Spatial Information Analyst - Optimizing Fertilizer
Recommendations in Africa (OFRA) project
CABI – Nairobi, Kenya
CABI Africa is recruiting for a Spatial Information
Analyst to connect digital soil mapping with field experimental
results to improve profitability of fertilizer use for key food crops in
Africa.
The position is co-funded by OFRA and Africa Soil Information System
(AfSIS). Innovative tools and resources will be developed for efficient use of
diverse available spatial information to improve the effectiveness and
efficiency of research ensuring adequate information for a crop in an AEZ while
avoiding excessive duplication through efficient extrapolation of information.
Delivery of resulting information to agricultural stakeholders will be improved
through development of recommendation domains considering soil, climate, and crop
spatial information. The position requires much innovation with expectation for
development of resources beyond what is now conceived. The analyst will work
with leading land resource and crop production scientists working in Africa
including for adaptation of the developed tools and resources for improved
spatial information use in other agricultural applications. A likely partner is
the Grameen Foundation App Lab in Uganda for development of mobile phone
applications and testing through a network of Community Knowledge Workers.
OFRA is funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in
Africa (AGRA) Soil Health Programme and coordinated by the CABI-led
Africa Soil Health Consortium (ASHC; www.cabi.org/ashc).
OFRA aims to improve the profitability of fertiliser use by smallholder
farmers within an integrated soil fertility management framework. OFRA works
with national research and extension programs (NARES) in Burkina Faso,
Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Mozambique, Rwanda,
Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, with scientific leadership and coordination from
the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The fertilizer use optimization will
address the main annual food crop systems, i.e. maize, sorghum, pearl and
finger millet, teff, rice, cassava, bean, groundnut, soybean, pigeonpea,
chickpea, and cowpea, depending on importance in agro-ecological zones.
AfSIS, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is
a leader in digital soil mapping using advanced soil analytics and
geo-statistical modelling. Further, AfSIS is defining and characterizing
information extrapolation zones, climate and cropping system properties, and
developing tools for easy use of this information by a range of stakeholders.
The position requires a PhD where advanced techniques in
data management and analysis were applied, or a MS degree with at least 10
years’ experience of developing and applying such advanced techniques.
Desirable is a BSc in agronomy, soil science, natural resources or related
area. The candidate must have an: Ability to synthesize large amounts
of complex, and sometimes contradictory data, into easily understood and
actionable recommendations for farmers and policy makers; advanced skills and
at least three years of experience applying advanced data management and
analysis techniques; ability to communicate well with agricultural researchers
and field practitioners; ability to write for and present to a variety of
audiences in English. Desirable qualities include: knowledge of soil fertility
management research and development in African contexts;awareness and
understanding of gender issues in agriculture; excellent communications
skills including facilitation of meetings and communication with
non-scientific audiences; working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese;
experience in development of information management and/or decision tools and
ability to adapt to changing situations. Significant work and travel in Africa
will be required.
Salary: Negotiable but commensurate with skills,
abilities and experience
Position Type: This is a high level research position with an
international organization with a 24 month initial appointment and possibility
of renewal. The successful applicant will be based with CABI in Nairobi -
Kenya.
Applications in writing by cover letter stating how you meet
the requirements above together with the names and contact details of
three referees and a full current CV and quoting the post reference number
128/2013 should be sent to recruitment@cabi.org Closing
date for receipt of applications is midnight GMT Friday 31st January
2014.
