Senior Research Associate

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit one (01) dynamic and experienced Senior Research Associate to ensure the activities and support the implementation of  the “Integration of Orange- fleshed Sweet potato Value Chain Development into Building Sweeter Livelihoods” Mionjo’s project in Madagascar.

The Position: The positions will be hosted by AfricaRice in Madagascar and will report to the Food Technology Associate Scientist and Project Manager. The Senior Research Associate will supervise directly 5-training assistant in agricultural extension as their direct supervisor. This position will be based in Toliara.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify the need and support to strengthen the capacity and commitment of the 4 new Decentralize vine multipliers (DVMs) in Toliara II district.
• Strengthen the DVMs and smallholder farmers capacity and knowledges on seed and roots production to apply the double S and Triple S technologies.
• Collaborate closely with the Regional Directions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of 3 regions in selecting the candidate to participate at the training of trainer related to ‘’everything you want to know about OFSP.’’
• Design training tools according to CIP knowledge portal and collaborate with the knowledge management specialist to translate into Malagasy.
• Contribute to create online links to share knowledge about OFSP with the support of the communication specialist and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
• Coordinate with the finance officer, training assistants and monitoring officer to purchase 40tons and distribute them to the project beneficiaries.
• Coordinate with FIFAMANOR and Regional Direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to install the pre basic screenhouse in the south and provide support to its management.
• Coordinate with the training assistants, Value Chain Specialist and conduct trainings to the agents of changes and project beneficiaries.
• Assist the DVMs for the vines and root production and institutional markets linkage.
• Organize DVMs and local smallholder famer’s group into cooperatives.
• Work closely with the project manager and training assistants to transform the current DVMs into vines -roots business enterprises.
• Collaborate with the monitoring assistant and project team to organize at least one market linkage workshop per year within project’s stakeholders, beneficiaries, and potential buyers.
• Conduct analysis of the existing DVMs with focus in Toliara II district and replace the failing DVMs in collaboration with the Regional Direction of Agriculture and Livestock.
• Monitor permanently seeds and fresh roots quality at the farms to avoid post -harvest losses.
• Conduct awareness campaigns on nutrition and root conservation for food and seed at community level.
• Conduct other activities as indicated by the project coordinator and stated in monthly workplans.
• Collaborate with FAO, WFP, and the other Mionjo AGEX staff to strengthen the synergies.
• Represent CIP at the workshops, coordination meetings and trainings related to the project.
• Undertake other tasks agreed upon with the supervisor

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Plant’s biology, or related area.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience required.
• Understanding of agricultural value chains, including the processing sector.
• Knowledge in seeds production and management.
• Experience in developing training tools and conducting youth trainings.
• Specialized knowledge on Sweetpotato preferred.
• Experience in supervising at least 2 persons is required.
• Knowledge on the agricultural calendar in the south and irrigation preferred.
• Skills in andragogy, training smallholder farmers, especially using participatory approaches.
• Experience in agricultural extension, working with smallholder farms.
• Skills in Planning and Organization Capacity, Team spirit, Interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in difficult conditions and under pressure.
• Advanced level of MS Office.
• Excellent French and Malagasy speaking and writing skills; working knowledge of English

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.
• Fixed term contract of 1 year with possibility of renewal subject on performance and availability of funds.
• 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 your references. Screening of applications will begin on March 11, 2024 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will have 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.