ICRISAT seeks: Seed Systems Scientific Officer
ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi-arid tropics is home to over 2 billion people, with 650 million of these being the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture. ICRISAT, established in 1972, and is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. For more details, visit www.icrisat.org
ICRISAT is seeking applications for the position of a Seed Systems Scientific Officer to work in the HOPE II project. The position will be based at ICRISAT, Bamako, Mali with responsibilities at the participating centers and all target countries.
The HOPE II project is implemented by ICRISAT with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for a period of five years in three countries in eastern Africa (Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia) and three countries in western Africa (Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso). This second phase of the project builds on the achievements in the first phase and will have a strong component of collaboration with National Research Systems for scaling out successful technologies.
Responsibilities:
Work closely and effectively with the Scientist Supervisor in supporting the management of the HOPE II program of research and scale-out activities.
Work with the country teams in Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda to reinforce sustainable sorghum and millet seed delivery systems (formal and informal) that ensures availability and accessibility to high quality seed by service the needs of smallholders, especially underserved women farmers
Work with the country teams in Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda to establish and implement effective innovation platforms for enhancing dissemination of information on seed.
Collaborate with partners such as NARS, NGOs, Farmer Seed Organizations, and Private Sector to support sustainable decentralized production of seed of farmer and market preferred improved sorghum and millet varieties.
Train the selected seed growers on various steps and precautions to be taken, recording of information, and monitoring of various stages.
Monitor crop growth and advice any remedial/corrective measures that must be taken to ensure the quality and targeted yields.
Work with sorghum and millet seed producers of all seed grades to respond to seed market demand along the seed systems value chain: seed production, seed quality, marketing efficiency, accountability and profitability.
Work with the country teams in Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda to compile up-to-date data on production of all seed grades and uptake of improved seed in order to inform planning of project activities and reporting
Provide linkage with other initiatives e.g. AGRA-PASS to develop sustainable seed supply models.
Knowledge brokering, linking scientific knowledge with policy and development practice.
Provide comprehensive and timely reports to the HOPE II leadership as and when required.
Essential criteria:
Master of science or equivalent degree in a relevant field of crop sciences such as plant breeding, agronomy, seed technology or related social science with an agricultural orientation
At least two years of experience working in seed sector development, seed business management, or seed deployment/commercialization in developing countries, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa
Good knowledge on Regional Seed Regulation in the regions
Ability to design and facilitate multi-stakeholder processes and institutional innovation processes
Ability to summarize and present results/achievement considering the diversity of stakeholders
Strong negotiation and consensus building skills
Hands-on problem-solver with strong analytical abilities and end-product focus.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and as a team member
Affinity with capacity strengthening and facilitation of training
A strong interest in lining theory with policy and practice
Capability to manage tasks independently to meet agreed deadlines.
Willingness to travel frequently to meet partners and assess progress of project activities
Good proficiency in spoken and written French and English
Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages and electronic communication
Applications from Malian and ECOWAS citizens welcomed (residence in Mali is required).
The Reward:
The initial contract will be for 2 years with a possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance, need for the position and availability of funds. The position is in the category of NRS (Nationally Recruited Staff Band A), with a competitive salary and other annual allowances.
How to apply:
Applicants should apply on or before 31 August, 2017, email to: icrisat@icrisatml.org with a letter of motivation, latest curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.
ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and is especially interested in increasing the participation of women on its staff. ICRISAT has a flexible approach to international appointments and welcomes dual-career couples.