Research Associate - Agronomist

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ref.: 2018/005/NRS/MAL/SSA Research Associate - Agronomist The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an Agronomist with experience in Potato and Sweet potato to contribute to the EU-funded KULIMA project.

The Project: EU-funded KULIMA project is implemented in 10 districts in Northern, Central and Southern Malawi. Under this project CIP will coordinate the activities of a consortium of CGIAR Centers to provide a wide range of science-based agricultural production technologies, training, and access to inputs and advice. CIP will establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) consisting of a Project Manager, M&E Specialist and Finance Specialist to coordinate the interventions of the CGIAR Centers. The project provides an excellent opportunity for demonstrating and further improving the value and uptake of CGIAR and DARS developed technologies in the context of a forward-looking innovation systems approach. As part of a GIZ-managed component of the wider KULIMA Action, the CGIAR will build capacity of Master Trainers (supported by FAO and government) who will pass on the knowledge to Community Based Facilitators, that will eventually support 400,000 households in Farmer Field Schools (FFS, supported by government extension and NGOs).

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. The CIP Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) main regional office is in Nairobi, Kenya. CIP also has an existing office in 8 other SSA countries.

The position: This position will be based in Lilongwe and will report to the Project

Manager. The principal tasks and responsibilities comprise the following:The key responsibilities: • Establish study plots of potato and sweet potato technologies at Rural Training Centers (RTCs) and outreach locations.

• Contribute to development, implementation and evaluation of joint technology packages at study plots together with other CGIAR Center staff.

• Develop training materials, protocols and technical content on potato and sweet potato technologies.

• Train Master Trainers at the RTCs in planting material multiplication and in on- farm experimentation from protocols, participating in land preparation, plot layout, planting, crop management, soil fertility management, harvest, post-harvest handling, data collection and the participatory technology evaluation. • Conduct selected follow-up coaching sessions for master trainers based on specific demand.

• Conduct participatory technology evaluations to assess technology adaptation needs.

• Provide advisory-services to selected producers and/or enterprises. • Contribute to the development of training packages for input and technology suppliers, and enable farmer access to inputs for restoration of soil fertility and land resources.

• Train and provide technical support to multipliers of planting material for potato and sweet potato in the KULIMA districts in collaboration with the Seed Services Unit.

Selection Criteria:

• MSc. in Agronomy, Crop science, Seed science.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with public and/or private organizations in seed systems or agronomy.

• Experience working with potato, sweet potato and/or other vegetative propagated crops.

• Experience in designing and conducting and analysis of on-farm agronomic experiments.

• Experience with participatory evaluation of new technologies, innovations with farmers.

• Experience in the development of high-quality training materials

• Strong experience and skills in facilitating trainings that combine theory and practice.

• Knowledge of tissue culture, pre-basic, basic, certified and quality declared seed production and seed inspection procedures

• Strong planning skills

• Strong analytical skills/ ICT skills, especially Microsoft Word and Excel. • Have demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships

• Experience in communicating with both senior and field staff of government,

NGO and private sector organizations providing agricultural services

• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision

• Willingness to spend considerable time working under field conditions

• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English and Chichewa

• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

Conditions: This position is local and is open to Malawian Citizens ONLY. The

employment contract will be for an initial 1 year term with three months’ probation period

and with the possibility of renewal subject to availability of funds and satisfactory

performance. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment,

which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply online through CIP’s Job Opportunities website

(http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ ), including a cover letter, a C.V. (maximum 4

pages) with the names and contact information of three references that are

knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.

Screening of applications will begin on 20 March, 2018. Only short-listed candidates

will be contacted.

CIP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application,

interview meeting, processing or training). CIP also does not concern itself with

information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to

apply.