Field Bank Manager at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (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.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable candidate for the position of Field Bank Manager at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.

Job Title: Field Bank Manager (2 year renewable contract)

Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Coordinate the regeneration and maintenance of Yam, Cassava, Musa accessories and landraces;
• Coordinate of the conservation of the field bank germplasm crops;
• Bar – coding of the field bank crops for proper inventory and monitoring of the germplasm collection;
• Multiplication evaluation of elite Yam and Cassava genotypes with a view to studying GXE and identifying stable genotypes;
• Coordinate data collection on the RTB field crops and analysis for preliminary results;
• Conduct preliminary plant breeding studies on RTB crops;
• Liaise with Plant Tissue Culture team for safe duplication of clonally propagated crops;
• Provision and distribution of Yam, Cassava and Musa genotypes/ materials when requested;
• Direct supervision of staff and activities conducted in the Yam, Cassava and Musa collections of the field bank;
• Assist the Head of GRC in selection of qualified personnel;
• Liaise with plant breeders for crop improvement programs and get involved in farmer participatory research programs;
• Assisting the Head of GRC in literature search and publications;
• Carry out duties assigned by the Head of GRC.

Qualification and Experience
M.Sc Plant Physiology/Agronomy or related field plus (5) years relevant post-qualification working experience in Field Bank and Germplasm Management of a reputable organization.

The candidate must:

• Have good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Be honest and hardworking;
• Be a good team player and be able to follow instructions;
• Be able to work under pressure.

Remuneration:
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date
8th May, 2013

Method of Application:
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work. Evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA Website .