Position: Senior Scientist Wheat Breeding
1. BACKGROUND
Agriculture
contributes around 40% of the GDP, with cereals (maize, wheat, rice, sorghum)
constituting a major food security and cash reserves. The cereals sector needs
a strong support of research to continue playing the forefront role in the
country’s food security. The agricultural research mandate is vested with the
Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), one of the main pillars of the Ministry of
Agriculture arid Animal Resources (MINAGRI), meant to support the
implementation of the National Agricultural Policy and the Ministry’s mission
of transforming agriculture from the traditional subsistence type to a demand
driven and commercially oriented agriculture. RAB has the general mission of
developing agriculture and animal husbandry through their reform and using
modern methods in crop and animal produc
contributes around 40% of the GDP, with cereals (maize, wheat, rice, sorghum)
constituting a major food security and cash reserves. The cereals sector needs
a strong support of research to continue playing the forefront role in the
country’s food security. The agricultural research mandate is vested with the
Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), one of the main pillars of the Ministry of
Agriculture arid Animal Resources (MINAGRI), meant to support the
implementation of the National Agricultural Policy and the Ministry’s mission
of transforming agriculture from the traditional subsistence type to a demand
driven and commercially oriented agriculture. RAB has the general mission of
developing agriculture and animal husbandry through their reform and using
modern methods in crop and animal produc
tion, research, agricultural extension,
education and training of farmers in new technologies.
The analysis of
the current cereal genetic improvement situation in Rwanda shows that there is
an urgent need to increase cereal productivity in order to boost strategy food
reserves through breeding program. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal
resources, have initiated different programs to establish strategic food
reserves, yet their success will depend much on research outputs, which in turn
depends on the urgent implementation of the research on wheat breeding.
the current cereal genetic improvement situation in Rwanda shows that there is
an urgent need to increase cereal productivity in order to boost strategy food
reserves through breeding program. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal
resources, have initiated different programs to establish strategic food
reserves, yet their success will depend much on research outputs, which in turn
depends on the urgent implementation of the research on wheat breeding.
2 .JOB DESCRIPTIONS
The Senior Scientist wheat breeding will be expected
to:
to:
- Develop a Wheat Breeding Plan;
- Coordinate research/development in wheat
breeding; - Implement research projects that meet national
priorities - Supervise research activities on the management
of wheat breeding and genetics in Rwanda ; - Ensure the training of technical staff in wheat
research program, - Ensure timely publication of research /
development results and a great visibility of RAB in the wheat sector; - Ensure scientific mentorship for younger
researchers from Wheat Program; - Ensure the training of technical staff from wheat
producers and other partners in the sector; - Strengthen partnership with excellent
institutions, laboratories and regional organisations and international in
wheat research/development and with key farmers’ associations, private
sector and projects involved in wheat production in Rwanda - Identify infrastructure and equipment required
for the modernisation of research in wheat breeding and genetics: - Write competitive research proposals to be
submitted to available grants at national, regional and international
levels; - Identify key journals on wheat
research/development and subscription procedures;
3. QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics,
- At least five years experience in agricultural
research, with wheat breeding and genetics as a core - At least three years experience in research
management, - Very good command of computer. data and
information systems management - Strong publication background in internationally
recognised journals in the area of wheat breeding and genetics - Ability and proved experience in mentoring young
scientists - Proven experience in resources mobilisation for
research activities
4. DURATION OF THE CONTRACT
The contract will cover a period of one year,
renewable upon availability of funds and performance achievements.
renewable upon availability of funds and performance achievements.
Interested candidates should submit their application
pack including application letter addressed to the Director General of RAB,
updated CV, copy of degree, last employer testimonial and other relevant
certificates to support the application as well as a copy of ID to the Head
office of RAB situated at Gasabo district, SUN RISE HOUSE, near chez Lando
Hotel at airport road, not later than 02/07/2014 at 5:00 PM.
pack including application letter addressed to the Director General of RAB,
updated CV, copy of degree, last employer testimonial and other relevant
certificates to support the application as well as a copy of ID to the Head
office of RAB situated at Gasabo district, SUN RISE HOUSE, near chez Lando
Hotel at airport road, not later than 02/07/2014 at 5:00 PM.
CONTACT ADDRESS:
Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB)
P.O. Box 5016 Kigali-Rwanda
Tel: + 250 788309536
J.J MBONIGABA MUHINDA (PhD)
Director General
