Reference number: 202619
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist-CIMMYT


Overview

About our organization: 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, 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. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a member of the CGIAR that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org CIMMYT is looking for a: Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist This position will support crop breeding and seed systems activities by delivering integrated agronomic, physiological, and remote sensing support through effective trial management, high-quality phenotyping, and application of remote sensing tools to inform varietal performance, stress adaptation, and management decisions.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Agronomy

  • Design, implement, and oversee on-station and on-farm agronomic trials aligned with breeding and seed systems research objectives
  • Optimize agronomic packages (plant population, nutrient management, water management, and cropping systems)
  • Ensure standardized agronomic protocols and data quality across locations
  • Monitor crop growth and field conditions, ensuring uniformity and trial integrity
  • Maintain accurate agronomic records for all trials
  • Analyze agronomic trial data and contribute to interpretation of G×E×M interactions.

2. Crop Physiology

  • Identify and quantify key physiological traits associated with yield, stress tolerance, and resource-use efficiency
  • Support phenotyping for drought, heat, nutrient stress, and other priority constraints through implementation of standardized phenotyping protocols across sites and seasons
  • Integrate physiological trait data with agronomic and breeding datasets to inform varietal selection and targeting
  • Conduct physiological experiments under field and controlled conditions (where applicable/necessary)

3. Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analytics

  • Deploy and operate remote sensing tools such as UAVs/drones, handheld sensors, and proximal platforms for data collection, including processing, and analysis of imagery and sensor data
  • Acquire & process imagery from satellites, drones, and aerial platforms
  • Apply vegetation indices and spatial analytics for crop monitoring, stress detection, and trial quality assessment
  • Integrate remote sensing and GIS data with field and physiological data for high-throughput phenotyping
  • Produce spatial maps, dashboards, and visual products for technical reporting
  • Mapping potential distribution area of various stresses, diseases and pests using environmental variables associated with their occurrence

4. Integration, Capacity Building, and Reporting

  • Synthesize agronomic, physiological, and remote sensing evidence into actionable recommendations
  • Provide technical backstopping and training to partners, field teams, and national programs
  • Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, and donor deliverables
  • Support data documentation, reproducibility, and knowledge management


Requirements

  • MSc in Agronomy/Crop Physiology & Remote Sensing
  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience in applied agricultural research
  • Demonstrated experience integrating field trials, physiological measurements, and remote sensing data
  • Strong quantitative and data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, GIS platforms, Google Earth Engine, ArcMap)
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary and multi-location projects
  • Prior engagement with international, CGIAR, NARS, or donor-funded programs is an advantage



Education, knowledge and experience

•MSc in Agronomy/Crop Physiology & Remote Sensing
•Minimum 3–5 years of experience in applied agricultural research
•Demonstrated experience integrating field trials, physiological measurements, and remote sensing data
•Strong quantitative and data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, GIS platforms, Google Earth Engine, ArcMap)
•Experience working in multi-disciplinary and multi-location projects
•Prior engagement with international, CGIAR, NARS, or donor-funded programs is an advantage

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
•The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.

Application process

The application deadline is 31 May 2026
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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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.