Tree Germplasm Health Officer at World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake germplasm health testing activities to ensure that seed are suitable for export, import or storage in the genebank.
• Issue phytosanitary health statements for the tested seeds.
• Curate and maintain germplasm health testing records.
• Monitor and provide technical advice to the phytosanitary management of regional field genebanks.
• Ensure that germplasm health testing protocols are in place and tests are conducted properly.
• Update protocols and techniques ensuring that methods keep pace with the literature and recent findings.
•  Ensure that the laboratory operates within and maintains its quality management standards.
• Maintain reagent, consumables and equipment inventory for the Germplasm Health Laboratory
• Provide guidance and monitor compliance with appropriate national and international phytosanitary standards.
• Liaise with Genebank in acquisition of Phytosanitary Certificate for germplasm distribution and Plant Import Permit for germplasm acquisition from the NPPO
• Be proactive and alert to detect and advise on control of emerging pathogens, even if not present on quarantine regulations or guidelines.
• Conduct and collaborate with colleagues on research that contributes to seed health and seed quality.
• Guide and supervise interns attached to the Germplasm Health Laboratory

Requirements

• MSc in plant pathology, seed health or similarly pertinent field.
• At least 2 years hands-on laboratory and field experience with plant diseases; preferably on tree                                               germplasm
• Hands-on laboratory testing of plant diseases; preferably on tree germplasm.
• Experience with field monitoring of plant diseases and pests
• Experience in methods to monitor and test viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• Laboratory management experience using a rigorous quality management system e.g. ISO Certification

Job Summary

To ensure clean tree germplasm is conserved and distributed at ICRAF Genebank and across regional Field Genebanks