Field Service Workers -Breeding Operations – CIMMYT

Reference number: 202653

Job status: In-progress

Job category: Local Position

Duty station: Kiboko, Kenya, Kenya

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Landscape Alliance

Landscape Alliance transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to
advance planetary health and human well-being. Landscape Alliance is the operating name of the Center for International
Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF). CIFOR and ICRAF are
independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers.

Landscape Alliance is looking for a

Field Service Workers -Breeding Operations – CIMMYT

Overview

The purpose of this role is to support the implementation of dryland crop breeding and seed systems activities through the establishment, management, and maintenance of breeding nurseries, crossing blocks, trials, and demonstration plots. The incumbent will ensure accurate field operations, seed inventory management, and timely, high-quality data collection while maintaining organized workspaces and adherence to safety and operational protocols.

Duties and responsibilities

1.Breeding Nursery and Trial Operations

• Establishment and Maintenance: Assist
  in setting up crossing blocks and breeding nurseries for dryland crops,
  ensuring timely land preparation and layout for seed multiplication, trials,
  demo plots, and field experiments, sowing and ensuring good germination of
  materials.

• Pollination Techniques: Produce the
  required number of seeds and crosses by conducting pollination using various
  emasculation techniques such as hand, polythene, and chemical methods specific
  to dryland crops.

• Sample Collection: Collect tissue
  samples (leaf punch and/or seed chip) following established protocols.

• Assist in laying out the DCP and VACS
  demo field for planting and experiments.

• Assist in implementing safe and
  effective agronomic practices such as thinning, weeding, irrigation, scouting
  for pest and diseases and harvesting.

• Assisting in conducting weekly field
  scouting and keeping records of pest and diseases spotted.

• Assisting in the implementation of
  occupational health and safety protocols performs any other relevant duties
  that may be assigned by the research associates from time to time..

2.Seed Inventory and Preparation

• Inventory Management: Maintain
  organized seed packets/seed storage containers in the cold room and seed
  preparation areas, always keeping work areas clean and orderly.

• Assisting in the maintenance of the
  DCP and VACS demo and keeping the cold room clean and neat.

3. Data Collection

• Assist in field data collection from
  crossing blocks, breeding nurseries, and trials using digital devices, adhering
  strictly to data collection procedures.

• Integrity: Uphold the highest
  standards of integrity and honesty in all data collection activities.

4. Supervisory and Safety Responsibilities

• Team Supervision: Assist in
  supervising casual workers, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring
  adherence to safety protocols.

• Communicate DCP demo and cold room
  issues and concerns promptly to the Research Associates.

Requirements

• Highest
  levels of integrity, honesty, diligence, efficiency, flexibility,
  self-motivation and respect for diversity.

• KCSE
  (O) Level of education. Any other relevant training is an added advantage.

• Proficiency
  in spoken and written English and Kiswahili

• At
  least one (1) year experience in cross breeding techniques for legumes.

• Experience
  in cultural management of crop breeding nurseries and breeding trials.

• Excellent
  organizational skills and attention to detail, willingness to be trained in new
  skills relevant to the tasks.

• Ability
  to work effectively both independently on assigned tasks and as part of a team
  on group deliverables.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Highest levels of integrity, honesty, diligence, efficiency, flexibility, self-motivation and respect for diversity.
• KCSE (O) Level of education. Any other relevant training is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili
• At least one (1) year experience in cross breeding techniques for legumes.
• Experience in cultural management of crop breeding nurseries and breeding trials.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, willingness to be trained in new skills relevant to the tasks.
• Ability to work effectively both independently on assigned tasks and as part of a team on group deliverables.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• The appointment will be for a period of one (1) year, inclusive of a three-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 Kiboko, Kenya.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

Application process

The application deadline is 31 Aug 2026.

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