Job Title: Regional Breeding Manager, Plantain/Banana
Ref: DDG-R4D/RBM/03/12
Location: IITA Ibadan, Nigeria, but will involve extensive travel within, and outside Africa.
Organisation: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture – IITA
Plantain breeding is a technology-dependent process. In addition to the normal field breeding activities (planting, maintenance, crossing, harvest, etc.), the process requires tissue culture for embryo rescue, seedling multiplication, and multiplication of advanced hybrids for multilocational testing and distribution to partners. As IITA considers alternative breeding sites, the manager will be responsible to set up trials to evaluate locations in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and possibly Ivory Coast. The regional manager should have good laboratory skills and knowledge of banana/plantain tissue culture to be able to train and backstop technicians in the countries already mentioned as well as other countries in West, Central, and East Africa as required. This person will need to coordinate IITA plantain breeding-related activities in Nigeria, and liaise and collaborate with key individuals in the Genetic Resources Center, Plant Health Unit, and other units essential to program operation.
Position/Responsibilities
• In vitro polyploid induction for pre-breeding.
• Germplasm maintenance and propagation for distribution.
• Conduct research on novel tissue culture techniques: cryogenic storage of seeds/embryos, novel methods of embryo rescue.
• Oversee the laboratory and field operations of the plantain breeding program.
• Coordinate planting trials in countries within the region.
• Train and backstop other technicians and stakeholders in banana/plantain tissue culture and propagation as needed.
• Prepare reports, training manuals or other documents as required.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor.
Educational Qualifications
MSc in a related discipline, plus several years' experience in tissue culture.
Core Competencies:
• Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise others.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask on operations and possession of good technical knowledge.
• Ability and willingness to work long hours and to travel throughout the region.
• Demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent social skills, a collaborative style, proactive and innovative attitudes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Method of Application:
Please complete our online application form using this link: IITA Ibadan Job Portal.
Please note that application letters not accompanied with evidence of current remuneration and age will not be treated.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Regional Breeding Manager Job in Nigeria (http://www.jobnavy.com/job/2726/regional-breeding-manager-job-in-nigeria-at-international-institute-of-tropical-agriculture-iita/)