Dan Royal Job/Vacancies

IITA is a non-profit organization with over 130 internationally recruited scientists. The Institute has programs in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa. IITA scientists from about 35 countries work in partnership with national agricultural agencies to increase food production in tropical Africa, and ultimately to raise the productivity and income of small-scale farmers in an ecologically sustainable way.
(Ref: DDG R4D/APO/CLFBM/06/09)

Supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, invites applications for an Associate Professional Officer (APO): Clonal Crop Field Bank Management.


IITA Gene Bank maintains over 28.000 accessions of major African crops. This germplasm is held in trust on behalf of humanity under the auspices of the United Nations. This agro-biodiversity reservoir represents an important component for food security. Every year, hundreds of samples are regenerated, processed, cleaned, stored and distributed around the world. Clonally propagated crops are maintained in field-, in vitro- as well as in cryo-banks. The Gene Bank is presently looking for a motivated candidate to work on field bank management of yam, cassava and banana/plantain germplasm.



Responsibilities: Reporting to both the Germplasm Scientist and the Geneticist/Plant Breeder, the candidate’s primary responsibilities are:



1.
Review existing field bank procedures and add sustainable agriculture dimension in the process (agrochemical use, water)
2.
Relocate/regenerate the Musa (banana and plantain) field collection
3.
Analyze yam tuber behavior during temporary storage & review the tuber storage process
4.
Analyze behavior of the yam and Musa germplasm during maintenance in the field bank
5.
Contribute to the overall conservation strategy of clonally propagated crops at IITA
6.
Implement the bar code system in the field
7.
Explore/initiate on-farm conservation projects
8.
Take part in the implementation of any new IITA farm model
9.
Take part in capacity development of IITA technical staff and national partners
10.
Analyse research data and prepare manuscripts for publication.

Duty Station: Ibadan, Nigeria
IITA headquarters is situated on a 1000-hectare campus outside Ibadan, in Oyo State, Nigeria. The campus has experimental plots, research facilities, laboratories equipped with most modern scientific and communication facilities, a well-stocked research library, residential quarters, recreational facilities (including restaurant & bar, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a squash court, a golf course, lakes, trekking tracks and more), primary education facilities, and medical clinic are all located in this pleasant and secure campus in a beautiful environment. Ibadan is about 2 hrs drive from Lagos city, the commercial capital of Nigeria.



Professional Qualifications:
Masters degree and experience in Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding, and Plant Genetic Resources conservation. Familiarity with tropical agriculture or agronomy is desirable.



Competencies required:

· Knowledge in statistics and data management

· Ability and desire to work in a multicultural environment

· Fluent English (oral and written)

· Knowledge of tuber and root crops is an added advantage



General information: Initial appointment is for one year, with a possible extension to three years.



IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars. The position is for candidates from eligible developing countries only. Nationals of the duty station are not eligible. Nor candidates having worked earlier as JPO/JE/APO/AE. Please check for other criteria and the list of eligible countries on the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs website



Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/cms/details/job_application.aspx



Closing date: 31 August 2009



IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted



More information about the Associate Expert programme is available on the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: Associate_Experts_Programme