The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Senior Research Associate or Research Associate specialized in Value Chain (Agriculture/Horticulture/Vegetable Science/Seed Science/social sciences) to support the implementation of CGIAR Initiave: “SeEdQUAL Initiative: Delivering Genetic Gains in Farmers’ Fields–“.

Based on the experience, skills, and performance during the interview, any of the two positions can be offered.

The Initiative:  Seed Equal–” supports the delivery of seed of improved climate-resilient, market-preferred, and nutritious varieties of priority crops, embodying a high rate of genetic gain to farmers, ensuring that women and other disadvantaged groups get equitable access. In this sense, the initiative primarily supports the delivery of improved varieties from CG/NARS breeding networks and not the use of in-situ material, landraces and under-utilized crops.

Seed sector development is a complex and extensive area of work, and this proposal describes activities best suited to the comparative advantage of the One CGIAR vis-à-vis NARES, seed delivery and other development partners. Development outcomes, and ultimately impact, will largely be delivered through partnerships via aligned investments, including but not limited to, through the Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) Initiative. Many critical aspects of seed sector development, such as value-chain linkages, seed delivery partner capacity building, finance, and policy advocacy, will be undertaken by our partners and aligned initiatives (including One CGIAR Regionally Integrated Initiatives).

Seed Equal comprises six Work Packages. WPs 1-3 are the “engine-room–” of Seed Equal, based around three principal crop archetypes requiring public support and investment. They will develop new EGS business models and undertake seed production research, alongside the evaluation and promotion of in-demand varieties emerging from breeding pipelines, in collaboration with and through NARES. Three cross-cutting WPs (4-6) will provide tools to manage and monitor variety advancement and adoption, coordinate capacity building, and build the evidence base for better seed policy and strategies for last-mile delivery to disadvantaged groups.

About the role: The successful candidate will work on developing Potato and Sweet Potato Seed Value Chain in Odisha and Value Chain analysis – identification of value chain constraints.

The selected candidate should be driven by the desire to achieve impact through high quality development interventions in close coordination with partners. The position will be based in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India and will report to CIP Asia Project Coordinator. This is a National recruited position that will work closely with other CIP science teams at CIP regional office in New Delhi, India and it headquarter in Lima, Peru. The assignment will include frequent travel within India.

Key responsibilities:

•        Conceptualize, plan, supervise and lead the implementation and reporting of plans and programs related to the assigned project/initiative.
•        Work on planning and implementation of seed value chain upgrading strategies in Odisha
•        Develop and oversee implementation of strategies in accordance with agreed objectives of the projector initiative
•        Develop and maintain partnerships with various stakeholders (public and private sectors).
•        Participate in organization wide activities and represent CIP at various meetings or events as workshops, conferences and trainings for capacity building of partners.
•        Publish scientific papers in high-impact academic journals according to the discipline, prepare project reports and policy briefs.
•        Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.

Requirements

What are we looking for?

•        Master’s degree in Agriculture/Agricultural economics/ Agricultural development/Development economics or a closely related field.
•        Experience in farmer mobilization and linking small holder farmers to substantive markets
•        Strong experience of at least 10 years in agriculture related area od work.
•        Relevant experience in conducting agricultural/rural sector/subsector analytical studies, and/or in planning, design, supervision of agricultural and rural investment operations, including elaboration of agribusiness investment feasibility studies/food chain analyses/agricultural market studies.
•        Experience in field work preferably on potato
•        Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Benefits

Why should you consider this opportunity?

•        CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
•        CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.
•        CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.

What are we offering?

• Great career opportunity in an international organization.
• Generous compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.