Research Associate - CIMMYT

Reference number: 202628

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

Research Associate - 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

In Kenya, 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:
Research Associate

This position will support technical support to integrated CGIAR–NARES–SME breeding networks to deliver the goals of CGIAR Breeding for Tomorrow: increased genetic gain realized in farmers’ fields, strengthened on-farm validation trials, and faster variety turnover in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The diversity of crops and target market segments requires full engagement of multiple partners aligned around a common vision for success.

Duties and responsibilities

1. ENABLE activities.

• Support the ENABLE team, CGIAR
  centers, and partners in the implementation ofc Breakthrough projects in East
  and Southern Africa, and, where relevant, in West and Central Africa (WCA)

• Provide technical support to
  CGIAR–NARES breeding networks in East and Southern Africa, and, when required,
  to West and Central Africa (WCA), for the improvement of breeding operations,
  in coordination with the supervisors

• Support priority CGIAR–NARES breeding
  networks in costing of their breeding operations, in coordination with the
  thematic leader

• Support the organization and
  implementation of Product Advancement and Planning Meetings (PAPMs) at national
  and regional levels.

• Support NARES and CGIAR partners in
  uploading, updating, and maintaining Target Product Profiles (TPPs) and related
  data in the Breeding Portal.

• Contribute to coordination,
  documentation, and reporting across breeding networks and ENABLE-supported
  activities.

2       2. On farm validation
trials.

• Coordinate and support the
  implementation of On-Farm Validation (OFV) trials across locations, including
  planning, trial setup, and monitoring of activities

• Ensure proper tracking of entries,
  locations, and performance data across OFV sites

• Support centralized OFV logistics,
  including coordination of seed multiplication, packaging and labeling of
  entries, and distribution of trial materials to partners across multiple
  locations and projects .

Requirements

• BSc or MSc in Plant Breeding,
  Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology or Statistics

• At least two (2) years of industry or
  academic experience in the management of agricultural activities or research
  projects.

• Basic understanding of plant breeding,
  experimental design, seed systems, breeding operations and applied research.

• Driving License and ability to travel
  independently in East Africa.

Education, knowledge and experience

•BSc or MSc in Plant Breeding, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology or Statistics

•At least two (2) years of industry or academic experience in the management of agricultural activities or research projects.

•Basic understanding of plant breeding, experimental design, seed systems, breeding operations and applied research.

•Driving License and ability to travel independently in East Africa.

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.

•We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

Application process

The application deadline is 09 Jun 2026

We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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