Vacant Positions at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Duties and responsibilities

MLOps Framework Development and Pipeline Automation

• Design and implement CI/CD pipelines and scalable MLOps frameworks.
• Develop and maintain data, training, and deployment pipelines ensuring reproducibility and efficiency.

Model Deployment, Monitoring, and Performance Optimization

• Deploy machine learning models into production and ensure reliable performance.
• Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting systems to track model accuracy and drift.

Image-Based AI and Digital Phenotyping Solutions

• Support development and deployment of image recognition models using drone and mobile imagery.
• Utilize tools such as Roboflow and Databricks for image-based workflows and scalable ML operations.

Collaboration and Cross-Institutional Integration

• Work with CGIAR partners (e.g., ICRISAT, IITA) and internal teams to harmonize MLOps practices.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and integration across multidisciplinary teams. 

Governance, Capacity Building, and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with data governance, security, and privacy standards.
• Provide training and promote adoption of best practices while integrating emerging MLOps.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Agricultural Informatics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum 1–3 years of relevant experience in machine learning, data science, or MLOps environments.
• Demonstrated understanding of machine learning workflows, including data preprocessing, model training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.
• Experience working with machine learning models, deep learning frameworks, and Large Language Models (LLMs) in research or production settings.
• Experience working within international research organizations, CGIAR centers, or agricultural research projects will be an added advantage.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Agricultural Informatics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum 1–3 years of relevant experience in machine learning, data science, or MLOps environments.
• Demonstrated understanding of machine learning workflows, including data preprocessing, model training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.
• Experience working with machine learning models, deep learning frameworks, and Large Language Models (LLMs) in research or production settings.
• Experience working within international research organizations, CGIAR centers, or agricultural research projects will be an added advantage.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

End Date: 11th June 2026

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Duties and responsibilities

Hybrid creation and crossing operations.

• Execute testcross and/or factorial crossing schemes involving new B and R lines according to breeding plans and protocols.
• Carry out controlled pollination activities, including sterilization, bagging, tagging, pollination, and harvesting of crossing materials.
• Monitor flowering synchronization and support timely execution of crossing activities to maximize seed set and data quality.
• Maintain strict labeling, traceability, and contamination control throughout all hybrid creation activities.
• Support the generation of experimental hybrids for evaluation and advancement.

 Gametocide protocol implementation.

• Implement approved gametocide protocols in hybrid creation in line with standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Prepare treatment materials, apply treatments correctly, and monitor crop response for effectiveness and phytotoxicity.
• Record all treatment details accurately, including dates, rates, environmental conditions, and observed outcomes.
• Collaborate with breeders and agronomists to improve protocol efficiency and reliability.

  Conversion of B lines to CMS lines.

• Support the conversion of selected new B lines into CMS lines through structured backcrossing programs.
• Assist in maintaining pedigree records and generation advancement data for conversion cycles.
• Identify and report any deviations in fertility expression, plant type, or seed quality during conversion work.
• Ensure that conversion materials are handled with high precision to preserve genetic integrity.

Parental line maintenance.

• Maintain and regenerate A, B, and R seed stocks under strict quality and genetic purity standards.
• Conduct rouging, isolation, controlled selfing, and harvest operations for parental line maintenance plots.
• Support seed drying, cleaning, packaging, labeling, storage, and inventory tracking.
• Monitor seed viability and alert supervisors on regeneration needs to prevent loss of valuable germplasm.

Seed production efficiency.

• Contribute to improvements in seed production efficiency through better field organization, synchronization, and work sequencing.
• Support the adoption of light mechanization and improved tools where appropriate to reduce labor burden and improve precision.
• Assist in evaluating field performance, seed set, and operational bottlenecks for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records to support productivity analysis and decision-making.

Data management, quality, and compliance.

• Maintain complete and accurate field records, crossing logs, seed inventories, and activity reports.
• Enter and manage data in digital platforms used by the breeding and operations teams.
• Follow institutional protocols on quality assurance, biosafety, occupational safety, and seed handling.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures for genetic materials and research operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.
• Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.
• Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
• Occasional travel to partner locations

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.
• Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.
• Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
• Occasional travel to partner locations.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

End Date: 12th June 2026

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Duties and responsibilities

Coordinate, execute, and manage finger millet breeding nurseries

• Execute bi?parental crosses in pearl and finger millet as guided by the scientist, ensuring that resulting populations are properly QA/QC’d in coordination with the applied genetics team.
• Implement and coordinate Forward Accelerated Selfing Technique (FAST) on F2 and F3 populations, maintaining required population size and producing new inbred lines at the end of the FAST workflow.
• Work closely with the agronomist and station operations team to plan field maintenance, including land preparation, fertilizer application, irrigation scheduling, and weed and pest management for optimal nursery establishment.
• Oversee seasonal workers in field operations such as planting, pollination, rogueing, bagging, and harvesting; conduct training on best practices for cross?pollination, contamination avoidance, and teamwork; and maintain safety protocols and operational efficiency during peak breeding activities.
• Learn and operate the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for nursery creation and management, and ensure diligent and timely entry, curation, and maintenance of all nursery layouts, field books, and phenotypic data in EBS, and ensure nursery rows and plot are appropriately tagged with EBS QR codes.

