Soybean Scientist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

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.

We invite applications for the internationally recruited position of:

Job Title: Soybean Scientist

Ref: DDG-R4D/SBS/SARD-SC/06/15
Location: Kano
Report to: The SARD-SC Project Coordinator.

Background and Responsibilities

• The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Soybean Scientist.
• The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (the Executing Agency) and its partners Africa Rice Centre and the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (the Implementing Agencies) has received a grant from the African Development Fund (ADF) to finance the Multinational-CGIAR Project on Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC).
• The strategic crops within the context of the project are Cassava, Maize, Wheat and Rice.
• The overall objective of SARD-SC is to enhance food and nutrition security and contribute to poverty reduction in Bank’s low income Regional Member Countries (RMCs).
• Its specific objective is to enhance the productivity and income of four CAADP’s priority value chains (cassava, maize, rice, and wheat) on a sustainable basis.
• IITA, the Executing Agency for the SARD-SC, wishes to use a portion of the grant to engage the services of a Soybean Scientist to work within the maize value chain of the project.

Position Responsibilities
The Soybean Scientist will undertake the following activities:

• Strengthen soybean production technology testing and delivery platforms in Nigeria for effective capacity building and soybean technology delivery.
• Develop a sustainable soybean seed system. Intensify community based seed systems through development of input supply chain and delivery systems
• Create awareness amongst farmers on the advantages of planting larger areas of soybean in mono and strip cropping within the maize Innovation platforms.
• Enhance the usage of good agronomic practices for soybean production including mechanization and the use of Rhizobium inoculum. Facilitate partnership for dissemination campaign and sustainable supply of inoculants (NoduMax) and P-fertilizer.
• Facilitate the linkage of actors in the soybean value chain and develop capacity of partners working on soybean value chain.
• Expand the utilization of soybean in Nigerian households. Facilitate the use of pre- and post-harvest labour saving tools for higher net profit from soybean production and processing.
• Media events and publicity for popularization of improved soybean varieties and use of inoculant (NoduMax)
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor

Qualification and Experience

• The candidate should have a Post graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Soybean breeding, Agronomy or a closely related field from a recognized University and more than 7 years' experience in soybean research.

Core Competencies:

• Applied knowledge in production of seeds of maize, cowpeas, and soybean varieties.
• Experience in field experimentation, trial management and quality control of improved seeds as well as familiarity in variety release procedures and seed regulations are highly preferred.
• Experience in working with the informal and formal seed sector in dissemination of improved cultivars.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with good working knowledge of French preferred. 
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting and to interact with scientists and staff working in multi-disciplinary research areas.
• Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Strong innovation, communication and organizational skills as well as ability to teach.

General information:

• The contract will be for an initial period of two years with possibility of renewal based on performance and continued availability of funding.

Remuneration

• We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.
  

Application Closing Date
26th June, 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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