Cropping Systems Agronomist
CIMMYT, Malawi
Job Description
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT, is not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org
CIMMYT is seeking an outstanding, motivated candidate for the position of Cropping Systems Agronomist with a specialization in Agronomy to coordinate activities of the Sustainable Agri-food Systems programs. The position offers an early to mid-career opportunity for a researcher interested in the use of sustainable intensification and related agronomic practices towards resilient agri-food systems and climate change adaptation. The successful candidate will work in the Sustainable Agri-food Systems Program of CIMMYT and implement the new One-CG initiative projects as well as other on-going projects.
The position will be based in Malawi or Zambia.
Specific duties:
- Develop and deliver training curriculum for local researchers and extension educators and community leaders on managing on-farm research programs including promotion and research backstopping for the effective adoption of sustainable mixed farming systems.
- Assist in surveys, farmer-to-farmer exchange, and study tours to facilitate widespread adoption of sustainable intensification technologies, including improved fertilizer efficiency.
- Carry out participatory action research in collaboration with other CIMMYT staff and partners in ongoing research-for-development programs for sustainable mixed farming systems, and related agronomic systems in southern Africa.
- Work with and support project and program economists to implement a broader social science research agenda for agro-food system strengthening, seed and fertilizer marketing, market intelligence, agri-business, and regional end-user preferences.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with diverse actors, including other International Research Centres (CGs), national agricultural research programs, and advanced research institutes, so that expertise and advanced technologies from the latter reach farmer.
- Design and coordinate high-quality agronomic research trials to study fertilizer use efficiency, cropping system productivity, and soil health.
- Engage local stakeholders (NARS, seed companies, CGIAR breeding teams, NGOs) on strategies, policies, and research to address bottlenecks in mixed farming systems.
- Spearhead data synthesis and analysis from large available datasets.
- Spearhead data synthesis, analysis, and communication of research results to diverse audiences, including scientists, change agents, policymakers, the media, and farmers.
- Help develop new initiatives and research in the region and elsewhere as needed by the Sustainable Agri-food Systems (SAS) and other CIMMMYT programs.
- Support the mobilization of research resources in partnership with funding institutions.
Requirements
- 5 years post Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agroecology, Farming Systems, or a closely related field.
- Considerable practical agricultural experience, including experience with on-farm research and farm equipment.
- Experience with using participatory research methodologies and adapting agricultural practices to local biophysical and socioeconomic conditions.
- Strong record of high-quality scientific publication and experience in translating research results into bulletins and training materials.
- Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages.
- Strong expertise in R and related open-source software and packages would be advantageous.
- High proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to work in multi-cultural environments and in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Willingness to spend considerable time away from home.
- Commitment to advances in farm productivity, food security and poverty reduction in the developing world.
- The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem Solving and Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Client Orientation, Communication and Team Leadership.
Benefits
The position is for an initial fixed-term of three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.