Spatial Information Analyst - Optimizing Fertilizer Recommendations in Africa (OFRA) project
CABI – Nairobi, Kenya
CABI Africa is recruiting for a Spatial Information Analyst to connect digital soil mapping with field experimental results to improve profitability of fertilizer use for key food crops in Africa. The position is co-funded by OFRA and Africa Soil Information System (AfSIS). Innovative tools and resources will be developed for efficient use of diverse available spatial information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of research ensuring adequate information for a crop in an AEZ while avoiding excessive duplication through efficient extrapolation of information. Delivery of resulting information to agricultural stakeholders will be improved through development of recommendation domains considering soil, climate, and crop spatial information. The position requires much innovation with expectation for development of resources beyond what is now conceived. The analyst will work with leading land resource and crop production scientists working in Africa including for adaptation of the developed tools and resources for improved spatial information use in other agricultural applications. A likely partner is the Grameen Foundation App Lab in Uganda for development of mobile phone applications and testing through a network of Community Knowledge Workers.
OFRA is funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Soil Health Programme and coordinated by the CABI-led Africa Soil Health Consortium (ASHC; www.cabi.org/ashc). OFRA aims to improve the profitability of fertiliser use by smallholder farmers within an integrated soil fertility management framework. OFRA works with national research and extension programs (NARES) in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, with scientific leadership and coordination from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The fertilizer use optimization will address the main annual food crop systems, i.e. maize, sorghum, pearl and finger millet, teff, rice, cassava, bean, groundnut, soybean, pigeonpea, chickpea, and cowpea, depending on importance in agro-ecological zones.
AfSIS, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a leader in digital soil mapping using advanced soil analytics and geo-statistical modelling. Further, AfSIS is defining and characterizing information extrapolation zones, climate and cropping system properties, and developing tools for easy use of this information by a range of stakeholders.
The position requires a PhD where advanced techniques in data management and analysis were applied, or a MS degree with at least 10 years’ experience of developing and applying such advanced techniques. Desirable is a BSc in agronomy, soil science, natural resources or related area. The candidate must have an: Ability to synthesize large amounts of complex, and sometimes contradictory data, into easily understood and actionable recommendations for farmers and policy makers; advanced skills and at least three years of experience applying advanced data management and analysis techniques; ability to communicate well with agricultural researchers and field practitioners; ability to write for and present to a variety of audiences in English. Desirable qualities include: knowledge of soil fertility management research and development in African contexts;awareness and understanding of gender issues in agriculture; excellent communications skills including facilitation of meetings and communication with non-scientific audiences; working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese; experience in development of information management and/or decision tools and ability to adapt to changing situations. Significant work and travel in Africa will be required.
Salary: Negotiable but commensurate with skills, abilities and experience
Position Type: This is a high level research position with an international organization with a 24 month initial appointment and possibility of renewal. The successful applicant will be based with CABI in Nairobi - Kenya.
Position Type: This is a high level research position with an international organization with a 24 month initial appointment and possibility of renewal. The successful applicant will be based with CABI in Nairobi - Kenya.
Applications in writing by cover letter stating how you meet the requirements above together with the names and contact details of three referees and a full current CV and quoting the post reference number 128/2013 should be sent to recruitment@cabi.org Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight GMT Friday 31st January 2014.
