Junior Research Assistant at International Potato Center

Job description

Ref.: 2019/008/NRS/KE/SSA

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a highly skilled, results-oriented Junior Research Assistant. CIP is a not-for-profit International Agricultural Research for development with a global mandate to conduct research on potato, sweet potato, and other roots and tubers and on the improved management of natural resources.

The Position: CIP is entering into phase 2 of the Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) project to scale out to Bungoma and Taita Taveta counties the successful interventions of phase 1. AVCD concentrates on improving livelihoods of farmers engaging in the potato value chain through improving access to seed and good agricultural practices, along with supporting farmer producer organizations to equitably engage in potato marketing. To support field activities, CIP is seeking a Junior Research Assistant to be based in Bungoma, Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify the target project beneficiaries in the county.
• Participate in identification, designing, monitoring and evaluation of potato learning farms.
• Conduct trainings for extension officers (TOT) and seed multipliers on seed and ware potato production system.
• Follow up through in-field visits and technical backstopping to ensure quality trainings for potato farmers is carried out by the TOTs.
• Coordinate and participate in the organization and publicity of potato field days, cooking demonstration and shows.
• Promote and create awareness on potato technologies.
• Coordinate Agri-Nutrition activities that promote dietary diversification.
• Facilitate linkages between seed merchants and trained farmers/farmer’s groups to ensure timely procurement and delivery of certified seed.
• Facilitate linkages between markets and trained farmers/farmer groups to ensure organized marketing of potatoes.
• Any other tasks as assigned by supervisor.Selection Criteria:
• Bachelor's degree in General Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field.
• At least one years’ experience working with potato farmers in the field.
• Good understanding on potato production systems including emerging technologies.
• Proven experience in designing learning farms/demonstration plots organizing field days and other events.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationship with partners.
• Ability to collect, compile and submit quality data on crops including potatoes
• Proven experience in preparation and submission of project progress report.
• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with all the stakeholders.
• Good reporting skills that meets the project expectations.
• Advanced level in verbal and writing communication skills.

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, and is a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members. What are the conditions?

The position is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Kenya nationals and permanent residents only. The employment contract will be for a one-year term (with a 3- month probation period) and the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.