Coordinator Database Management and Artificial Intelligence

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Coordinator Database Management and Artificial Intelligence
Ref: IRS/APS/DR4D/2025/38

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Coordinator Database Management and Artificial Intelligence who will be based at AfricaRice Research Station M’be, Bouake – Côte d’Ivoire. S/He will work under the supervision of the Deputy Director general and Director of Research and Innovation.

About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) contributes to reducing poverty, achieving food and nutrition security and improving livelihoods of farmers and other value-chain actors in Africa by increasing the productivity, profitability and inclusiveness of rice-based agri-food systems, while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. AfricaRice, a CGIAR center and an intergovernmental association of 28 African member countries, created in 1970, drives research and innovation through formal partnerships with national agricultural systems, academic institutions, actors’ organizations, policy makers and development partners.
Its strength lies in technological innovations along the entire rice value chain from breeding, agronomy, value addition, marketing and policy recommendations and in strengthening locally-tailored rice research-for development capacity for reaching impact at scale.

Position purpose
The African continent faces dire challenges in the rice sector. Africa imports 40% of the rice it consumes at a cost of about 6 billion UD$ annually, while the continent has ample potential to close this gap that comes at an estimated cost of around 10 billion US$. Demand for capabilities of AfricaRice to support African government and local NARES is on the rise, which requires coordinated management and effectively development of additional businesses to attain the high institutional ambitions. The highly heterogenous production conditions of the African continent, aggravated by the changing climate, calls for customization of technologies to actors, locations and production systems. AfricaRice has generated data for several decades that must serve as its Big Data foundation for the development of advanced analytical methodologies and algorithms for the customization of technology application. AfricaRice therefore seeks a coordinator responsible for its Database Management and Artificial Intelligence Unit.

Position responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director general and Director of Research and Innovation, the
Coordinator Database Management and Artificial Intelligence will undertake activities with specific tasks that include, but are not limited to:
• Establish protocols for database design, development, entry, backup, recovery, and archiving
relational and non-relational databases.
• Develop and manage metadata, master data, and ensure data governance standards.
• Lead the development and deployment of AI models and algorithms across research programs and
the center.
• Conduct statistical analytics, including machine learning, apply (close and remote) sensing data, and
guide the use of process-based soil-crop simulation models, socio-economic models and high
throughput phenotyping models.
• Train internal staff, university students, and staff from local research institutions on use of big data
and AI practices.
• Coordinate the collaboration among program teams of AfricaRice and CGIAR sister organizations
for data compilation and identification of AI use cases.
• Contribute to institutional data memory and back up.
• Support the development, implementation and monitoring of data management ethic and privacy
rules.
• Support resource mobilization effort to fund activities of this unit.
• Ensuring risks are considered in the delivery of the assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Monitor, evaluate and report to senior staff on the performance of AI systems and suggest
improvements.
• Conduct any other duties as required by the supervisors.

Qualifications/Selection Criteria
Education: A MSc degree or equivalent in Computer Sciences, Geoinformation Science, preferably with
basic training in agricultural sciences

Work experience and key competencies required:
Required professional experience:
• Experience in handling large amounts of data and in programming routines, preferably with R or Python.
• Excellent in Geographical Information System software use (ArcGIS, QGIS, GEE, GEODA, etc.) and good
experience in R, Python, Java Scripts and SQL programming.
• Evidence of excellence in computer skills.
• Experience in the use of leading applications in computer, including machine/deep learning, close/remote sensing methodologies and process-based soil-crop simulation models
• Five years or more experience in this relevant work area.

Required competences:
• Pleasant and effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic analytical abilities and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a scientific team.
• Acquaintance with and ability to operate in multi-cultural environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, and ability to deliver under severe time constraints.
• Proactive in his/her undertakings.
• Fluency in English and preferably in French as well.

Terms and Conditions
• Competitive salary and additional benefits, including health insurance, pension plan and housing
allowance.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment with highly dedicated staff.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• The duration of the contract is 3 years, with a probation period of 3 months, renewable annually upon performance evaluation

How to apply
1. To apply, click on the following link: https://jobs.africarice.org/
2. Create an account if you are a new user, if not log on with your credentials to access active
vacancies
3. Select “Coordinator Database Management and Artificial Intelligence”
4. Follow the step-by-step application procedure.
Only online applications will be considered (If you encounter any technical issue on the career
site during your application, or you are prevented to proceed with your application until its
final completion: Please kindly revert to us along with the screenshot of the issue through
this email: africariceHR@cgiar.org ). Applications are not allowed through this email.

Not later than 20 August 2025