Vacancy for the Special Project Scientist at Bioversity, India

Job Title: Special Project Scientist- Agroecology and Seed Systems, Bioversity-India

Location: Delhi

Organization’s  profile:

Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization working with partners worldwide to use and conserve agricultural and tree biodiversity for improved livelihoods, nutrition, sustainability and productive and resilient ecosystems. Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership for a food secure future. Bioversity International has more than 300 staff and scientists worldwide working with almost 700 partners. This position is linked to the CGIAR Research Programs on Dryland Farming System and Climate Change, Agricultural and Food Security. For further information on Bioversity International, consult the Web page at http://www.bioversityinternational.org

Bioversity-India seeks applications from Indian nationals for a Special Project Scientist- Agroecology and Seed Systems, to be based at its Office located at New Delhi, India. This position reports to South Asia Coordinator, Bioversity International, New Delhi.

 Job Description:

1. To conduct and coordinate participatory and formal research on the use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity in different ecosystems of the region;
2. Organize, supervise and participate in the implementation of field activities related to household baseline studies, studies of seed and market systems and developing farmers’ experimental and innovation networks across relevant project sites and coordinate related logistical support activities;
3. Plan and carry out research to identify and test interventions to enhance the contribution of agricultural biodiversity to agricultural systems and farmer livelihoods through risk management, improved resources use, and better matching of seeds to local socio-ecological conditions;
4. Oversee and monitor data gathering and data entry into data bases and carry out advanced data analysis;
5. Develop and manage budgets for field activities to support timely completion of research tasks;
6. Develop and maintain effective relations with national partner from research institutes, NGOs, local institutions, communities and farmers to implement project activities in a proactive way;
7. Prepare technical reports and coordinate the compilation of financial reports and ensure their timely submission;
8. Develop and implement capacity building initiatives for national partners including building and strengthening capacities in research methodologies and protocols towards the implementation of project activities;
9. Author and publish articles in peer-reviewed international and regional technical journals related to research results;
10. Contribute to other tasks as required and assigned by South Asia Coordinator.

Eligibility:

1. Ph.D. in biological sciences with specialization in agronomy, plant breeding, seed ecology, agroecology, ecophysiology, agricultural extension, or farming systems. At least 5 years relevant experience, including experience in field work, with strong farmer interactions, particularly in implementing surveys and interacting with households and other actors at the community level.
2. Experience in participatory research methods, crowd-sourcing research, or extension services.
3. Experience in seed systems from seed ecology, seed quality and seed production, to processing and marketing, both with formal agencies and communities level.
4. Experience in design and pretest of field tools for both quantitative and qualitative assessment.
5. Knowledge of basic statistical methods and tools such as R, SPSS, JMP, or ArcGIS.
6. Experience curating and managing large and complex databases.
7. Excellent communication, interpersonal and team work skills including the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels and work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
8. Fluency in English and local languages to interact with farmers and communities across project sites; knowledge of additional local languages will be highly desirable.
9. Strong analytical and synthesizing skills including the ability to write clear and concise scientific documents and research proposals.
10. Publication record in peer-reviewed international and regional technical journals.

How to apply:

The application should include an up-to-date resume (name, date of birth, family status), names and addresses (including phone & e-mail) of three referees. Please send applications by email to Mr Madan T K, Finance and Administrative Officer, Bioversity-New Delhi at t.madan@cgiar.org, stating the job title (Special Project Scientist-Agroecology & Seed Systems) in the subject column of the email, latest by 15 December 2013. All applications will be acknowledged. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Last date for the application: 15^th Dec, 2013

Reference: Biodiversity India