Catalyze Research and Innovation Through Visionary Leadership:


Drive Strategic Excellence: As a member of CIMMYT's leadership team, you will translate CIMMYT's 2030 Strategy into reality through the Global Maize Program (GMP), integrating core research strengths with innovative program development.
Lead Transformative Initiatives: Spearhead strategic initiatives, leveraging CIMMYT's unique... capabilities to elevate the quality and global impact of our maize research.
Ensure Scientific Rigor: Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for the GMP, fostering an environment where innovative science and operational excellence converge.


Elevate and Advocate CIMMYT’s Maize Research Agenda Globally:


Stay at the Forefront: Keep abreast of global advancements in agricultural research, utilizing these insights to strengthen CIMMYT's maize policies and drive actionable outcomes.
Champion Global Influence: Represent CIMMYT in international forums and meetings as a Leadership Team member and Director of one of its key programs, advocating for and advancing our research agenda with key stakeholders.
Drive Strategic Collaboration: Actively engage in governance, strategic decision-making, and resource allocation, ensuring the GMP's alignment with CIMMYT's broader institutional priorities.


Champion Strategic Resource Mobilization:


Forge Funding Pathways: Lead efforts to secure financial support by overseeing grants, projects, and intellectual property management, working closely with scientists and operational staff.
Optimize Resource Allocation: Manage the GMP's research budget effectively, ensuring robust funding streams that align with CIMMYT's strategic objectives.
Empower and Inspire: Collaborate with other Program Directors and HR to align staffing with research needs, motivating and leading scientific teams to uphold CIMMYT's high standards.


Requirements


Possess a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related agricultural science field, with a significant publication record and demonstrable project leadership. The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of the characteristics, processes, and indicators essential for managing a world-class, science-based breeding program.
A minimum of 10-15 years in senior management positions within renowned nonprofit organizations, foundations, corporate sectors, or government agencies, with a commanding track record in scientific leadership and executive oversight.
A global perspective grounded in international and developing country experience, driven by a deep commitment to elevating living standards in emerging economies.
A history of achieving exceptional outcomes, earning esteem for a cooperative and inclusive approach, and contributing to a culture of excellence.
Versatility in managing a multitude of tasks and priorities within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, exemplifying agility, and strategic multitasking.
Proven expertise in forging and nurturing relationships with a broad spectrum of individuals, across diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
An innate ability to navigate the intricacies of international diplomacy with finesse, employing tact and discretion as fundamental tools of engagement.
Strong communication skills, with fluency in English required and additional language proficiency desirable.
You exhibit the following competencies: Strategic Impact, Operational Efficiency, People Management, Networking and Communication, and Individual Impact. more

Specific Duties:


Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline, ensuring efficient development, advancement, and dissemination of germplasm and products.
Foster collaborations across areas of germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems to co-implement impactful regional improvement network(s).
Contribute to experimental design, trial, and nursery data... interpretation and analyses.
Contribute to increasing genetic gains in CIMMYT's and improvement network’s breeding pipelines, including the formulation, testing, and identification of impactful seed varieties.
Contribute to capacity-building efforts of CIMMYT, CGIAR, and the seed's improvement network(s).
Manage the program’s regional data, implementing the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for streamlined data management.
Facilitate with the senior breeder the convening of seeds product advancement meetings, with active engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with regional improvement teams to optimize trial locations and align them with product pipeline testing requirements.
Lead a team of research technicians, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
Assist the technical stations staff in implementing best practices.
Enhance the visibility of CIMMYT's research, partnerships, and impacts through the publication of high-quality journal articles.
Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor and Program Director to support program objectives.


Requirements


PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
Expertise in one, with familiarity in the other areas of biometrics and statistics, quantitative genetics, and applied molecular breeding.
Excellent written and spoken English
Desire and ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment.
The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, and Teamwork more

Specific Duties:


