecological zones in sub-Saharan Africa.
DUTY LOCATION:
Ibadan, IITA Headquarters, Nigeria.
Frequent travel is expected and candidates should be willing to work in small-scale farm settings in Africa.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conducting strategic and adaptive research on the agronomy of root and tuber crops, building on past research and responding to needs as identified jointly with project teams.Investigating nutrient flows,
nutrient use efficiency, and beneficial cultural practices in the use of fertilizers in root and tuber systems.
Investigating adaptation of root and tuber crop germplasm to target environments.Designing, planning, testing and disseminating integrated crop,
soil and pest management strategies for root and tuber systems that address farmers’ needs along different intensification gradients in sub-Saharan Africa
Adapting and testing tools (e.g. simulation models, information systems, and GIS) for matching improved technologies to different farmer-targeted niches for root and tuber crop production.
Contributing to studies on genotype x soil fertility interactions and the design of breeding strategies towards increased fertilizer use efficiency in root and tuber cropping systems.
Contributing to propagation of selected root and tuber crop varieties for widespread and rapid distribution through links with national programs and the private sector.
Resource mobilization through grant proposals and strengthening of partners’ capacities, including co-supervision of postgraduate thesis research with university lecturers.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
PhD degree in Agronomy with experience in integrated crop, soil and pest management
EXPECTED COMPETENCIES:
Proven skills and experience in agronomy research both in the field and the laboratory.
Good scientific publication record.
Familiarity with participatory and action research methods.
Modeling of cropping systems.
Computer literacy and statistical data analysis capabilities.
Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
Excellent leadership, management, interpersonal, and team building skills.
Fluency in oral and written English and working knowledge of French is an advantage.
Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa, and good contacts with NARS scientists in the region is an added advantage.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested persons are requested to apply to the Human Resources Manager with a copy of their CV, names and addresses of three referees and a covering letter (not more than 2 pages) indicating their interest/competency in handling the work, overview of similar work undertaken and their comments on the Terms of Reference. You can complete the online application form using this link: http://old.iita.org/cms/details/job_application.aspx.
job expiration:
The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
