ZA23123 Research Associate, Mechanization

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking an experienced and resourceful agricultural engineer for the Research Associate (Mechanization) position to work in the Sustainable Agri-food Systems program of CIMMYT.

The person will be working as a member of an interdisciplinary team consisting of agricultural engineers, agronomists, business experts, and mechanization service providers.

The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia. The person should have a valid driving license as this position requires frequent field travels to the rural areas in different provinces in Zambia.

Specific duties:

• Assess new and existing farm machinery and other technologies, collect user feedback, prepare reports; and improve machinery in partnership with local manufacturers.
• Conduct second-generation engineering to improve machinery and develop and analyze CAD models using SolidWorks® and guidelines for local manufacturing;
• Assess and recommend appropriate models of farm machinery and irrigation equipment suitable for the service providers and assist in the procurement process;
• Develop experimental protocols, prepare machinery, and establish and monitor on-station and on-farm mechanization and irrigation trials/demonstrations and collect and organize machinery, soil, and agronomic data as per the protocols and instructions provided;
• Support the establishment of mechanization and irrigation service providers in the project areas and provide technical support;
• Develop training modules and train service providers, operators, manufacturers, mechanics, dealers, etc. on farm machinery and irrigation equipment;
• Collect, analyze, and report mechanization business/income, expenditure, and repair and maintenance data of service providers;
• Prepare technical bulletins, leaflets, and other promotional materials;
• Assist the project teams in research activities, including development of machinery and survey focused research data collection in collaboration with farmers, agricultural service providers, and the public and private sector.
• Candidates must have valid driving license.

• BSc in Agricultural Engineering with minimum three years of relevant experience or MS in Farm Machinery/Mechanization or related field with one year of relevant work experience.
• Have experience in establishment and monitoring of research experiments involving two-wheel tractor operated seeders and other smallholder machinery.
• Skilled in development, analysis, and simulation of CAD models using SolidWorks®.
• Experience working with smallholder mechanization projects and in the establishment of on-farm mechanization research and demonstration trials, data collection, and conducting technical training of farmers, mechanization service providers, and manufacturers.

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. This position is open to Zambian nationals.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.