Research Associate- DLC Breeding Operations

Country: Kenya

Organization: World Agroforestry Centre

Closing date: 25 Jul 2023

The Research Associate- DLC Breeding Operations leads the implementation of breeding activities of dryland crops in Kiboko and other locations that may be identified (e.g., disease screening locations). The Research Associate leads and supervises casual workers, plans and organizes activities (short- and long-term) guided by the breeding strategy/schemes discussed with the scientist/s.

Activities may include planning the nurseries (segregating populations, seed increase, etc.), allocating field workers to various operations that may occur simultaneously (planting, preparing seed packs/kits, land preparation, irrigation, etc.), collection of accurate data and maintaining integrity of data, and ensuring that all data are uploaded into BMS/EBS.

Summary of responsibilities

1. 
   Innovation.
   

• Propose and implement agreed improvements in breeding nurseries and seed production and/or multiplication (e.g., speed breeding) Ensure accuracy of data entry and consolidation for analysis by the Scientist.

1. 
   Establishment, data collection and management of breeding nurseries
   

• Ensure nurseries are established on time (timely land prep, planting, fertilizer application etc.) planted according to the plot layout.


• Ensure nurseries are well managed (irrigated, weed control, pest, and disease control etc.) and that there is frequent communication or updates with scientists.


• Manage accurate and timely data collection as specified by the scientists and ensure accuracy of data entry and consolidation.


• Learn and operate the Breeding Management System (BMS) or the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) in order to manage routine operations, data upload, data curation, cleaning, and preliminary analysis.


• Implement timely digital data capture using the relevant tools (e.g., Field Book app) and software as identified by DCP.


• Ensure protocols (e.g., seed retention, seed amount harvested from nurseries) are followed.

1. 
   Supervise casual labor.
   

• Manage a team of casual labor at Kiboko to perform activities in the field, screenhouse and seed laboratories.


• Ensure labor team receive the necessary training to perform their tasks.


• Maintain and practice occupational health and safety in the workplace.


• Preparing master roll and submit to supervisor and accounts for payment processing.

1. 
   Seed movement.
   

• Coordinate with KEPHIS in ensuring that seeds are sent and received timely, ensure fields and seeds for exporting are inspected as appropriate.


• Coordinate with Project Admin on tracking seed movement.

1. 
   Other responsibilities.
   

• Assist in tissue sample collection for genetic and/or biochemical analysis.


• Manage printing of packets, labels, tags, and seed inventory.


• Establish and maintain contacts with collaborating organizations and partners.

Requirements

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, agricultural engineering, or related fields.


• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in managing agricultural field activities or research projects.


• Familiarity with legumes and/or cereal crops and related research operations (pollination, data collection from trials and nurseries, running breeding and operational software, experience with genotyping sampling etc.) will be an advantage.


• Thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized equipment.


• Basic knowledge of administrative and/or operating protocols and procedures of research support function.


• Basic Supervisory skills and experience.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Ability to drive (manual gear) and travel independently in the region to monitor the trialing network.


• Ability to manage labor, estimate labor demand, provide supervision and training to field staff to manage breeding research activities.


• Ability to work independently with minimal day to day supervision and proactively solve problems.


• Excellent communication and reporting skills to line manager and colleagues on station

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.


• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.


• The duty station will be in Kiboko, Kenya.

How to apply

Application process

Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies

• The application deadline is 25 July 2023.
  


• CV and Cover Letter should be in PDF and Labelled with the applicants First and Second Names.


• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.