Job Title: Soil Ecologist
Ref: DDG-R4D/SE/10/13
Employer: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Soil Ecologist.
IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical nations. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA. IITA commits to turning 7.5 million ha of farm land into sustainable use, one of the two Key Performance Indicators in its Refreshed Strategy 2012-2020.
Humidtropics is the IITA-led CGIAR Research Program on Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics. This exciting new global research for development (R4D) program targets systems that affect up to 1.5 billion rural people, most of whom operate within smallholder farming systems in which livestock and production are intimately linked. The program focuses on increasing the available options and strengthening the capacity of poor and vulnerable people to improve their livelihoods and living environment. The strategy is based on promising innovations and technologies for agricultural systems in the humid tropics that will result in vibrant communities, economic success, educated people, and environments that encourage health and well-being. Innovations should aspects of sustainable intensification of agriculture, enhancement of the natural resource status, and improving income to smallholder farmers. IITA is focusing its investments in the Humidtropics in the West and East/Central African Action Areas.
We are looking for a suitably qualified and enthusiastic person to fill the position of Soil Ecologist who will (i) lead the assessment of the Sustainable Land Use KPI at the institutional level and (ii) engage in/lead the design and evaluation of natural resource management options within the context of the West and East/Central African Action Areas of the Humidtropics. The Soil Ecologist will report to the Director for Central Africa and NRM of IITA.
Position/Responsibilities:
• Lead the quantitative assessment of the impact of improved production practices on the soil resource status in the context of the Humidtropics.
• Evaluate the longer-term impacts of ISFM practices on the soil resource base, including chemical, physical, and biological traits that impact crop production.
• Lead the institute-wide assessment of progress with the Sustainable Land Use KPI of IITA's Refreshed Strategy.
• Ensure collaboration with soil biologists, agronomists, and other soil's related disciplines to develop a common framework for soil quality assessment, taking into account spatial, temporal and production objective dimensions for smallholder systems.
• Engage with 'soil users' to relate quantitative soil quality assessments to their perceived drivers of soil quality over space and time.
• Publish scientific results in high quality journals.
• Communicate research findings to the larger scientific community in Africa and globally.
• Co-supervision of PhD and MSc students.
• Lead the technical and financial reporting to the Humidtropics and CIALCA.
• Participate actively in the Central Africa and NRM teams at IITA.
Educational Qualifications: The candidate should have a PhD in soil ecology or related field with 10 yrs of post-PhD experience.
Core Competencies:
• Proven track-record in multi-disciplinary approaches to assess soil quality.
• Knowledge of African farming systems.
• Proven publication record in top scientific journals.
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills with French skills an important added advantage.
• Readiness to travel extensively in the West and EC African Action Areas of the Humidtropics.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Commitment to gender equity and diversity.
Duty station: Kigali (Rwanda) or Bujumbura (Burundi).
General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars
Applications: Applications which must include covering letter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service.
Please complete our online application form using the link below.
Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
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