Research Supervisor at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) - 2 Positions)

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate 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.

Applications are invited for the internationally recruited position of:

Job Title: Research Supervisor

Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
Job Status: Contract, 2 year renewable
Slot: 2

Job Descriptions

• Engage in planting, crossing, harvesting, and seed processing of for parental lines of maize hybrids and ensure implementation of planned activities in different locations.
• Coordinate all field operations, including seed preparation, planting, thinning, shoot covering, and pollination in maize crossing blocks and multiplication fields of inbred lines under rain-fed and irrigated conditions.
• Ensure storage of seeds of parental lines of hybrids in an orderly manner to facilitate retrieval system.
• Make requests for required field tags as well as pollination (shoot and tassel) bags for various crossing blocks.
• Review availability of maize inbred lines for trials.
• Coordinate and plan isolation of breeder seed production fields
• Coordinate labor allocation for thinning, shoot covering, pollination, harvesting, threshing, and seed preparation throughout the year.
• Participate in screening of maize inbred lines, varieties and hybrids for carotenoid concentration and content.
• Supervise the preparation of inbred lines for distribution to collaborators in and outside of West and Central Africa.
• Prepare seeds for storage in the cold rooms and take inventory of the quantity and quantity of seeds of inbred lines and hybrids available in the cold store.
• Prepare seeds of inbred lines and hybrids requested by collaborators for shipment
• Provide practical training to new staff members working under special projects.

Qualification and Experience

• B.Sc or HND in Agriculture
• Minimum experience of 2 years in a similar position
• Team Player

Skills:

• Basic knowledge of crop management operations.
• Good time management and cropping skills
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, in diverse groups of team members and subject matter experts.
• Ability to identify and manage change to improve service and efficiencies.
• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills

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

Application Closing Date
7th April, 2015.

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include 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 and evidence of current remuneration package.

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