Work with other genetics specialists to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
Develop strategy in collaboration with breeding teams and other stakeholders and support the development of plans to optimize the use of new breeding tools and methodologies.
Support breeding teams to ensure that... target product profiles drive breeding activities and that breeding efforts are aligned to these breeding targets.
Support the breeding teams to set up disciplined processes to select parental germplasm in a targeted manner, as well as identify and implement ways to overcome resource, logistical, and biological constraints to shorten the breeding cycle time and increase the accuracy of data prior to selection of parents.
Contribute to the development of a training strategy and content to mentor and consult with breeding teams.
Lead and contribute to both virtual and hands-on training and mentorship activities targeted at CGIAR-NARES breeding teams in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Providing support to internal and external reviews and evaluations.
Contributing to publications derived from the breeding optimization project.
Coordinate the molecular breeding work, particularly to enhance the adaptation to the temperate environments via genetics, genomics, and molecular biology approaches.
Contribute to generating data on de novo genome assemblies, transcriptomes, and annotations.
Analyze the genomic differentiation between tropical and temperate seed for key traits of interest using genome resequencing data.
Genetic mapping of important traits associated with photoperiod sensitivity, and resistance/tolerance to major biotic and abiotic stresses in seeds.
Cloning and validation of functional genes targeting the improvement of the seed yield and stress tolerance.
Contribute to joint research proposals and seek opportunities for new collaborations and funding sources.
Manuscript writing and publication of research data in high-impact journals.


Requirements


PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, molecular genetics or plant biotechnology, or other highly related fields in genetics and breeding.
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
Experience in private industry and/or an advanced modern breeding program is a plus.
In-depth understanding of practical breeding applications and logistical constraints that will be relevant to breeding programs targeting the developing world (i.e., CGIAR centers, national systems, and private sector organizations).
Expertise in statistical analysis software (R, mixed modeling, perhaps machine learning, etc.) and a creative and innovative mindset.
A good understanding of quantitative genetics and underlying mathematical theory.
Experience in plant gene discovery, cloning, and functional analysis.
Expertise in using statistical analysis software (R, Python, perhaps machine learning, etc.).
A good understanding of quantitative genetics and bioinformatics.
Track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language).
The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Good Communication, Multicultural Awareness and Collaboration. more

Specific duties:

 Support the development of high throughput phenotyping protocols for target dryland crops by designing new assays or recommending protocols based on regional network needs.
 Support breeding efforts by assisting breeders to select for resistance to various biotic stresses of dryland crops.
 Contribute to building dryland crop improvement networks and implementing ongoing DCP... crops biotic stress screening activities in focus countries.
 Support with supervision and reporting - the establishment of phenotyping facilities and protocols.
 Support organization, presentation, and reporting of dryland crops biotic research results.
 Support achievement of capacity development needs for dryland crop improvement network.
 Ensure all network trials are uploaded in the Breeding Management System (BMS).
 Support pathology data analysis using software like R, SAS, and Genstat.
 Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

 An earned Ph.D. plant pathology/phytopathology/entomology or any other closely related crop protection field from an internationally recognized university.
 A publication record in high-impact crop protection Journals.
 Expertise working with diverse biotic stresses and development of complex screening assays, including crop pests, pathogens, and weeds.
 Experience with natural or artificial biotic stress infestation including establishment of dirty plots in compliance with host country phytosanitary regulatory guidelines.
 Strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage complex collaborator relations including experienced breeders, social scientists, and crop protection experts.
 Basic knowledge of international seed exchange and phytosanitary guidelines in East and Southern Africa region.
 Ability to conduct staff training to staff working in resource-limited situations as part of establishing a cohesive network.
 Working knowledge of data analysis software like R, SAS, and Genstat.
 Track record of flexibility, adaptability, well organized and working under pressure with tight deadlines.
Willing to travel widely (60%+) in East and Southern Africa, occasionally to West and Central Africa.
 Able to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment and possess skills to manage support staff.
 Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language).
 The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Problem Solving and Decision Making, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Teamwork, and Communication. more

Description

 Program management & administration

Provide critical support to Initiative planning, management, administration, and development of Initiative-specific processes, in consultation with the Initiative Lead, work package leads, center focal points, scientists, initiative staff.
Support the Initiative by facilitating and liaising with staff from operational divisions and units in... OneCGIAR and at the CGIAR Centers involved in the Initiative.
Work closely with relevant OneCGIAR units such as the Project Portfolio Unit [PPU], the Project Coordination Unit [PCU] and monitoring, evaluation, learning and impact assessment [MELIA] to coordinate the delivery and reporting of the Initiative targets while observing minimum standards, schedules, and budgets.

Project planning and reporting

Organize and participate in planning activities including, but not limited to preparation of annual Programs of Results and Budgets (PORBs), annual People Plans (PPs), Theory of Change (TOC) updates, and other planning exercises employed by the Initiative.
Organize and participate in end-of-year reporting through the Performance and Results Management System (PRMS) and other tools employed by the Initiative to monitor and assess performance, proactively explain variances, identify risks, and address operational issues to prevent or mitigate negative consequences.
Coordinate with the FSI to ensure that donor financial reports are submitted in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with Genetic Innovation Action Area and donor requirements.

Communication and knowledge management

Coordinate and facilitate internal communication between and among organizations participating in the Initiative, including CGIAR Centers and their research and scaling partners.
Coordinate and facilitate external communications with, among and about the Initiative and its partners, funders, and stakeholders, in close collaboration with CGIAR’s Communications Unit and other CGIAR Centers involved in the Initiative, relating to both: (1) scientific and technical research products including but not limited to scholarly publications such as journal articles, working papers, research briefs, and datasets, and (2) communications activities such as meetings, workshops, conferences, media, and social media.

Financial management

Monitor and report on initiative’s spending against budget on a quarterly and annual basis in coordination with the FSI, and report to the Initiative lead to support informed programmatic and resource allocation decisions.
Periodically review the spending levels of work packages and discuss with work package leads and budget holders any anticipated over/underspending to ensure that spending matches with work plan.
Coordinate with the FSI on the preparation of the annual initiative budget for approval by the Initiative Lead, fully costed budget for new proposals, budget realignment when needed and budget distribution to work packages and centers.

Requirements

Post graduate degree in Project Management, Knowledge Management, Business Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation or any other related field.
Mid-career (minimum of 5-7 years of relevant program/project management experience)
Good knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures in project management, partnership, financial, monitoring, and knowledge management.
Proficiency in standard software such as minor programming using macros, mail merge, designing customized reports, developing audio visual presentations and advanced skills in Windows Operating System, LAN, and Internet.
Familiarity with and regular usage of task management systems and tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Teamwork, Trello, Pomodoro-tracker, ilovepdf etc
Work experience in Program/Project Management and Administration.
Good computing skills; EXCEL, MS-Word, PowerPoint, MS-Project, Web Management etc.
Ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment

Core competencies:

Ability to solve complex issues/ challenges during implementation, detail-oriented – proactive thinker and anticipate challenges and plans for solutions.
Multi-tasker with attention to detail focused on the big picture and desired outcomes.
Ability to speak, read, communicate – English (essential), French (highly desirable).
Ability to analyze data, situations, or problems, evaluate possible courses of action and make appropriate decisions.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and desire to thrive in a multi-cultural international environment and multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to demonstrate financial and non-financial resource awareness.
Ability to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
Client Orientation, Critical Thinking, Strategic Communication more

Specific duties:
Technical Focus

Oversee the implementation of the project and ensure that CIMMYT procedures are adhered to.
Develop the strategic direction of the project including conceptual frameworks and communication strategies in line with the principles of sustainable agrifood systems development.
Ensure effective coordination put in place for effective project management, through the... Technical and Management Steering Committees.
Liaise with the donor to ensure adequate communication, coordination with other projects, timely progress reporting and fund disbursements.
Develop partnerships with relevant actors including national and local authorities as well as implementing partners.
Support the resource mobilization strategy of CIMMYT by producing knowledge management and materials on project achievements that can be shared with resource partners, government, and other key stakeholders.

Specific Functions

Review the project budgets and prepare a procurement plan for the project in close collaboration with the relevant CIMMYT administration staff, including overseeing expenditure and staffing plans.
Prepare quarterly and semi-annual project progress reports, review and monitor the outputs and results of the project against agreed work plans and to identify constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions.
Work with the relevant scientific and administrative staff and collaborating partners to ensure high quality programming with periodic adjustments for improving the performance of interventions based on M&E findings and lessons learned.
Prepare detailed project annual work plan in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and make necessary arrangements for the successful implementation of the work plan in a timely manner.
Oversee designing and implementation of capacity development training programme that will assist in achieving project results.
Oversee the development of manuals, guidelines, and checklists for documenting, institutionalizing, and sustaining the outputs and results of the project.
Ensure coherence, synergies, and complementarities of the project with other USAID funded projects, and with IFDC, WFP, IFAD, and UNDP projects operating within the same geographic locations.
Identify opportunities for CIMMYT to expand its portfolio in the area of sustainable agriculture in particular increasing agricultural production, livelihood diversification and NRM.
Oversee cost benefit analysis of various key deliverables.
Ensure that project interventions consider goals around inclusive development, including gender differentiated needs of beneficiaries and accountability to affected populations commitments, working with gender scientists as needed.
Prepare the project terminal report in accordance with the USAID requirements.
Supervise the recruitment, appraise the performance, and provide guidance to the project staff.
Supervise the implementation of the project activities and outputs.
Supervise conducting of project reviews, assessments, and studies.
Monitor letters of agreement signed with partner organizations.
Perform other duties as requested.

Requirements

Advanced university degree in agriculture/agronomy/rural economy/rural development or related field, with post-graduate qualifications preferred.
At least 10 years of relevant experience in management of complex projects on sustainable agriculture, livelihood diversification, and natural resources management, preferably in fragile or conflict affected states.
Demonstrated experience in sustainable agriculture and livelihoods resilience programming.
Relevant work experience in complex environments, and protracted crises.
Demonstrated ability to liaise and build partnerships with UN, NGO, and government institutions.
Thorough understanding of project cycle management, donor reporting requirements and managing donor relations.
Experience in management of multi-disciplinary teams.
Have a high degree of integrity and accountability.
Relevant prior experience of managing USAID funded projects.
Excellent communication skills, including high level fora and media, as well as writing and presentation skills in English. Conversant with Arabic a plus.
Experience in working in a multi-cultural, politically sensitive environment, such as in a CGIAR, UN, or international NGO organization, working with bilateral and multilateral donors.
Willingness to travel frequently, both internationally as well as to rural Sudan.
The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Negotiation and conflict resolution, Team Leadership, Teamwork, Creative and Critical Thinking and Communication. more

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a Assistant Research Associate – Global Wheat Program. The incumbent will provide support to the Scientist through trial preparation and planting, managing trails, data management and statistical data analysis. The position holder will be a key contact person for CIMMYT in the KALRO Njoro office and will oversee day to day activities on the CIMMYT research section.
The... duty station will be in KALRO, NJORO, Kenya.
Duties and responsibilities:
Overseeing of Field experiments

Prepare field experiments (trials and nurseries), including trial designs and seed preparation using Fieldbook/EBS according to the breeder’s instructions.
Prepare field maps and planting plans for field trials.
Coordinate shipment of field trials to various testing locations within the region for timely planting, and retrieval of trial data from our collaborators (both NARS and seed companies) for timely consolidation and analysis.

Seed Processing and Storage

Lead seed processing and shipment with different partners, both internally and externally.
Manage cold storage facilities by consolidating germplasm inventories and developing SOPs.
In consultation with scientists identify germplasm that require seed increase.

Data management: Data Collection

Lead data input and analysis of field trials with guidance from the scientist.
Examine data for accuracy before analysis.
Prepare historical data for curation.

Data analysis

Timely statistical data analysis using different software depending on the objective of the experiment.
Genetic data analysis depending on the objective of the experiment.
Implement electronic data capture in all the field testing locations using the KDSmart or other appropriate application to ensure quick turnaround.
Assist M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in divers data analysis.
 Assist in drafting project progress reports. Assist in preparing tables and figures from research results for project reports, publications, draft manuscripts, etc.
Capacity building and Supervision of casual labor
Provide training and backstopping services especially with Fieldbook and data analysis to NARS and seed company partners.
provide technical assistance to visiting scientists and students.
Supervise contract and casual labor in data taking according to instructions from multi-location trials in Kenya under both optimum and managed stress conditions.

Other

Implement mechanization and digitization in CIMMYT eastern Africa breeding program.
Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area.
Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
Participate in (insert team as appropriate) projects as may be required.

Education, knowledge and experience:

Master’s degree in plant breeding or bachelor’s degree in agriculture with minimum 3 years’ experience in plant breeding.
4 to 5 years’ experience with good knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within a discipline.
Thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized equipment.
Basic knowledge of administrative and/or operating protocols and procedures of research support function.
Basic Supervisory skills and experience.
Sufficient competency to use the standard Windows-based software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email used at CIMMYT with occasional assistance.
Ability to effectively use corporate systems and other specialized applications. (User) e.g. Field book, R, SAS, META-R, AGD-R, and ADEL-R.
Basic skills in Windows Operating System and LAN.
Simple use of Complex systems.

Personal attributes and competencies:

Proficiency in spoken and written English
Knowledge about the key data required in a wheat breeding program,
Ability to write technical reports and draft manuscripts.
Excellent spoken and written communication skills (English).
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work proactively and manage timelines to help keep teams on track.
Strong computer skills, with demonstrated experience using a wide range of computer applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, project management software, conferencing software such as Zoom, and SharePoint or other collaborative workspace tools).
Desirable experience working in institutions focused on research, agriculture, and/or of a donor-funded nature, and experience working in a multicultural environment. more

The Quantitative Genetics Specialist will support developing world breeders to achieve higher rates of genetic gain and extract maximum value from new and proven technologies, tools, and services. The successful candidate will have a strong background and experience in quantitative genetics and biometrics with a deep understanding of how to manipulate plant breeding schemes by using the latest... technologies. The successful candidate will work within the ABI Quantitative Genetics team, across CGIAR centers – in a wide range of regions and crops – to optimize breeding schemes according to elements of the breeder’s equation in order to achieve the highest possible rate of genetic gain per dollar invested and per unit of time using simulation technologies, optimization and applied quantitative genetics experience, among other means. The holder of the position will report to the ABI Quantitative Genetics Lead.
By providing one-on-one consultation, workshops, and online communication via the platform’s purpose-built ‘toolbox,’ the successful candidate will contribute to raising standards of breeding operations at CGIAR and NARS breeding programs in line with targets set by ABI.
The position will be based at CIMMYT-Nairobi Campus in Kenya, involving significant international travel.
Specific duties:

Engaging with member breeding teams to create awareness of new tools and approaches for optimizing breeding pipelines.
Working with breeders to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
Developing strategy in collaboration with breeders and developing plans to optimize the use of new breeding tools and methodologies.
Mentoring and consulting with the partner breeding community.
Contribute to the development of a training strategy and materials for implementation.
Leading and contributing to virtual and hands-on training and mentorship activities targeted at member breeding teams in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Providing support to internal and external reviews and evaluations.
Contributing to publications derived from the breeding optimization project.

Required qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, or related fields with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Experience in private industry is a plus but not required.
In-depth understanding of practical breeding applications and logistical constraints that will be relevant to breeding programs targeting the developing world (i.e., CGIAR centers, national systems, and private sector organizations).
Expertise in statistical analysis software (R, mixed modeling, perhaps machine learning, etc.) and a creative and innovative mindset.
A good understanding of quantitative genetics and underlying mathematical theory.
Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language).
The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving and Decision Making, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Teamwork, and Communication. more

Overview
The incumbent will provide management and administrative support for the One CGIAR Plant Health Initiative, a multi-institutional program that brings together multidisciplinary expertise from across ten CGIAR centers, working across multiple crops and geographies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This position will report to the Initiative Coordinator and Initiative Lead.
The duty... station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with coordination of processes related to work planning, monitoring, and reporting across all PHI implementing partners, including administration of a project-management software platform (Scriptoria).
Collect and compile information from PHI staff for use in technical reports and other deliverables.
Provide event management support for PHI-sponsored events and meetings.
Facilitate internal communications and sharing among Initiative staff through appropriate software and communications tools.
Develop, manage, and maintain initiative-level databases.
Support administration of subgrants.
Collect, collate, and organize survey data (household level and community level), and other information (e.g., adoption patterns, impacts etc.) as directed. Analyze such collected household survey data using advanced and most recent statistical and econometric techniques.
Develop computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) programs, train and supervise field data collection teams for the efficient deployment of large surveys for real and near-time data capture.

Education, knowledge and experience:

Bachelor’s degree plus 3-5 years of work experience and/or master’s degree in business administration or related field.
Minimum 2-3 years project management experience.

Personal attributes and competencies:

Excellent written communication skills (English).
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work proactively and manage timelines to help keep teams on track.
Strong computer skills, with demonstrated experience using a wide range of computer applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, project management software, conferencing software such as Zoom, and SharePoint or other collaborative workspace tools).
Desirable experience working in institutions focused on research, agriculture, and/or of a donor-funded nature, and experience working in a multicultural environment. more

Overview
This role offers administrative support to the Global Maize Program’s seed systems teams globally, with a focus on technology transfer, contract management, and monitoring and evaluation. The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Technology transfer

Support administration of the software system used for management of licenses, including provision /... coordination of technical support for internal and external users of the licensing management system, data entry, and maintaining the integrity of data.
Provide administrative support for processes related to allocation of CIMMYT maize products developed in eastern Africa, including product announcement, reviewing applications, processing license agreements and amendments.
Support the annual licensee reporting cycle for eastern Africa through the online system, including review of reports and following up with partners to ensure reports are submitted on time.
Monitor licensee’s compliance with their contractual obligations for reporting and diligence towards commercialization of licensed products.
Extract and analyze data for use in various reports, especially for purposes of monitoring and evaluation.

Project Management (Seed Equal)

Assist with coordination of processes related to work planning, monitoring, and reporting for CIMMYT Global Maize Program (GMP) activities under the One CGIAR Seed Equal Initiative (SEI).
Collect and compile information from CIMMYT GMP staff under SEI for use in technical reports and other deliverables.
Support internal communications and collaboration among the GMP-SEI team through appropriate software and communications tools.
Support administration of GMP subgrants under SEI.

Education, knowledge and experience:

Bachelor degree in Business Administration or related field.
3-5 years of work experience
2-3 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation or project management.

Personal attributes and competencies:

Excellent written communication skills (English).
Impeccable attention to detail.
Strong computer skills, with demonstrated experience using a wide range of computer applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, project management software, conferencing software such as Zoom, and SharePoint or other collaborative workspace tools).
Strong analytical and data visualization skills.
Demonstrated experience with contract management.
Ability to communicate in French and/or Portuguese is an added advantage.
Desirable: experience working in institutions focused on research, agriculture, and/or of a donor-funded nature, and experience working in a multicultural environment. more

The position will report to a Quantitative Genetics Specialist within the Breeding Resources Initiative (BRI) quantitative genetics and breeding optimization team and will work with the CIMMYT-Maize breeding program, and the CIAT-Beans breeding programs in Eastern & Southern Africa (ESA).
The successful candidate will lead the development of on-farm sparse testing experimental designs and the... development of rapid cycle genomic selection pipelines for hybrid and line crops using stochastic simulation, analysis of field trials, and the assessment of the on-farm selection through the comparison of genotypic performance on the research stations and under farmers’ management.
The position will be either at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico or at CIMMYT’s offices in Nairobi, Kenya.
Specific duties:

Develop rapid cycle genomic selection breeding strategies for the CIMMYT-Maize hybrid breeding program and the CIAT-Bean line breeding program using AlphaSimR.
Evaluate different strategies to maximize genetic gain in collaboration with breeders.
Develop and assess genomics-assisted on-farm sparse testing experimental designs with 3-5 unreplicated genotypes tested across a broad sample of smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa.
Analyze data from on-farm testing and testing o research stations to identify parents for population improvement and candidates for product development.
Implement a desired gains selection index that combines multi-trait information coming from on-farm trials, on-station trials, or both.
Development and refinement of on-farm trial data analysis pipelines to provide real-time decision support to the breeding programs.
Assess the value of on-farm by estimation of genetic correlations between, and heritability of, on-station and on-farm performance to predict direct and correlated genetic gains using data collected from on-farm and on-station experiments.
Work collaboratively with the breeding teams and multi-disciplinary scientists involved in this project. Communicate basic theory, strategies, and results on a regular basis.
Interact and report to the quantitative genetics team to plan breeding program and experimental design simulations, data analysis, calculation of selection indices for co-selection of traits measured on the farm and/or on the station.
Lead and contribute to publications derived from this project.

Required qualifications, skills and attitudes:

PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, or related fields with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Experience in private industry is a plus but not required.
Excellent understanding and strong interest in applying modern quantitative genetics and biometrics tools in plant breeding (genomic-assisted breeding tools, linear mixed models, etc.)
Expertise in statistical modeling and data analysis using R.
Desire and ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a diverse, multicultural, and multidisciplinary work environment.
Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language) and the ability to present complex concepts and results with a non-specialist audience.
Demonstrated capacity to publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
A substantial amount of national and international travel for this position is required.
The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical thinking, Problem-solving and decision-making, Client orientation, Negotiation and conflict resolution, Communication, and Teamwork. more

Summary of responsibilities:

Lead market intelligence research to engage with breeding programs (CGIAR, NARS, private sector) on:

Consumer preferences for fresh and processed foods derived from cereal crops.
Strategies and needs of cereal processing industry strategies (and implications for raw material sourcing).
Cereal seed retail markets.
Trends in food markets and implications for... cereal processors and farmers.


Support the capacity development of CIMMYT’s partners in the region, including seed companies, extension programs, and national agricultural research centers, in areas related to market intelligence.
Engage local stakeholders (seed companies, breeding teams, NGOs) on strategies, policies, and research needed to inform breeding design and investments in East Africa and beyond through workshops, briefs, and periodic one-on-one engagements.
Engage staff from CIMMYT, NARS, NGOs, and seed companies in the region to understand plant breeding, seed production, and seed distribution, as input for designing a stronger client orientation by social science in its seed systems agenda.
Support regional efforts to mobilize resources to expand R4D agenda on seed systems and related areas of work.

Requirements:

MSc. degree in marketing (research), business management, food science and technology, agribusiness, or similar field with at least ten years of relevant experience in the private or public sector.
Track record of quality technical reports.
Experience in research looking at consumer preferences, food processing, product development, food marketing.
Demonstrated ability to excel in complex multidisciplinary research or development projects.
Good partnership building skills, including the ability to interact with private sector; deliver effectively; and moderate meetings with local partners.
A high degree of personal organization and ability to work under pressure.

Personal attributes and competencies

Proactivity, Problem Solving and Decision-making, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and Teamwork.
Strong analytical skills and ability to process both quantitative as well as qualitative information.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including gender sensitivity and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams as well as to develop strong and effective working relationships with partners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

The application deadline is 31 January 2023 more

Summary of responsibilities:
Conduct field surveys and efficient data collection.

Lead field data teams in field data collection in large research projects involving large household surveys.
Collect, collate, and organize survey data (household level and community level), and other information (e.g., adoption patterns, impacts etc.) as directed. Analyze such collected household survey data... using advanced and most recent statistical and econometric techniques.
Develop computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) programs, train and supervise field data collection teams for the efficient deployment of large surveys for real and near-time data capture.

Implement data management guidelines or data quality assurance.

Under the guidance of scientific supervisor, run statistical and econometric models on large socioeconomic datasets to identify adoption and impact pathways for sustainable intensification including but not limited to conservation agriculture methods.
Process, consolidate, and transform data sets within and between databases using advanced data management tools to ensure efficient data sharing, findability, and inter-operability.
Maintaining high standards and ensuring impeccable quality control of data sets and maintaining such datasets in accessible and replicable format.
Perform other relevant qualitative analyses, as directed.

Contribute to scientific and project reports for effective project results delivery.

Conduct literature reviews and assist in preparing strategy documents, research reports and policy briefs to strengthen research and publication efforts.
Locate, assemble, and analyze secondary data relevant for socioeconomics and policy research in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
Present socioeconomic and farm production data in spatially explicit formats to facilitate visualization, synthesis, and communication with a broad range of stakeholders.

Project management and oversight.

Establish and maintain contacts with collaborating organizations and partners.
Assist in organizing project and stakeholder’s meetings and participate in scientific workshops and conferences.
Effective oversight of field budgets temporary field staff.

Requirements:

Master’s degree (or above) in economics, computer science, statistics, math, or any other field (e.g., natural sciences) with an emphasis on computational analysis and a minimum work experience of 3 years.
Expertise with computer-based quantitative analysis (e.g., statistics, econometrics, Python and related) and a proficiency with STATA (or R) platform is required.
Experience with household survey design, implementation, data entry, cleaning, and analysis.
Formal training in econometrics, statistics and/or probability theory.
Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems is desirable.
Familiarity with agriculture and rural development is essential.

Personal attributes and competencies.

