Postdoctoral Fellow – Seed Technology

The International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in seed technology with interest to work on groundnut seed systems development project. The incumbent will be based at ICRISAT West & Central Africa Office, Bamako – Mali.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (www.icrisat.org). With its partners, ICRISAT helps empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture. ICRISAT West & Central Africa Program, in partnership with research and development institutions in West & Central Africa, develops and promotes technologies for sustainably enhancing agricultural productivity with a focus on sorghum, pearl millet and groundnut as well as crop-livestock integration under a changing climate.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The incumbent will report to the seed systems development project coordinator and will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists. She/he will be required to perform the following duties:
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities;
• Work with the project partners to assure widespread access to affordable quality groundnut seed to men and women farmers by lowering the cost of seed production through innovative production technology and efficient business models;
• Enhance the knowledge of farmers (women, men and youth) on improved varieties and good agricultural practices through field demonstration plots, field days, radio broadcasting
• Train seed producers (women, men and youth) through training of trainers in seed production, seed quality control and good agricultural practices for enhanced productivity
• Conduct cost benefit analysis of certified seed production at both private seed companies and community-based organization levels
• Promote gender sensitive mini-mechanization/farm machineries (of seed and grain production and processing)
• Identify bulk buyers of groundnut (seeds and grains) and link them to groundnut producers (vertical chain integration)
• Contribute to the integration of recommendations for improved groundnut seed sector, programs and projects;
• Perform any other duties s/he will be assigned. 

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD in agricultural extension, Seed technology, plant breeding, farming systems or related discipline with experience in designing, planning, and implementing seed system studies;
• Knowledge of seed demand forecasting
• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations;
• Excellent communication skills in French and English;
• Demonstrated excellent writing skills, and ability to write synthesis reports as well as to publish in peer reviewed international journals;
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks with diverse multidisciplinary and multicultural teams;
• Willingness to travel widely and work with the governments of the West African region. 

Desirable:

• Knowledge of agricultural systems in Africa is desirable.

The Reward:

This is a Post-Doctoral Fellowship [PDF] position for a period of two years depending on performance of the incumbent and funding availability.

How to Apply:

Applicants should apply on or before 10 February 2020 with latest Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer.