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.

Objective of the Post

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated candidate for the position of Assistant Research Associate to be based in our Southern Africa Office in Harare, Zimbabwe. This is a nationally recruited position and is open to all Zimbabweans with excellent academic records. This position will support CIMMYT scientists in regional on-farm trials, seed research, seed production, field operations, and labor management. The position holder will ensure the effective execution of routine field and seed laboratory activities, including trial and nursery management, pollinations, data collection, harvesting, shelling, seed processing, seed testing, and shipment to partners.

Duties and responsibilities

  1. Coordinate seed producibility trials, generate and archive descriptor data for selected hybrids, single-cross and inbred line parents
  2. Establish and manage nurseries for seed production of elite lines, hybrids under regional and on-farm trials, including allocated and licensed products.
  3. Pre-basic and basic seed production (isolations) of selected hybrids, single cross parents, inbred lines and OPVs
  4. Seed production for IMIC-Africa, including materials introduced from Kenya or any other MLN endemic country and planted at Mazowe PQS
  5. Seed processing, seed stock management and shipment for seed systems
  6. Preparation of all documents related to import and export of seeds in liaison with government seed health departments
  7. Management of hired labor, farm equipment, inputs and supplies to facilitate activities of the Seed Systems Program
  8. Assist the seed system specialist in training partners, visiting scientists and students on quality seed production, seed producibility trials and development of descriptor data
  9. Provide support to the International Maize Improvement Consortium for Africa (IMIC) field day in Harare
  10. Any other duties that he may be allocated by Research Associate and Seed Systems Specialist or Program Director
  • Master’s degree in field of Agriculture
  • Clean Class 4 Drivers Licence and a valid Defensive Driving Certificate.
  • At least 2-3 years’ relevant working experience
  • Basic knowledge of quality seed production, trial and nursery management
  • Must have thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized seed production equipment.
  • Ability to use various analytical and data management software platforms such as EBS
  • Ability to effectively use corporate systems and other specialized applications.
  • The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate the following competencies: Interpersonal skills, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Private Health Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Training & Development
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.