Farm Operation Manager

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Ref: GSS/10/RD/May/2011

Farm Operation Manager

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Farm Operation Manager at its General Support Staff position level (GSS) to be based at its temporary headquarters in Cotonou, Benin.

Background

The Farm Operation Manager is a part of the team of the Farm Development and Operations at AfricaRice headquarters at Cotonou, Benin. He/She will perform his/her duties under the supervision of the Program 1 Leader.

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 Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (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. The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) ex WARDA is temporarily headquartered in Cotonou, Benin.


Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Farm Operation Manager, under the direction of the Program 1 Leader, comprise the followings:


Carry out all farm operations required to support researchers with the assistance of operational personnel and support research farm operations including land preparation, planning and application of fertilizers, herbicide and

insecticides, weeding, irrigation, post harvest operations and other day-to-day farm operations as they may occur;
Coordinate and implement the development of research facilities such as land
irrigation, drainage, roads and farm structures and any other related special requirements;
Prepare and implement procedures to coordinate experimental land allocation,
field input application;
Program and coordinate the farm equipment operations and personnel; Mechanize field experimental operations such as planning, crop management and harvesting to achieve high precision and cost effectiveness of operations; Record and maintain history of fields;
Coordinate and ensure availability of spare parts for the repair and maintenance of farm equipment;
Coordinate farm labor recruitment and allocations;
Coordinate and prepare procurement specifications and quantities for farm operation supplies such as fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides;
Maintain all farm facilities such as experimental fields, irrigation and drainage
system, farm roads, boundary fence, the lake and others; Develop farm operational budget;
Supervise and provide on-the-job training to farm personnel;
Carry out any other activities related to or essential for research support by the farm development and operation unit:


Requirements


Candidates should have:


An MSc degree in agronomy or irrigation, or in agricultural engineering from an agricultural university or equivalent;


Ten (10) years of relevant experience in research station; Good command of English and/or French;
Good knowledge of computer soft-wares;


Ability to work under pressure, interact with staff at all level, and high personal integrity;


Experience in Africa is desirable.


Experience in CGIAR research system is desirable.


Terms and Conditions


This is a regionally-recruited position and the appointment is for two years with possibility for renewal.


AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.


Application procedure
Candidates should send an application (including date of availability and a statement of any special qualifications for the position). The application should include a cover letter together with a detailed CV with the following information: Name, surname, gender, date of birth, family status, nationality, higher diploma obtained, number of years of professional experience for the position, good knowledge or not of the Institution working languages (French/English) 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


Applications will be considered up to June 06, 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.

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