Research Assistant IV – Global Maize Program

Vacancy Number: A/043/14
Institute: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Duration: Two years’ contract

The position: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is recruiting a Research Assistant IV based in Ambo, who will be a member of the CIMMYT team.

General:The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is an autonomous, non- profit making, international scientific organization operating under the aegis of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). More specifically its mission is to encourage, support and undertake activities to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat systems in the interest of the resource poor in developing countries.

Purpose of the Position:

The Research Assistant will provide technical support to the CIMMYT-Global Maize Program (GMP) in Ethiopia. He/she will work as a member of CIMMYT-GMP in Ethiopia, and will contribute to the development and deployment of high-yielding, stress tolerant, quality protein and bio fortified maize germplasm in the country. The position will be based at Ambo Highland Maize Breeding Program of CIMMYT in Ethiopia, and will involve frequent travel to Nutritious Maize for Ethiopia (NuME) project sites in Amhara, Oromia, South and Tigray regions. The candidate, in collaboration with various partners (seed producers, national agricultural research and extension systems, universities, NGOs, private sectors, etc) and with farmers, will contribute to the effective implementation of NuME project.

Main Responsibilities:

• Assists in breeding, dissemination and seed production of high yielding, stress tolerant, quality protein maize (QPM) and Pro-vitamin A enriched maize cultivars to the resource-poor farmers in Ethiopia, in active collaboration with the existing research, extension and seed systems in the country,
• Assists in the development and execution of field-based research to develop QPM germplasm through pedigree breeding,
• Assists in the designing and implementation of field experiments including nursery and trial seed preparation, and management,
• Assists in selecting best genotypes, form different types of crosses, improves population, conduct across location trials,
• Analysis data using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) and R-analysis system of Integrated Management Information System (IMIS)/Field book program, stacks data and import into Maize Finder,
• Supports national program staff and national universities in field trial management, data management and analysis,
• Builds capacity and provide practical trainings to national programs and national universities on Field book program, field trials and field measurements,
• Frequent local travel (and some occasional international travel, based on need) will be required.

Required and Desirable Skills for the Position Include:

• Applied knowledge in maize breeding, experimental design, nursery and field trial management and data analyses,
• Good knowledge and rich experience in all features of Field book program from seed preparation to data import to Maize Finder,
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English,
• Strong self-motivation and innovative skills,
• Demonstrated good communication and organizational skills and ability to work under pressure, Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships.

Requirements:

Education:

• MSc or BSc in Plant Breeding, Plant Science or Crop Production

Experience:

• At least 2 years for MSc and 5 years for BSc with relevant experience in a national/International Organizations

Training:

• Any training related to Breeding, field book, statistics, and database development considered highly desirable

Skills:

• Proper use of field book, maize breeding, statistics, databases, good communication skills (written and spoken) in English, ability to work with minimal supervision in a multi-disciplinary team.

Duty Station:           Ambo, Ethiopia

Position level:         2D.

Minimum Base salary:

• Birr 19,078 per month (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment: Initial appointment is for a two years, renewable appointment based on performance and funding availability.  CIMMYT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits in line with ILRI salary applicable for its Nationally Recruited Staff. CIMMYT is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number: A/043/2014should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal:http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before14 July 2014.