Research Associate – Seed distribution, on
farm evaluation and user feedback
Arusha, Tanzania

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a nonprofit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world through increased production and consumption of nutritious and health-promoting vegetables. For more information about World Vegetable Center, please visit our website: worldveg.org

WorldVeg seeks to recruit a Research Associate – Seed distribution, on farm evaluation and user feedbackto strengthen the ability of the Center to provide timely response to germplasm requesters, monitoring germplasm use, develop evidence-based solutions for making available vegetable seeds that meets needs. The incumbent will be based in the Center’s regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa in Arusha, Tanzania.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the distribution of high-quality seeds of WorldVeg genetic materials to different seed requesters, following national and international regulations.
• Design and update survey tools intended to collect seed requesters’ feedback on the genetic resources they received from the genebank.
• Conduct research and surveys on the use of WorldVeg genetic resources by farmers, researchers and breeders worldwide.
• Follow up with seed requesters and gather user feedback to identify challenges, successes, and areas for improvement in seed distribution of WorldVeg genetic materials.
• Design and implement on-farm evaluation protocols to assess the promising genetic materials and cultivation techniques under varying environmental conditions.
• Analyze and synthesize data on crop performance, environmental conditions, user feedback, and generate reports, presentations, and publications to communicate research findings and recommendations.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the needs of the Center and directed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• MSc in Agriculture with major in plant genetic resources, plant breeding, agronomy, horticulture, seed technology or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of national and regional seed policies, and international agreements on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
• Demonstrated experience in agricultural research, seed systems, and management of experimental trials. Experience of research on genebank genetic resources is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation using statistical software such as R programming language, STATA, SPSS, or Python.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders in the seed sectors.

The Reward: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position with competitive pay and benefits.

The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg’s Five Core Values:

1. Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to sharing results in a transparent manner.
2. Commitment to Impact Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Commitment to Partnerships Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.
4. Respect for People Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views.
5. Respect for the Environment Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices.

How to Apply:

Flow 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 to info-esa@worldveg.org or the job bank site before 31 May 2024. Please mention the position title in the subject line.