Research Assistant position at Africa Rice Center

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POST: Research Assistant for Weed Science

Ref: GSS/22/RD/September/2011

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice, ex‐WARDA) seeks a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Research Assistant for Weed Science at the General Support Staff (GSS) level at its regional East and Southern Africa station, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).

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 for Weed Science

CATEGORY: GSS

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Under the direct supervision of the Weed Scientist, the successful candidate will be in charge of the following tasks:

·         Support the program agenda related to Weed Science, including monitoring and backstopping of projects and research activities in different countries

·         Preparation of seminar and conference presentations, organization of workshops and meetings and drafting minutes, reports and scientific papers

·         Backstopping of students and NARS collaborators

·         Provide substantive support in the preparation, editing and proofreading of documents, research papers and proposals

·         Implement and monitor weed research activities

·         Coordinate and provide feedback on program implementation with other units

·         Undertake any other duties as required by the center

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will have:

• An MSc. degree in agricultural sciences (preferably in weed sciences, botany or agronomy)
• Experience in design and implementation of experimental research, farmer surveys or farmer participatory approaches
• Proven knowledge and experience in integrated crop management or weed science.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis of research data and experience in working with statistical software packages (such as Genstat)
• Ability to work under pressure, and to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment requiring good interpersonal and communication skills
• Capacity to conduct independent work and produce reliable results
• A high degree of professional motivation, flexibility, initiative, drive, reliability and willingness to learn and develop new skills

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Candidates should send an application (including date of availability and a statement of any special qualifications for the position) and an up‐to‐date curriculum vitae with the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / e‐mail) of three referees to:

Human Resources Department, 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 October, 14 2011 or until the position is filled. 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.

FOR DETAILS, PLEASE REFER http://www.africarice.org/