Area: Kigoma
Application Deadline: May 15, 2013
Position Description:
From The Guardian May 6, 2013
(Ref:
DDG-R4D/
AfDB/RA/
TZN/05/13)
Background
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (
IITA) invites applications for the position of Research Assistant. This position is funded by the African Development Bank (
AfDB) under the
Multinational-CGIAR Project on Support to Agricultural Research for development of Strategic Crops in Africa (
SARD-SC).
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
The Research Associate will work as a member of the
SARD-$C project team in Tanzania. The Research Assistant will work as a member of the
SARD-SC project team in Tanzania. Under the general supervision of the Project Coordinator, the nationally recruited staff (
NRS) will:
Other requirements
Provide technical support to the team for effective deployment of high-yielding, pest and diseases resistant cassava varieties.
Assist in evaluating high yielding, pests and disease resistant genotypes of cassava in farmers' fields
Support the evaluation of best-bet crop management options, the
generation of tools and technologies to control pests and diseases in
target areas
Assist in the establishment and maintenance of demonstration and
multiplication farms for production and deployment of elite, stress
tolerant varieties to resource-poor farmers in Tanzania in active
collaboration with the existing research systems in the country
Work with other project staff in capacity building of public and
private sector partners in production, agronomic practices to empower
farmers and private entities to produce and distribute different
planting materials of good quality.
Assist in the establishment and maintenance of on-station and on-farm trials
Support national program staff and other partners for field trial management and field measurements.
Undertakes field data collection, input, quality control, validation and analysis.
Contribute to publications and presentation of research outputs.
Build capacity and provide practical trainings to farmers.
Carryout any other responsibility as may be assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications
B.5c in Crop Protection, Crop Production, Seed Technology, Agronomy or related fields
Other requirements:
At least 2 years of relevant experience in a national or international research organization.
Highly effective 'planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills
with a positive attitude and strong administrative service orientation.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also display team attitude in accomplishment of duties.
Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good judgment and high respect for confidentiality.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Proficient in the use of computers, database management software,
statistical/econometrics analysis software, internet-based tools and
other electronic communication tools.
Good writing skills and ability to communicate in English.
General information
Initial appointment is for two years. Subsequent renewal of the'
contract will be decided based on research outputs and productivity, and
continued need for the position.
IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed
curriculum vitae, a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the
above position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills
the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees to the
Country Representative,
IITA-Tanzania, Plot No. 25,
Mwenge - Coca-Cola Road,
Mikocheni Industrial Area P.O. Box 34441, Dar
es Salaam, Tanzania
The Professional referees must include either the Head of applicant's
current or previous organization, school/college or applicant's direct
Supervisor/Superior officer at current work. Evidence of current
remuneration package and photocopies of credentials should be submitted.
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.