ICRISAT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Scientific officer or Research Associate. This position will support on-going research activities in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, and collaborating projects in the Southern Africa region as needed. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Regional Scientists / Agronomists implementing the Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) and the Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems (SI-MFS) Initiatives being implemented by CIMMYT, and play an important role in scientific experimental designs, farmer engagement, trial establishment, technical backstopping, field surveys, monitoring and evaluation, and data collections and analysis.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

·         Support the coordination of project activities with One-CGIAR partner agencies, government departments, and farming communities and report on status of the initiatives as needed.

·         Input procurement in collaboration with administrative support

·         Engagement of collaborative partners and farmers in implementing districts

·         Implementation of the EiA Initiative in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia and SI-MFS in Malawi including planning,
implementing, monitoring, and evaluating trial establishment, farm surveys, data collection, analysis of results.

·         Training of partners on various technical aspects of sustainable intensification approaches and research in digital technologies.

·         Contribute to designing trials and demonstrations and developing research protocols, procedures, and data collection tools for use during implementation of research activities.

·         Contribute to and support the development and use of digital tools for routine data collection with research partners.

·         Select sites for impact (considering farmer and field appropriateness) and potential for popularization of technologies,

·         Collating, cleaning, and analysing agronomic data collected using appropriate data analysis packages to support reporting of projects activities.

·         Support the coordination of project activities with One-CGIAR partner agencies, government departments, and farming communities and report on status of the initiatives as needed.

·         Any other duties as may be assigned by supervisor/s.

Place of Performance

The position is based at CIMMYT’s hosted office in Lilongwe, Malawi. Travel will be expected to other locations on a need basis.

Professional and Academic, Attributes and Competencies

·      A minimum of a Master’s degree Agronomy, Soil Science, Agroecology, Farming Systems or a closely related field.

·      At least 10 years of practical agriculture experience in research for development in smallholder production systems in

Malawi or Zambia.

·      Experience with using participatory research methodologies and adapting agricultural practices to local biophysical and socioeconomic conditions.

·      Commitment to advances in farm productivity, food security and poverty reduction in the developing world.

·      Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages.

·      Skilled in data analysis and scientific writing.

·      Willingness to travel to rural villages and to spend considerable time away from home

·      Experience working in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams in international research for development setting.

·      Demonstrated ability to work within deadlines and deliver quality products.

·      Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

·      Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.

·      The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical Thinking, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Communication, Teamwork and Client Orientation.

How to apply:

Applicants should apply on or before 24 July 2023, with their latest Resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer