Research Assistant - Agronomy and Integrated Soil Fertility Management

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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Research Assistant - Agronomy and Integrated Soil Fertility Management 

Ref: GSS/21/RD/August/2011 

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Research Assistant in Agronomy and Integrated Soil Fertility Management at the GSS (General Support Staff) level, to be based at the Sahel regional station in Saint-Louis, Senegal  

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. 

Position: Research Assistant - Agronomy and Integrated Soil Fertility Management   

Category: GSS  

Responsibilities 

The successful candidate will be hosted at the Sahel regional station in Saint-Louis, Senegal. He/she will be mostly involved in activities related to agronomy namely integrated soil fertility management. Under the direct supervision of the soil fertility agronomist, the successful candidate will be in charge of the following tasks:  

·         Finalization of experimental designs for on-station and on-farm trials;

·        Establishment and supervision of field, greenhouse and lab experimental trials;

·         Coordination, follow-up and monitoring of collaborative activities with national (NARS and others) and international partners

·        Collection  and Lab analysis of research soil and plant samples;

·         Establishment of a database to record and manage all collected data

·        Management and statistical analysis of large sets of research data using statistical packages such as SAS, GENSTAT, MS Access, or any other appropriate software;

·         Preparation of tables and graphs to summarize research data using MS Excel-derived software and Sigma Plot or any other appropriate programs.

·        Contribute to bibliographical search and writing up of technical reports and other scientific publications in English and/or French

·        Contribute to the preparation of presentations / slides of research results (seminars, conferences etc.) using software packages such as PowerPoint and any other appropriate program.

·         Carry out any other professional duties on request.  

Requirements

·         A M.Sc., “DEA” degree or equivalent in agronomy, soil Science or any closely related field.

·         At least 5-year experience in the establishment, monitoring of on-farm and on-station research trials. Experience in soil chemistry and laboratory analysis will be of added advantage

·         Be familiar with the use of software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access

·         Knowledge of statistical analysis of research data, using SAS and Genstat

·         Be able to take initiatives and work satisfactorily with a minimum supervision in a multicultural setting

·         Fluency in English or French with a working knowledge in the other language is highly desirable

·         The applicant should be prepared for work-related travel within the mandate area of AfricaRice  

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 

Applications will be considered up to 31 August 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