Background: The
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for
the position of Cassava Agronomist (Field Fellow).
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for
the position of Cassava Agronomist (Field Fellow).
IITA is an international non-profit
research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a
Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the
development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with
our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer
risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from
agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from
about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations
across Africa. Please visit for more information on IITA.
research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a
Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the
development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with
our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer
risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from
agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from
about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations
across Africa. Please visit for more information on IITA.
Position/Responsibilities:
The field fellow in the Cassava Unit of IITA will
support cassava agronomy and natural resource management and testing under the
SARD-SC, African Development Bank cassava project.
support cassava agronomy and natural resource management and testing under the
SARD-SC, African Development Bank cassava project.
- Setup the establishment of demonstration plots
focusing on participatory dissemination of complementary crop management
technologies with relevant stakeholders. - Take an inventory and identify tools (e.g
simulation models, databases, information systems, GIS) for targeting
improved technologies to different farming systems and niches for cassava
production. - Develop plans for strengthening NARS
partners’ capacity in natural resource management strategies. - Assist in the development of new cassava
varieties in collaboration with breeders - Assist in organizing and conducting field
trials in the major IITA testing sites and in multiple locations in
collaboration with partners. - Contribute to the training and capacity
building of partners in cassava germplasm development and testing as well
as in the preparation of training materials. - Analyze data recorded in multiple locations
across seasons using appropriate statistical software packages, prepare
reports and draft manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. - Contribute to the preparation of project
reports and new proposals for funding. - Perform any other duties assigned by the
supervisor.
Educational Qualifications and experience:
The candidate should have a PhD in Agronomy or
related fields, preferably with at least two years of experience in cassava
research and development.
related fields, preferably with at least two years of experience in cassava
research and development.
Core Competencies:
- Experience in collecting, processing, and
analyzing experimental data recorded in field trials with relevant statistical
software packages is required. - Experience in conducting field trials using
standard and incomplete block designs - Experience in managing large datasets recorded
from field trials - A proven track record in publishing research
results in peer-reviewed journals - Proficient in spoken and written English and
working knowledge of French would be an advantage - Good inter-personal skills and ability to work
in multi-disciplinary and multicultural settings
Duty station:
IITA-Tanzania
IITA-Tanzania
General information: Initial appointment is for two years. Subsequent renewal of the
contract will be decided based on research outputs and productivity, and
continued need for the position. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package
paid in US dollars.
contract will be decided based on research outputs and productivity, and
continued need for the position. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package
paid in US dollars.
Closing Date: 28th
February 2013
February 2013
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly
welcomes applications from women candidates.
welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will
be contacted.
be contacted.
