Rice Value Chain and Postharvest Specialist

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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Rice Value Chain and Postharvest Specialist
Ref: IRS/14/RD/June/2011

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Rice Value Chain and Postharvest Specialist to be based at its temporary headquarters in Cotonou, Benin.

The Rice Value Chain and Postharvest (RVC-PH) Specialist will work to sustain and improve the productivity of the value chain of locally-produced rice in line with AfricaRice’s mission and mandate. H/she will coordinate the implementation of a project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) on the improvement of postharvest handling and marketing of rice, and the development of new rice-based products. This project will be implemented in eight sub-Saharan African countries (Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda).

About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is an association of 24 African member states and one of the 15 international Centers supported by the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR). The Center’s mission is to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa, through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment. AfricaRice is temporarily headquartered in Cotonou, Benin.

Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Program Leader – Policy, Impact Assessment and Innovation Systems, the successful candidate will be in charge of the following tasks:

1. Develop and put into practice strategies for the effective introduction, adaptation and out-scaling of improved postharvest practices and technologies in rice-based systems, in collaboration with other scientists.

2. Promote the development of effective regional and national partnerships with rice value chain stakeholders (producer groups, processors, traders, financial institutions, extension workers and researchers) to sustain the improvement of post-harvest handling, marketing and the development of new products for rice.

3. Coordinate the CIDA project activities in the eight participating countries (Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda) and provide backstopping to national partners.

4. Organize capacity building workshops and training programs.

5. Assist in the preparation of annual work plans, budgets and technical and financial reports in consultation with the Program Leader.

6. Undertake any other duties as required by the needs of the Center.

Requirements
• Possess at least a master’s degree in agriculture/postharvest technology or a related field
• Experience of at least five years in agricultural research, extension and project management
• Experience with participatory learning and action research in developing countries, preferably in Africa
• Excellent communication skills in either English or French, with a working knowledge of the other
• Willingness to travel extensively in Africa, including the rural areas
• Proven ability to work efficiently as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to work with other scientists and partners
• Ability to work under minimal supervision

Terms and Conditions
This is an internationally recruited position. AfricaRice provides an attractive international salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. The appointment is for two years with possibility for renewal.

Application procedure
Candidates should send an application (with a statement of any special qualifications for the position). The application should include a cover letter together with an up-to-date, detailed CV with the following information: name, family name, gender, date of birth, family status, nationality, qualifications, number of years of professional experience for the position and language skills; along with the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / email) of three referees to:

Human Resources Department,
Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin
F: + (229) 21 35 05 56; T: (229) 21 35 01 88
Email: africarice-hr@cgiar.org

Please quote the reference of the announcement as the subject of your application.

Applications will be considered up to 30 July 2011.

AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations, and encourages applications from women and developing country professionals.

AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only the short listed candidates will be contacted.
To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at www.AfricaRice.org