 Manage crossing work, pollination, bagging to generate new populations

• Supervise controlled pollination activities, including bagging of inflorescences, gametocide application, pollen collection from designated male parents, and meticulous hand pollinations, following established protocols.
• Ensure timely and efficient crossing by maintaining or exceeding established F1 success rates.
• Monitor crop progress and promptly address issues affecting the performance and integrity of breeding populations.
• Organize harvesting, post?harvest drying, threshing, cleaning, and mechanical grading to produce high?quality seed lots suitable for nurseries and trials.
• In collaboration with the scientist and station team, propose and implement incremental improvements in crossing, pollination, and seed?processing workflows (e.g., workflow mapping, SOP refinement, better use of digital tools) to increase efficiency, seed quality, and worker safety.

 Implement and manage finger millet regional multi-location trials

• Plan and coordinate the annual regional trialing strategy in consultation with the scientist, including trial lists, site allocation, planting windows, and seed requirements for each collaborating location.
• Prepare, pack, and document trial seed kits (including checks and standards), maintain trial seed inventory, and coordinate shipment to national partners, ensuring that all trials are established on time and according to experimental designs.
• Liaise regularly with NARS partners and trial site staff to ensure timely land preparation, planting, agronomic management (fertilizer, irrigation where applicable, weed, pest and disease control), and adherence to agreed trial protocols and HSE standards.
• Coordinate accurate and timely collection of agronomic, phenotypic, and environmental data across sites using digital tools (e.g., tablets, field data capture apps), ensuring data quality, completeness, and standardized trait scoring.
• Create and manage trials in the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS), including loading entry lists, generating field books, and ensuring diligent entry, cleaning, and long?term maintenance of all multi?location trial data and metadata in EBS in collaboration with the data management team.
• Use trial data and partner feedback to identify bottlenecks and propose improvements in trial design, implementation, data collection, and partner support, and contribute to the refinement and documentation of regional testing procedures and SOPs.
• Provide backstopping to partners through remote support and periodic site visits (as needed), troubleshooting implementation challenges, reinforcing protocols, and contributing to continuous improvement of the regional testing network.

 Resource management, reporting and communication

• Uphold CIMMYT’s Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, and Teamwork, as well as CIMMYT’s health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards.
• Prepare field management reports, trial logs, seed inventory summaries, and recommendations for improving nursery and trial implementation.
• Provide field training and on?the?job coaching to seasonal staff, students, and visiting researchers, and contribute to partner capacity?building activities as required.

Requirements

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding or related field
• Minimum two years’ practical experience in field crop research, with specific experience in pearl millet or hybrid seed production preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of pearl millet floral biology and pollination. Familiarity with digital data collection apps (e.g., Fieldbook, tablets)
• Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
• Occasional travel to partner locations.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding or related field
• Minimum two years’ practical experience in field crop research, with specific experience in pearl millet or hybrid seed production preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of pearl millet floral biology and pollination. Familiarity with digital data collection apps (e.g., Fieldbook, tablets)
• Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
• Occasional travel to partner locations.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

End Date: 13th June 2026

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Duties and responsibilities

ENABLE activities.

• Support the ENABLE team, CGIAR centers, and partners in the implementation ofc Breakthrough projects in East and Southern Africa, and, where relevant, in West and Central Africa (WCA)
• Provide technical support to CGIAR–NARES breeding networks in East and Southern Africa, and, when required, to West and Central Africa (WCA), for the improvement of breeding operations, in coordination with the supervisors
• Support priority CGIAR–NARES breeding networks in costing of their breeding operations, in coordination with the thematic leader
• Support the organization and implementation of Product Advancement and Planning Meetings (PAPMs) at national and regional levels.
• Support NARES and CGIAR partners in uploading, updating, and maintaining Target Product Profiles (TPPs) and related data in the Breeding Portal.
• Contribute to coordination, documentation, and reporting across breeding networks and ENABLE-supported activities.

  On farm validation trials.

• Coordinate and support the implementation of On-Farm Validation (OFV) trials across locations, including planning, trial setup, and monitoring of activities
• Ensure proper tracking of entries, locations, and performance data across OFV sites
• Support centralized OFV logistics, including coordination of seed multiplication, packaging and labeling of entries, and distribution of trial materials to partners across multiple locations and projects.

Requirements

• BSc or MSc in Plant Breeding, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology or Statistics
• At least two (2) years of industry or academic experience in the management of agricultural activities or research projects.
• Basic understanding of plant breeding, experimental design, seed systems, breeding operations and applied research.
• Driving License and ability to travel independently in East Africa.

Education, knowledge and experience

• BSc or MSc in Plant Breeding, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology or Statistics
• At least two (2) years of industry or academic experience in the management of agricultural activities or research projects.
• Basic understanding of plant breeding, experimental design, seed systems, breeding operations and applied research.
• Driving License and ability to travel independently in East Africa.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

End Date: 14th June 2026