Field Crop Agronomist International Potato Center (CIP)

About this Job:	The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Field Crop Agronomist to support CIP’s sweetpotato on-farm work in Uganda The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on genetic resources of potatoes, sweetpotatoes, and other Andean roots and tubers, crop genetic enhancement and improvement, integrated crop management and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru with staff and activities in locations across Africa, Asia and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Alliance of the CGIAR Centers, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 60 donor members. Project description: CIP will work with HarvestPlus and other partners to select and promote pro-vitamin A sweetpotato varieties for different agro-ecological zones in Uganda; to establish sustainable quality seed systems, promote the nutritional benefits and their consumption, increase their adoption in the farming communities, marketing and utilization. Position Description: The Field Crop Agronomist will be based at the Kampala CIP Office with possibilities of relocating to western or northern Uganda depending on the need to accomplish objectives. The principal tasks and responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following: • Work with commercially-oriented, small and large-scale vine multipliers to improve their vine management skills • Work under the supervision of the breeder/ agronomist and project leader, to conduct, in collaboration with the sweetpotato national program and other partners on-station and on-farm sweetpotato trials, collect, analyze and interpret research trial data, and write reports and related documents. • Offer training to farmers, extension personnel, students and interested parties in sweetpotato technologies
Requirement:	The successful candidate will have: • A BSc/MSc, preferably Field Crop Agronomy. Good knowledge and practical background on root crops agronomy will be an advantage. • Good written and verbal communication skills in English. • Aptitude for team work and communication. Conditions: The employment contract will be for six months. CIP offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
Salary:	- USD/month
How to apply:	Applications: Applications including a cover letter, summarizing applicant’s relevance to this position, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience should be addressed to: Martha Ameru at m.ameru@caiar.org Screening, of applications will begin in mid-December, 2011 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; only short listed candidates will be contacted. Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org