Research Consultant (Agronomy) - The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Description:
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Malawi, is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Consultant under MIRACLE project. Initial appointment will be for 9 months.

Essential Duties:
Under the guidance of the National Coordinator, the successful candidate will be involved in, but not limited to, the following support activities:

• Take leadership in establishment of mother and baby trials
o Identify farmers to participate in field experimentation
o Identify suitable sites of fields for establishment of mother and baby trials
o Ensure timely distribution of inputs (seeds, fertilisers, inoculants and pesticides) at community level
o Ensure timely land preparation and planting of all trials
 

• Establish and monitor community-based seed production schemes
o Identify farmers and fields for production seeds
o Establish seed multiplication fields
o Liaise with Seed Inspectors to ensure that seeds are inspected as required as required
o Monitor seed production according to production guides
o Conduct training as seed production, management, harvesting and storage
 

• Give oversight to capacity building needs in the project areas
o Conduct Training of Trainers (extension agents and lead farmers) on better management practices for production of leguminous crops such as soybeans, Cowpeas, groundnuts and pigeon peas
o Conduct participatory technology selection training e.g PVS

• Supervision of Technicians and district coordinators
o Ensure timely collection of essential data
o Ensure accuracy in data collection
o Collect and collate reports from filed technicians monthly

• Reporting
o Provide monthly reports from each project site
o Prepare quarterly reports
o Contribute to preparation of annual reports

• Awareness creation and Communication
o Organise farmer to farmer exchange visits
o Organise mid season evaluations
o Organise end of season evaluations
o Organise donor visits to project sites
o Write ‘successful’ agronomic stories from project sites
o Be the main link between agronomy and DARS and other partners

The position will require significant field work travel within Malawi.

Required Qualifications and Skills
1. BSc degree in Agriculture with specialization in Agronomy or crop sciences from a recognized University
2. Proficiency with Excel, SPSS and STATA.
3. Excellent spoken and written English.
4. Good interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to work under pressure.

To Apply:
Applicants should provide a CV, including the names and contact details (address, phone number, email) of three referees, and a covering letter addressing the selection criteria. Please send formal applications either by e-mail to D.Botie@cgiar.org OR by post to Mr. Davie Botie, IITA-Malawi, Chitedze Research Station, P.O. Box 30258, Lilongwe, Malawi.

The deadline: 29th October, 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.