Job Description

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruitone (01) highly motivatedcrop ImprovementIntern to support hybrid breeding research and operations at thePQS-Mugugastation in Nairobi, Kenya.This internship is part of the project deliverables under theGenetic Innovation – Public-Private Partnership (GI-PPP)project andis designed to provide the selected candidate with hands-on training in potato hybrid breeding.

About CIP

CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems inclimatecrisis, and it is carried out by 15 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations, and the private sector.

About the role

TheCrop ImprovementIntern will contribute to the design and implementation of a defined research experiment or study withinCIP’sPotatobreedingprogram. The intern will work closely with the breeding team, gaining practical exposure to greenhouse operations, experimental data collection, and analytical methods.

The position is based inNairobi, Kenya (PQS-Mugugastation), and reports to thePotato Breeding Team Lead.

Key responsibilities

Research & Experimentation

  • Support the design and implementation of an experiment or research study on a topic defined in consultation with the intern and the supervising scientist

  • Conduct literature reviews and contribute to the development of research protocols

  • Collect field and greenhouse datain accordance withestablished experimental protocols

Data Analysis & Reporting

  • Compile, clean, and manage experimental datasets usingappropriate tools, including R

  • Analyze data, interpret results, and draw conclusions relevant to hybrid breeding improvement

  • Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations

  • Contribute to documentation of best practices and lessons learned within the breedingprogramme

Greenhouse Operations Support

  • Assistwith day-to-day operations in the breeding greenhouse at PQS-Muguga

  • Support plant maintenance, crossing activities, and seed management tasks asrequired

  • Work collaboratively with the breeding team and field staff on operational activities

Requirements

What are we looking for?

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Agriculture, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a closely related field

  • Currently enrolled in a plant breeding/agronomy graduate program is an advantage

  • Desirable experience in data management and analysis, preferably using R or similar statistical software

  • Prior exposure to plant breeding activities, whether through coursework, research attachments, or practical experience

  • Desirable experience in data collection within a research or agricultural field setting

  • Desirable internship experience with similar activities

  • Advanced level of MS Office and intermediate knowledge of database work

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data and research results into practical recommendations.

  • Detail-oriented with goodorganizationalskills and a willingness to learn.

  • Advanced written and spoken English; fluency in Swahili (official language).

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

  • Core competencies: innovation, accountability, teamwork, and integrity.

  • Specific competencies: analytical thinking, planning & organization, communication, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Why should you consider this opportunity?

  • CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong,state-of-the-artR&D background, a recent World Food Prize Winner and awarded with the Al-SumaitAward for its Orange Flesh Sweet potatowork in Africa

  • CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world

  • CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostlylocatedin developing countries and supported by more than 50 donor members.

What are we offering?

  • A structured one-year internship with hands-on research and breeding experience

  • Stipendcommensuratewith the internship level and institutional guidelines

  • Mentorship and skills development within a world-class international research environment

  • Work in an equal and diverse workplace

How to apply?

Visit the followinglink: (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/) to apply. The deadline for the receipt of applications is 19th June 2026. Please note that while all applications are reviewed by our team, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.This internship position is open to Kenyan nationals and permanent residents only.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
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.