Senior Research Associate

The International Potato
Center (CIP) seeks to recruit a Senior Research
Associate for the project “Developing Local Seed Potato Production Systems in West
Bengal”, funded by the Government of West Bengal. The project aims to
strengthen early-generation and commercial seed potato production by building
public and private sector capacity to deliver high-quality, locally adapted
varieties. It also supports smallholder farmers through improved seed quality
management and good agricultural practices. We seek a dynamic professional with
experience in seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops, early-generation
seed production, seed quality assurance, pest and disease management, and
variety release processes to support the Project Leader in implementation.

The Position: The selected candidate will be
based at Mohit Nagar, West Bengal. He/she will supervise operations in
the locations and consultants and will report to the Principal Scientist.

Education: PhD level degree is in
Agriculture and agricultural related fields.

Experience: The ideal candidate will have a
minimum of six years’ experience in project coordination and implementation,
with a strong background in potato seed systems and good agricultural
practices. Practical expertise in seed storage, pest and disease management,
and potato production is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate the
ability to prepare and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and
promotional materials effectively.

The candidate must possess
strong project management, leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills,
along with proven experience in project coordination and stakeholder
engagement. He/She should demonstrate expertise in organizational planning and
budget management, and the ability to work effectively as part of a
multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment. Excellent
communication skills and a willingness to travel and work in resource-limited
rural areas are essential.

Language: The candidate must be a resident
of West Bengal and fluent in Bengali and Hindi, with advanced written and oral
communication skills in English, Hindi, and Bengali.

Key
Responsibilities:

• Review and internalize the project proposal to
  fully understand objectives, ensuring effective, sustainable, and
  cost-efficient contribution toward achieving goals at scale.
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans,
  including analysis of tasks, schedules, and resources.
• Identify, enroll, and monitor suitable partners
  across the potato value chain, providing continuous support and capacity
  building.
• Oversee daily project activities in close
  collaboration with the Government of West Bengal scientists and project
  partners.
• Ensure timely, quality, and budget-compliant
  completion of activities, including progress monitoring and scheduling
  meetings.
• Build strong relationships with government
  agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and farmer groups to support
  project objectives.
• Train public and private partners on
  early-generation seed potato production, field multiplication, and apical
  rooted cuttings technology.
• Demonstrate best practices in on-farm seed
  management, soil fertility, and agronomic innovations through field sites.
• Facilitate field bulking, testing, and promotion
  of newly released potato varieties in the region.
• Provide technical assistance in disease
  detection, tissue culture, and seed certification support as needed.
• Develop and advocate for locally adapted seed
  quality protocols and schemes with federal and state agencies.
• Prepare and submit quarterly and annual technical
  and financial reports on schedule.
• Present project outcomes at professional, donor,
  and stakeholder meetings.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and
  develop extension materials, including scripts, videos, and ICT-based
  outreach tools.
• Perform additional responsibilities assigned by
  the supervisor to meet project objectives.

Why should
you consider this opportunity?

·       CIP
is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong,
state-of-the-art R&D background.

·       CIP
is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and
gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of
the developing world.

·       CIP
is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure
future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security,
and improving natural resources.

What are we offering?

·       Excellent working environment.

·       Compensation package
commensurate with experience. 

·       Eighteen months (18) fixed
term contract.

·       Work in an equal and
diverse workplace.

How to apply?

Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V in English with at least three
(3) professional references. Last Day for application is 17^th August 2025 and Screening of applications will begin from 18^th August 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This
position will have no contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Learn
more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP
is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged
to apply.