THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve PEOPLE’S lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

The Bean program is looking for a Temporary-Seed handling and Field Operation assistant to support ongoing bean breeding research activities aimed at seed inventory management, seed sample handling and routine field activities. The position requires hand on involvement in agricultural practices, data recording and collaboration with Farmers and project staff. This role will report to the Research Team Leader.

Key duties & responsibilities

• Receive seed samples: Accept incoming seed materials as per project guidelines.

• Label and document seeds: Ensure all seed samples are clearly labeled and recorded with relevant details e.g. variety, batch number, source and date.

• Safely store seed samples: Place seeds in designated storage areas under proper conditions to maintain viability.

• Maintain inventory records: Keep accurate and up-to-date logs of all stocks, including quantities received, distributed or discarded.

• Update inventory systems: Regularly enter data into seed inventory databases or physical logbooks to reflect current stock status.

• Ensure proper storage conditions: Monitor and manage factors such as temperature, humidity and pest control to preserve seed quality.

• Assist in packaging and dispatch: Support the preparation of seed samples for field trials or distribution, ensuring correct packaging and documentation.

• Assist in Land preparation and Planting: Support the setup and planting for trial plots or demonstration sites following agronomic guidelines.

• Support routine field maintenance: Carry out tasks such as weeding, thinning, irrigation and pest management to ensure healthy crop growth.

• Support crossing activities that will be conducted in a field and greenhouse.

• Support harvesting and post-harvest handling: Help in the collection, drying, cleaning and safe storage of harvested seed samples.

• Support cooking time activities.

• Diploma or BSc in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Production or related field.

• At least 1-2 years of experience in agricultural field work or seed management.

• Familiarity with seed handling protocols and field data collection.

• Ability to work independently.

• Strong organizational and observational skills with the ability to accurately collect and record data.

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and interdisciplinary research environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Terms of employment

This position is a nationally recruited position based in  Arusha, Tanzania. The contract will be for a period of 6 months.

The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number Temporary Assistant -Seed handling and Field Operation as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date: 31st December 2025

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

http://alliancebioversityciat.org