Position: Senior Scientist in Agronomy/Crop Physiology
for Horticulture
for Horticulture
1. BACKGROUND
Agriculture contributes around 40% to the GDP of Rwanda and employs 80% of the
9.0 million population of the country who are mainly smallholder,
resource-limited producers. The most important crops in Rwanda are maize, rice,
wheat, potato, Irish potato, cassava, banana, beans, soybean, vegetables, fruit
trees, coffee and tea. The Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), one of ffie main
pillars of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MHNAGRH), has a
national mandate for agricultural research in Rwanda. The Institution supports
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 gen
eral
mission of developing agriculture and animal husbandry through their reform and
using modem methods in crop and animal production, research, agricultural
extension, education and training of farmers in new technologies.
Analysis of current research needs of H Horticulture
program showed an urgent need to integrate agronomic/physiologic research and
enhance development of appropriate management technologies for sustainable crop
production. To achieve this, under SCBI Project, RAB is seeking to recruit an
experienced agronomist/crop physiologist as senior scientist to support the I
Horticulture program in research for development.
program showed an urgent need to integrate agronomic/physiologic research and
enhance development of appropriate management technologies for sustainable crop
production. To achieve this, under SCBI Project, RAB is seeking to recruit an
experienced agronomist/crop physiologist as senior scientist to support the I
Horticulture program in research for development.
2. JOB DESCRIPTION
The agronomist / crop physiologist will be expected to:
- Develop an appropriate agronomic/ crop physiology
Research Plan for Rwanda, - Coordinate agronomic research for development in
H Horticulture Program, - Implement research projects that meet national
priorities, - Supervise agronomic, crop physiology and
management research at RAB, - Ensure the training of technical staff in
agronomic research, - Ensure timely publication of research /
development results and create visibility of RAB in the agricultural
sector, - Ensure scientific mentorship for younger
researchers in agronomy /crop physiology in Horticulture program, - Ensure the training of technical staff from
extension agencies including NGOs, farmers’ associations and other
partners in the sector; - Strengthen partnership with excellent
institutions, laboratories, regional and international organisations in
agronomic research/development and with key farmers’ associations, private
sector and projects involved in commodity production in Rwanda; - Identify infrastructure and equipment required
for the modernisation of agronomic /crop physiology research at RAB; - Write competitive research proposals to seek
funds at national, regional and international levels; and - Identify key journals on agronomic
research/development and subscription procedures;
3. QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Agronomy/Crop Physiology from a recognized
university, - At least five years experience in agricultural
research, with agronomy/ crop physiology as an advantage, - At least three years working experience with
smallholder farmers, - At least three years experience in research
management, - Very good command of computer, data and
information systems management, - Strong publication record in internationally
recognised journals in the area of H Horticulture Agronomy/Crop
Physiology, - Ability and proven experience in mentoring young
scientists and technicians, and - Proven experience in resources mobilisation for
research activities. - Proven experience working in multicultural
environments
4. DURATION OF THE CONTRACT
The contract will cover a period of one year, 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 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 PM.
CONTACT ADDRESS:
Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB)
P.O. Box 5016 Kigali-Rwanda
Tel: + 250 788309536
J.J MBONIGABA MUHINDA (PhD)
Director General
