THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

This position is integrated into the banana research program of the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT and is part of the Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture department (lever) located in Palmira. The program is part of a broad network of collaboration with national and international research centers, as well as the public and private sectors. The main objectives are:

a)       Conserve and showcase the diversity of Musaceae.

b)      Explore and understand the potential of the diversity to mitigate the impacts on the livelihoods of small producers caused by climate change and phytosanitary threats.

c)       Promote an agroecological approach via soil health practices and investigation of intercropping and agroforestry systems.

d)      Isolate desired genetic traits (e.g. disease resistance, drought and heat tolerance) from unadopted material (Crop Wild Relatives) and introduce them into breeding pipelines.

e)      Improve local varieties via gene editing.

The main objective of this position is to lead and coordinate Musaceae research projects in Latin America (LAC), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards required by donors and associated institutions within the framework of the mega-programs managed by the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT. The selected Senior Scientist will conduct top science and will play a key role in efficiently coordinating the technical and administrative processes associated with the ongoing research projects. Additionally, she/he will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining strategic relationships with various Latin American public and private research institutions, thereby facilitating new project opportunities. This role will be essential in expanding the influence and impact of the program, strengthening our position as leaders in research and development in the field of Musaceae.

Key duties and responsibilities

         I.            Research Project Leadership: Lead and coordinate the Latin America Region Musaceae research projects, ensuring scientific and technical goals are met in line with the strategic directives of the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT and the objectives of the mega-programs (initiatives).

·    Coordinate the banana research in the Alliance Campus in Palmira, in collaboration with other department (levers) particularly lever 6 (Crop for Nutrition & Health).

·       Continue the work on capacity of surveillance of TR4 in Latin America already initiated

·       Continue the research ‘from genes to fork’, including (i) trait/gene association in Latin America environments and apply the developed breeding CRIPR technology for genetic improvement, (ii) agronomic improvement of production, disease monitoring and management, and (iii) define a diagnostic of farmer’s needs and challenges vis-à-vis production and co-design and co-develop solutions with the selected communities.

       II.            Standards Compliance Management: Oversee and ensure that all projects follow standards set by donors and associated institutions, including compliance with relevant ethical and legal regulations.

     III.            Strategic Relationship Development: Establish and maintain strategic relationships with research institutions in Latin America to foster collaborations and partnerships that facilitate new research and funding opportunities for the program. Ensure that strategic partnerships and strategies are in place through MoU with priority organizations in the region.

    IV.            New Project Generation: Stay on top of research, develop new research areas. Identify and develop new research project opportunities that contribute to the Musaceae program’s growth and innovation, ensuring the relevance and long-term impact of research initiatives and aiming at expanding the banana team in Latin America.

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in Phytopathology/Plant Health or related field.
• Over five (5) years of experience in research and development in banana production systems, including providing strategic direction into agronomic research and pathology.
• Project Management Skills: Proven knowledge in project management, including planning, executing, and evaluating research projects according to international standards and donor requirements. Specialized people.
• Management and mentorship experience: Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff members.
• Inter-Institutional Relations Competencies: Demonstrable experience in developing strategic collaborations and alliances with research institutions and other relevant entities at the national and international levels.
• Significant scientific recognition nationally and internationally in plant pathology.
• Communication Skills: Proficiency in Spanish and English (oral and written), with exceptional communication and presentation skills to interact effectively with various stakeholders and in international scientific forums.
• Experience in successful large-scale proposal development, design and implementation of research studies.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Establishes program management quality standards to support resource development, publication and program evolution.
• Funding & proposal contribution: Leader of at least three funded research projects and significant contributions to at least two other proposals.
• Advances science in a specific field and produces strong research results as well as manage projects.
• Proven track records of engaging with and supporting international, national, or local stakeholders.
• Willingness to Travel: Ability and readiness to travel frequently, both nationally and internationally, to collaborate with partners, participate on-site, and attend relevant conferences and workshops.

Terms of employment

This position is an internationally recruited based in Palmira, (Colombia). The initial contract will be for two years subject to a probation period of six months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG11 level, with a minimum basic salary of USD89,885 per annum, in a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference as Senior Scientist – Banana & Plantain Program, Latin America as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date: Tuesday, 1^st October 2024

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

                                              http://alliancebioversityciat.org