agricultural scientist for the position of Rural Mechanization
Specialist, to join the multi-institutional and interdisciplinary team
that coordinates the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia
('CSISA').
CSISA is a collaborative research for development program launched in
2009 with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the
US Agency for International Development. It combines the strengths of
several members of the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (IRRI, CIMMYT, IFPRI, ILRI, and WorldFish) in
collaboration with a large number of public and private sector
partners in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. For more
information about CSISA, please refer to http://csisaportal.com.
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its
Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training
organization with partners in over 100 countries.
Selected candidate will contribute to the research, innovation, and
dissemination-related activities done in India. In additional to
strong theoretical knowledge of agricultural systems, the ideal
candidate will have a mix of practical field skills, an ability to
conceptualize the challenges to agricultural development broadly, as
well as specialized knowledge in one or more key areas where CIMMYT
requires regional technical leadership such as weed science, water
resources, or agricultural mechanization. The successful candidate
will also have a problem-solving orientation and approach work with a
clear focus on issues of scale, sustainability, and underlying
processes. Interest in training and capacity building are a must.
Work experience gained in the developing country context is desirable.
The position will be based in Kathmandu (Nepal) and will also require
extensive travel between project sites in, Bangladesh, and India.
Specific duties and responsibilities of the position will include:
Lead CSISA's efforts to evaluate, improve, and commercialize
scale-appropriate machinery for crop establishment, crop protection,
irrigation, harvesting and farm transport.
Develop training material and learning modules for service providers
and other stakeholders that offer guidance on machinery maintenance,
proper use, and better-bet mechanized agronomic practices, especially
those pertaining to Conservation Agriculture-based managementb
systems.
Support the planning, preparing and implementation of overview studies
to identify and highlight constraints experienced by service providers
and the agro-machinery industry as well as possible solutions.
Form strong and strategic relationships with public and private sector
R&D partners within South Asia and beyond.
Serve as resource person for aligned mechanization projects in Africa
and Latin America.
Disseminate research findings through conferences, seminars, workshops
and publications.
We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications,
skills and attitudes:
MSc. degree relevant to the position.
At least 10 years applied experience in rural mechanization.
Experience with machinery design, innovation, and manufacturing.
Good partnership, building and networking skills with the public and
private sectors.
Strong proficiency in written and spoken English, including excellent
facilitation and communication abilities.
Knowledge of South Asian agricultural systems (preferred).
The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 2 years, after
which further employment is subject to performance and the continued
availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration
package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing
allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade
12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural
work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect
for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.
Apply online or email cover letter and CV no later than Monday, 5
November, 2012 to Human Resources, CIMMYT
(Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please insert position reference
number: 12253 in the subject of your email)
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
For further information please contact Guillermo Flores, g.flores@cgiar.org
