AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center is a nonprofit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe. AVRDC conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world through increased production and consumption of nutritious and health-promoting vegetables. AVRDC's Regional Office for West and Central (AVRDC-WCA) in Bamako conducts vegetable research and development and provides training and information services with the goal of improving nutrition and livelihoods among small-scale farmers and consumers in West and Central Africa. For more information on AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center, please visit our website: www.avrdc.org.
The Job:
We are seeking an experienced scientist to manage the vegetable breeding and production operations at AVRDC-WCA. With AVRDC scientists, and in collaboration with public and private partners, the position has responsibilities to contribute to implementing AVRDC's strategy to develop productive vegetable varieties that meet the demand of consumers and processors and to design crop management practices to optimize productivity of these varieties. This position will play a key role in implementing emerging technologies to enhance breeding and selection efficiency within prevalent vegetable cropping systems. The position falls within AVRDC's Global Theme on Breeding and reports to the Regional Director for WCA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement efficient and cost-effective breeding strategies and protocols for addressing production constraints and consumer preferences (including taste, storage life, processing and nutritional attributes) for tomato, onion and priority traditional African fruit and leafy vegetables
- Evaluate and characterize elite vegetable lines/varieties for horticultural traits, yield potential, agro-ecological adaptability and nutrient content, and promote production and consumption of selected high value vegetables in collaboration with AVRDC scientists and partners
- Contribute toward building the capacity of stakeholders and scientists in vegetable breeding research, seed systems, and good horticultural practices
- Compile, analyze, document and publish research data in journals, book chapters, magazines and newsletters
- Participate in resource mobilization through development of concept notes and proposals in strategic research areas
- Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the supervisor.
The Person:
- PhD degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in genetics, plant breeding, or horticulture and good understanding of cropping system agronomy.
- Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong skills in field breeding, experimental design and statistics, experience in participatory field experimentation, excellent computer literacy including experience with database management.
- Experience in management of breeding and selection operations with multiple species.
- Proficiency with written and spoken English; knowledge of French is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa and good contacts with scientists in the region is an added advantage.
The candidate must be able to work as a member of interdisciplinary teams in a multicultural, multinational environment, and should be able to interact effectively with partners as a service provider and project leader.
The Reward: This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The initial appointment is for three years and may be extended depending on requirement, funding availability, and performance of the incumbent. The Center provides equal opportunity for diverse people and is keen to increase the representation of women and professionals from developing countries.
How to Apply: Submit application with Curriculum vitae, a recent passport size photograph and names and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees by e-mail to human.resources@worldveg.org before 15 January 2014.
