International Potato Center (CIP) Sweetpotato Research Associate

International Potato Center (CIP) Sweetpotato Research Associate

Ref.: 14-63 SRA/IRS/SSA The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an innovative scientist with capacity strengthening experience to assist the project manager of a large sweetpotato research project in generating research outputs and building capacity among partner institutions to effectively analyze and use research findings.
The Center:
CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers.
Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions.
CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.
The position:
The Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health Project (SASHA) is the foundation project in sub-Saharan Africa for CIP to tackle the major bottlenecks encountered along the sweetpotato value chain.
This position will assist the project manager and scientists on the team in assuring that key research data are generated, research findings are published, and that those findings are translated into a form that will enable practitioners to take new methods and tools to scale.
In addition, the scientist will also help with capacity strengthening efforts linked to building a community of practice knowledgeable in breeding, seed systems, crop management, nutrition, post-harvest management and marketing and advocacy.
The position requires an analyst with good quantitative and writing skills combined with an ability to teach complex topics to researchers at different levels of expertise and as well it will be an opportunity to develop publications.
The position will be based at CIP’s regional office in Nairobi.
Duties and Accountabilities

Conduct research as a co-investigator in value chain, cost-benefit, and policy studies (50%)

Assist in the organization of training sessions linked to Community-of-Practice working groups (30%)

Assist the project manager in administrative tasks and activities related to knowledge management and generating communication outputs for users of technologies (20%) Selection Criteria

PhD in relevant field (Economics, Agricultural Economics, Nutrition, Crop Management)

2 years of work experience in a developing country setting

Good data management skills

Excellent statistical skills, especially in analyzing household level data

Strong communication and writing skills in English

Experience in training or teaching adults, with course development skills preferred

Competency in Portuguese preferred

Experience with social media and internet use for knowledge transmission

Good publication record commensurate with years of experience

Commitment to working in a multi-partner, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment in Sub-Saharan Africa

Willingness to travel extensively Conditions:

Employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a four month probation period).

Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.

CIP provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits.

Allowances towards relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependents’ education and annual leave are also provided.

CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth. How to Apply:
Applications:
Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to CIP-recruitment@cgiar.org, copied to Jan Low at j.low@cgiar.org.
The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message.
Screening of applications will begin on 17th December 2014 and will continue until the post is filled.
All applications will be acknowledged; only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
CIP is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply