Aflatoxin Biological Control Scientist, Tanzania (Ref No: DDG-R4D/AB/CS/04/16)
Background
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Aflatoxin Biological Control Scientist, Tanzania.
IITA is one of the world's leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 in Nigeria and governed by a Board of Trustees. IITA works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize. It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.
IITA seeks a highly qualified and experienced Aflatoxin Biological Control Scientist for a project to develop and scale-up a novel and highly effective biocontrol technology ( www.aflasafe.com) for aflatoxin mitigation in Tanzania. One of the objectives of this grant is to develop national capacity for aflatoxin research and management. The project is part of a larger Africa-wide initiative on aflatoxin biocontrol development and scaling-up in partnership with public and private sector.
The incumbent will provide leadership, guidance, cohesion, accountability, and profile to the biocontrol project in Tanzania funded by USAID/Tanzania and USDA-FAS.
S/he will have an overall responsibility for project planning, implementation, and evaluation as well as for strengthening partnerships and timely submission of budgets and technical and financial reports to IITA administration, donors, and other stakeholders.
This is a unique opportunity for a gifted individual to contribute to the reduction of aflatoxin burden of Tanzanian people and economy. The Aflatoxin Biological Control Scientist will become member of
IITA's highly motivated multidisciplinary team working on aflatoxin mitigation in more than a dozen countries in Africa.
Position/Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and a results-based project management function to ensure that project targets are achieved (see under specific responsibilities) within the set timelines.
- Organize regular planning and review meetings with all stakeholder and implementing partners.
- Prepare and submit quality technical and financial reports to the donor in a timely fashion. Work with IITA's Finance Office and Project Administration Office to obtain technical and administrative support with the preparation and submission of reports.
- Publish research results and success stories and contribute to dissemination of results to stakeholders.
Specific Technical Responsibilities
Perform the following specific tasks to ensure that project outputs, milestones and deliverables are met on schedule:
- Conduct surveys to determine the prevalence and severity of mycotoxins in Tanzania.
- Identify and test atoxigenic strains for aflatoxin biocontrol development in Tanzania.
- Evaluate the efficacy of aflatoxin biocontrol strains on maize and groundnut in Tanzania.
- Contribute to the formulation of the best atoxigenic strains into products, and engage in product stewardship and market development for regional biocontrol products.
- Pursue biocontrol product registration in Tanzania and advise on IP management.
- Nurture national capacity in aflatoxin research and monitoring.
- Raise awareness on aflatoxin contamination and engage in advocacy for aflatoxin management.
- Foster public-private partnerships for linking farmers using aflatoxin management practices (including biocontrol) to value-added markets.
Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a PhD in Agricultural Sciences with thesis research on biological control of plant pathogens.
Core Competencies
Required
- Training or understanding of aflatoxin or microbiology and field research.
- Experience of at least 10 years in biological control of plant diseases or weeds including field. testing and formulations of biocontrol products with fungi as active ingredient.
- Experience working with Aspergillus and aflatoxins.
Skills and abilities
- Good understanding of the agricultural sector and its development challenges in Africa, such as those affecting technology dissemination, adoption, and impacts.
- Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
- Demonstrated communication & organizational skills and ability to prepare high quality reports.
- Demonstrated ability in stakeholder and partner engagement and policy dialogue.
- Excellent leadership and team building skills.
- Strong interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
Duty station: The position will be based at the IITA East Africa Hub, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania.
General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.
Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate's background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant's current or previous organization or applicant's direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers
Closing Date: 13 th May 2016
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.