(http://www.theinfostride.com/cdn/img/iita-ibadan.GIF)
Job Title: Yam Seed System Specialist
Ref: DDG-R4D/YSSS/10/11
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria
Organisation: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Sector: International Non-Profit Research-For-Development (R4D) Organization
Description:
• The position requires an individual with knowledge of clonally propagated crops, and in particular, seed systems development of these crops.
• Specific knowledge and understanding of yam is preferred to provide technical expertise that increases availability of high quality seed yams.
• She/he will work as a member of a dedicated interdisciplinary team, at IITA.
• The position requires active interaction with other members of the project, governmental agencies, private sector, NGOs and farmers' groups involved in seed production, certification and trade.
• It will also include significant travel within the region for establishment and monitoring of project activities.
Position/Responsibilities:
• Execution and supervision of seed yam production system activities as per the YIIFSWA project framework, including planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Contribute to high ratio seed yam propagation research and technology transfer.
• In partnership with project team establish effective yam value chains and business models for sustainable and profitable seed yam production..
• Provide capacity building support within Nigeria and Ghana for high ratio seed yam propagation at an academic level and for more informal training of farmers and trainers.
• Coordinate on-station and on-farm activities concerning with establishment, production and promotion of breeders, foundation and certified seed yams of targeted varieties.
• Actively engage the public and private sector for enhanced adoption of high quality seed yam production technologies.
• Participate as resource person in training courses concerning with seed system activities (seed production, seed business development, seed certification and integrated management of yam).
• Together with the project team, identify critical challenges to seed yam production systems in Nigeria and Ghana, and formulate strategies to overcome these challenges, including improving public-private partnerships, private enterprise development, and linkages to the formal and informal seed sector.
• Effectively communicate with other members of the project team, especially with those involved in seed yam system development activities.
• Prepare progress reports, publications for peer reviewed journals, training modules and other documents.
Educational Qualifications:
The candidate should have a PhD degree in agronomy/agriculture, seed technology, agronomy, breeding, pathology, virology or related disciplines from a recognized university.
Core Competencies:
• At least 4 years of post-doctoral experience desired.
• Experience in tissue culture and propagation of clonally propagated crops under screenhouse and field conditions.
• Knowledge in clonal crop propagation, establishment and management of on-farm trials, integrated crop management procedures, variety release procedures, seed regulations, seed certification, seed commercialization and trade.
• Working experience / exposure to international organizations and interdisciplinary agriculture research.
• Working experience / involvement in development and promotion of multi-stakeholders commercial seed systems.
• Familiarity with agriculture and farming systems in West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. Working experience with yam (Dioscorea spp.) is desirable.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work under field conditions in Nigeria and Ghana.
• Proficiency in use of computers, application of statistical software and data management and analysis tools.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills with knowledge of French desirable.
Duty station: IITA-Ibadan, Nigeria but with extensive travel within the region.
General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
Method of Applications:
Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager.
Please complete IITA online application form using this link: IITA OnlineJob Application Portal (http://www.iita.org/nrs-online-application).
Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.