BIODIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL
TITLE: IRS Research Leader, Nutrition & Biodiversity
DESCRIPTION: Bioversity International is one of the world’s leading organisations dedicated to researching agricultural biodiversity and its use to improve people’s lives in the world’s most vulnerable communities. With almost one billion people going hungry, redirecting the global agricultural system to ensure better nutrition is critically important as the supplier of the world’s food. Malnutrition cripples many – particularly in poor areas – due to poor access, and inadequate food and health systems. Agricultural biodiversity is the basis of the food and nutrient value chain and its use is important for food and nutritional security as potentially a safety net against hunger, a rich source of nutrients for improved dietary diversity and quality, and a basis for strengthening local food systems and environmental sustainability. Bioversity’s research on nutrition and biodiversity is designed to explore how biodiversity conservation and use can provide immediate local as well as global benefits to people, especially in developing countries facing a growing double burden of malnutrition. We are a non-profit organization, active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 350 staff working from some 18 country offices. We are one of 15 Centres of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR).
JOB DESCRIPTION: Bioversity is now seeking a highly motivated and dynamic person to lead our research in the area of nutrition and biodiversity. This is an exciting time to join Bioversity International. You will work in a fast moving international setting and on issues that are increasingly in the spotlight and you will have the opportunity to develop to make a difference to our ability to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Purpose of Role Based in our office in Maccarese (20 minutes outside Rome by train), the incumbent will lead research that (i) provides systematic evidence of the links between agricultural biodiversity, dietary diversity and relevant nutrition outcomes; (ii) documents the role of local foods, local food culture and traditional knowledge of plants and foods on diets and nutritional outcomes; (iii) identifies strategic options and pathways that mainstream biodiversity into cross-cutting policy and development agendas in agriculture, health, and environment. He/she will work with partners, stakeholders at the global, national and local levels in implementing Bioversity’s strategy and research agenda in nutrition. Key responsibilities Under the guidance of a research/programme leader the incumbent will have the following specific responsibilities: - Contribute scientifically to Bioversity’s nutrition research agenda on the use of agricultural biodiversity, particularly in the context of developing countries; - Provide scientific leadership on the implementation of Bioversity’s nutrition strategy, within the context of Bioversity’s 10-year institutional strategy, in partnership with relevant research institutes, scientific and development bodies, and integrating all the relevant research results and evidence, so that biodiversity is mainstreamed into cross cutting policy and development agendas; - Produce and contribute to scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from high-quality research on agricultural biodiversity and nutrition; - Coordinate and collaborate with other scientists who participate in the Nutrition Research Programme of the Consortium of the International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR), both within Bioversity and other Centres and Organizations; - Identify opportunities and initiate new collaborative research in the area of nutrition and agricultural biodiversity; - Serve as the focal point for nutrition research activities conducted by Bioversity. - Lead and contribute to fundraising proposals to obtain grants for research on agricultural biodiversity and nutrition.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE :
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES - Ph.D. in community or international nutrition, or global public health, with expertise in the area of food security; - Strong statistical background and experience in rigorous design of nutritional studies and analyses; - Understanding of innovative analytical approaches and platforms for new ways of analyzing data. - Demonstrated 8 to 10 years of international research experience in an area of nutrition at the community and/or program levels, particularly in developing countries. Experience in the field in the developing world is a must; - Demonstrated competency in the management of scientific staff and other resources at a senior level, preferably in an international research or academic environment; - A substantial and sustained record of scientific achievement and innovation including experience with implementation of research projects and a demonstrated publication record in relevant fields; - A commitment to and demonstrated track record of working within multi-disciplinary teams and in multi-cultural environments; - Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to motivate, catalyze and promote engagement through negotiation and consensus-building; - Experience with proposal development; - Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written. Desirable competencies and qualifications: - Formal training and/or research experience in the use of biodiversity for food and nutrition, traditional and indigenous food systems, or food-based approaches to health; - Experience in implementing research supporting sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity including ecosystem health, ecology, plant sciences, or related economic aspects; - Participation in global fora and networks on the future of global and local food systems; - Fluency in French, Spanish, or Arabic.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This is a senior scientist internationally recruited position. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year.
APPLICATIONS: Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page (http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html) by clicking the “Apply” button, completing the online application and attaching the required information, no later than 14 October 2011 (submission will be confirmed by a pop-up message: CV successfully submitted). Please note that in the application you are required to provide the contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, which Bioversity will contact for short listed applicants. Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity. Women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply. Bioversity International, Bioversity for short, is the operating name of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the International Network for Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP)
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE REFER http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html
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