Research Officer (Natural Resources Management)

Vacancy Number: A/035/14
Institute: The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) 
Duration: Two years contract

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) seeks to recruit a Research Officer for its Resilient Dryland Systems program to its Ethiopia Country Office in Addis Ababa located at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Addis Ababa campus.

General:  The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is one of the 15 centers strategically located all over the world and supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). With its main research station and offices based in Patancheru, India, ICRISAT works through a network of partnerships with national, regional and international institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations and ministries in the developing world; and with advanced research institutes in industrialized countries.

Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of project leader, implements research protocols and collects data in a number of areas that contribute to natural resources management,
• Tests and analyzes various soil fertility and water management options.
• Engages in creating local and national partners more effectively to accelerate innovations,
• Creates partnership with research institutes and NGOs working on Natural Resources Management,
• Supports research work of MSc and PhD students,
• Assists in compiling, summarizing, documenting and publishing research data in reports, journals, periodicals, book chapters, magazines and newsletters,
• Contributes towards communicating research findings to target audience through workshops, meetings, conferences, radio, TV and other media,
• Contributes to ICRISAT’s efforts in improving food security and natural resources management

Requirements:

Education:

• MSc degree in soil science, natural resource management, agronomy, ecology, silvo-pastoral and agroforestry or related discipline.

Experience:

• 5 (Five) years of research experience
• Experience in soil fertility management, participatory research, watershed management,
• Experience in collecting and analyzing quantitative and quantitative data.
• Experience in designing and implementation of field-based experiments
• Experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders and interest to work in interdisciplinary team

 Skills and Competencies:

• He/she should have statistical knowledge, computer applications and software for data management and analysis. Knowledge of GIS skills will be an additional advantage.
• Skills and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis used in crop improvement programs
• Research communication skills or experience with communication and popularization of scientific outputs
• Willingness to work in the field and travel within the region
• Collaborative skills, ability to work in multi-cultural teams, excellent oral and written communication skills (English)
• A sense of creativity and ability to work with minimal supervision

Position level:   3A.

Duty Station:    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Minimum Base salary:

• Birr 27,556 per month (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment: Initial appointment is for two years renewable appointment based on performance and funding availability.  ICRISAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits in line with ILRI salary applicable for its Nationally Recruited Staff. ICRISAT is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number:A/035/2014 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal:http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 19 June 2014.

Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.