Coordinator – Legume Agronomist (Arusha, Tanzania)

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. For
more information please visit our website: worldveg.org.

The Center develops technologies, knowledge products and solutions for vegetable production, storage and processing as outputs of its research and development efforts. To ensure their effective adoption, the Center develops capacity within national agricultural research and extension services, non-governmental and community-based organizations, farming communities, etc. Based on a new 8-year operational plan spanning 2017-2025, WorldVeg is in the process of expanding vegetable R&D interventions in sub-Saharan Africa to enhance vegetable production, increase household income and consumption with focus in urban and peri-urban production systems. The incumbent will be based at World Veg’s Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa, Arusha, Tanzania and report directly to the Vegetable Breeder in Arusha, with oversight by the Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The Job:
The Coordinator – Legume Agronomist will have the following key responsibilities:

• Characterization of legume germplasm for agronomic traits, biotic and ofic stresses.
• Conduct and coordinate varietal evaluation trials in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
• Increase breeder seed for use in multi-location trials, and distribution to partners as per requirement.
• Prepare experimental protocols and share with national partners.
• Collect, compile and analyse data from the experimental trials.
• Prepare progress reports and contribute to scientific paper writing for publication.
• Lead capacity building activities targeting farmers, public and private seed  producers, and other stakeholders through training, demonstration and dissemination of improved varieties.
• Assist with the development of project proposals for funding.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Position requirements:

• A minimum of MSc in agronomy, plant breeding, genetics, horticulture, plant sciences or related disciplines.
• Good understanding about the farming systems in the targeted countries.
• Hands-on experience in seed-related work such as seed production, management of demonstration and validation trials, variety release procedures, seed regulations, seed quality, experimental designs, field trial management, and data analyses with statistical programs.
• Knowledge of the legume seed sector in East Africa would be an advantage.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS-Word, MS- Excel, and database applications etc.) required.
• Speak and write English fluently.
• Capacity to efficiently manage workloads and work independently.
• Understanding and knowledge of the R&D of International Agricultural Research Centers (IARCs) is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team in a multinational environment, and ability to interact effectively with project partners and stakeholders.

The Reward: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff position with competitive pay and benefits. The position is only open to Tanzanian nationals or candidates with legal permission to work in Tanzania. The initial appointment is for two years and may be extended depending on fund availability, and performance of the incumbent. The position will be available on or after 1 July 2018.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, a recent passport size photograph, names and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability. Please send applications stating the job title in the subject line by e-mail to info-esa@worldveg.org. Only applications from short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.

WorldVeg offers an attractive working environment in a multicultural setting with employees from different countries and diverse backgrounds. WorldVeg is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Closing Date: Closing date for applications is 20 June 2018.