Ability to achieve the highest standards of professionalism in research communications.
Transparency in our methods and approaches.
Promotes innovation, continuous learning, problem solving and independent thinking
Supports a work environment that fosters trust, teamwork, and diversity

Trust.
Fairness in sharing credit with our partners, donors and stakeholders.

The application deadline is 26 January 2023 more

CIMMYT is looking for a Bio Informatic and Software Developer. The Bio informative and Software Developer will Provide bioinformatics analysis support to various crop breeding activities (in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burkina, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali and Senegal) and developing of a new software application or customize existing applications.
The duty station will be in Nairobi,... Kenya.
Summary of responsibilities:

Data Analysis

Analyze agricultural research experiments (low, mid, and high-volume

sequencing/genotyping data).
Processing of large files and perform various bioinformatics analysis


Software development.

Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
Developing Python and Angular / React (or other) web framework-based GUI web-apps.
Manage Linux based servers and understand virtualizations and dockers.


Local and International Support

Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
Contribute to organizing and delivering OneCGIAR training programs in bioinformatics data analysis, data management, digitalization and using interlinked tools.
Support the integration of roles and projects into the new OneCGIAR global units.



Requirements:

Masters in life Science. PhD qualification in the same field will be an added advantage.
Thorough understanding of the field of work or specialized equipment.
Basic knowledge of administrative and/or operating protocols and procedures of research support function.
Up to 5 years work experience.
Conceptual knowledge and understanding of NGS data analysis, and pipeline development for variant calling & developing reference assemblies.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and external contacts on routine work-related matters.
Competence in using shell scripts, Snakemake, Nextflow and/or WSL.
Experience in Core JAVA, using APIs and developing API driven applications.
Proficiency in Python, Perl and R

Personal attributes and competencies:

Fluency in spoken and written English
Ability to analyze complex data, carry out and explain computations or to resolve complex problems.
Identifying options based on research and consideration of their consequences.
Deep understanding of NGS data analysis, and pipeline development for variant calling & developing reference assemblies.
Proficiency in using Linux and maintaining Linux based servers and clusters.
Experience in web frameworks, such as Angular or React.
Knowledge of relational data management systems and demonstrated ability to extract data and navigate systems.
Experience in working within international organizations or multicultural organizations desired.
Critical and Creative Thinking, Teamwork, Communication and Client Orientation skills. more

The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
Summary of responsibilities:

Support in developing research designs for a variety of projects.
Designing data collection instruments/protocols and training of consultants, field supervisors, and enumerators.
Data cleaning and management.
Statistical and econometric analysis of households, agro – dealers, and traders surveys.
Support with design... and analysis of qualitative surveys including (KIIs, FGDs).
Writing and editing of research reports, policy notes, academic papers, and other documents.
Liaising with partners and consultants ensure quality of all the data collected under such partnerships.
Responding to urgent requests for rapid analytics by the PIs, project teams, donors, and other stakeholders.
Training and mentorship of other research assistants in the program.

Requirements:

Master’s degree or PhD in agricultural economics, development economics, statistics, or a related field.
Ten years of work experience involving research data management, analysis, and writing, and demonstrated excellence in research.
Demonstrated capacity to analyze and utilize policy-relevant information from a broad range of sources on agricultural production and marketing.
Experience using statistical packages mainly Stata and others such as SPSS and R.
Familiarity with theoretical and technical issues related to agriculture, economic development, poverty, food security, and/or nutrition in Kenya and the rest of East Africa.

Personal attributes and competencies:

Strong analytical skills and ability to process both quantitative as well as qualitative information.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including gender sensitivity.
Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams as well as to develop strong and effective working relationships with partners.
Ability to travel and undertake fieldwork in rural conditions.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft packages and electronic communication tools.
Good written and oral communication skills in English.
Proficiency to use standard software at an advanced level.
Minor programming using macros, mail merge, designing customized reports, developing audio visual presentations.
Provides services or information, the quality and timeliness of which are important to enable the delivery of other functions, units, or individuals.
Attention to details ensures errors can be corrected with moderate costs and/or delays.
Ability to prioritize and allocate work to others and supervises 1 to 10 Staff members.
Manages own work and small projects related to own work; adapts plans and priorities to meet service and/or operational challenges. more