Mechanization Specialist

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-forprofit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

We are seeking an international Mechanization Specialist to develop and implement CIMMYT´s
Mechanization portfolio and platform through research development for smallholder’ farmers in developing world. This will cover mechanization for crop production and processing, agricultural machinery market research intelligence, business models, institutionalization and technological standard compliance strategy and policy for sustainable mechanization for improved agro ecology and nutrition. The mechanization work of CIMMYT in several regions of the world, in Latin America, Africa, and Asia offers a great advantage to reach quick impact for smallholder farmers through adaptive research, for example.

The position will be based in CIMMYT’s campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The position may begin remotely from your home base or current location if organizational approval for the relocation to Ethiopia is delayed due to COVID 19.

Specific duties:

• Contribute to the inclusion of mechanization portfolio in ONE CGIAR initiatives
• In collaboration with the supervisor of the position develop R4D proposals to pursue bilateral funding for mechanization within CIMMYT and ONE CGIAR
• Initiate and support regional initiatives and interfere as catalyst for technology transfer from one region to another and vice versa
• Support the implementation of south-south mechanization research strategy, strengthening south-south collaboration with key partners from Asia, Africa, and Latin America
  Collaborate with the integration of digital technology and precision farming in mechanization interventions to ease mechanization services delivery to the last mile
• Support training and delivery of evidence-based mechanization technology, machinery, and equipment for financially poor smallholder farmers
• Support in the development, validation, and implementation of adaptive research methodologies through National Agric Research and Extension Services (NARES) and other relevant government institutions, private sector, and NGO
• Contribute to the development and the implementation of agricultural machinery standards and testing centers as requested by NARES and partner’ countries
• Contribute jointly with FAO and African Union, the implementation of Sustainable Agriculture Mechanization in Africa (SAMA-framework)
• Under the guidance from the supervisor of the position, support the stakeholders and funders to develop a short-, medium-, and long-term agricultural mechanization research agenda to pursue future investment funding plan
• Support and promote to unlock further the research potential of mechanization across (i) its own, (ii) crop production and processing and (iii) livestock feed and processing value chains within CIMMYT and ONE CGIAR
• Produce peer-reviewed research articles
• In collaboration with regional programs to ensure CIMMYT ‘mechanization knowledge and experience of private sector development policy and economics are captured, curated and disseminated across country operations and in ONE CGIAR.

Required academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• PhD in technical sciences, agricultural engineering, or mechanization

  At least 5 years’ proven experience in agricultural machinery industry, mechanization, and research. The incumbent shall demonstrate skills and experience in engineering, design, adaptation, manufacturing, application in production and cropping systems, conservation agriculture for sustainable intensification, mechanization for/in development, agricultural machinery industry, implementation of capacity development programs with specific focus on agricultural machinery adoption, institutional development at local, regional, and global level, business models and socio-economic and cultural in a developing country context

• Proven managerial, technical skills and experience in mechanization and its industry
• Proven ability to work beyond plot level on issues related to the enabling environment for large scale adoption
• Understanding of agricultural research for development in Africa
• Demonstrated ability to align agricultural value chains and work with the private sector in business model development and implementation
• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability to work in different cultural contexts, with awareness of cultural sensitivities and processes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
• Fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of German language is a plus
• Computer literate, in Word, Excel and Power point.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Communication and Teamwork

The position is for an initial fixed-term for two (2) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply here for IRS21125_Mechanization Specialist. Screening and follow up of applications will begin on Monday, August 16th, 2021. Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Yessica Castillo, at y.castillo@cgiar.org
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.