Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia
POST: Technology development and dissemination leader Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA).
Job opportunities .The Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (‘CSISA’) is collaborative research and outreach for development program launched in 2009 with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the US Agency for International Development. It combines the strengths of several members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (IRRI, CIMMYT, IFPRI, ILRI, and WorldFish) in collaboration with a large number of public and private sector partners in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The overall goal of CSISA is to increase food and income security in South Asia through the accelerated development and inclusive deployment of new varieties, sustainable and productive management technologies, and innovative policies. CSISA also endeavors to place technologies in the context of markets, risk, and other barriers that, without complementary strategies, can constrain advances in production and improvements in livelihoods.
The fundamental unit of activity in CSISA is called a “hub”, i.e. areas that have similar agricultural production systems and potential entry points for innovation. The hub concept reflects a growing recognition that challenges and opportunities for agricultural development are geographically diverse and that highly centralized systems of new technology development and dissemination rarely lead to sustained improvements in agricultural development. Hubs serve as incubators of new ideas and provide a mechanism for the participatory testing, refinement, and efficient dissemination of new technologies and locally-appropriate management practices.
CSISA seeks an experienced agricultural expert with a substantial understanding of development issues to lead its applied research and dissemination-related activities. While the position is regional, special emphasis will be given to leading CSISA’s work in India.
Core responsibilities include:
• In consultation with partners, lead the development and refinement of key new agricultural technical innovations, specifically those related to sustainable intensification (e.g. conservation agriculture, site-specific management, precision water management, scale-appropriate mechanization, etc.)
• Define major change pathways that will catalyze sustainable development at scale among targeted South Asia farmers.
• Refine CSISA’s working model and champion the same within and beyond the project.
• Understand the drivers of change in the agricultural systems of South Asia; ensure that CSISA responses to the challenges and opportunities posed by these drivers.
• Develop strategic working relationships with public, private sector, and Civil Society (NGOs, Cooperatives, etc.) Partners based on complementary interests and strengths.
• Mentor hub-based staff.
• Lead planning and reporting for hub-based work.
• Actively anchor the data management and to contribute to project M&E processes.
• Develop and implement innovative new models for learning and dissemination of agricultural technologies, including business models for out-scaling with public and private sector partners.
• Communicate key messages and project progress with donors, policy makers, and other primary stakeholders.
We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:
• Master and/or PhD degree(s) in agricultural sciences and/or Management
• At least 10 years hands-on experience in agricultural research and outreach for development
• Successful track record in managing large donor-supported projects in the developing-country context.
• Good partnership building and networking experience with the public and private sectors.
• Excellent facilitation and team building skills to manage interdisciplinary, multicultural, and inter-institutional teams of scientists and development practitioners.
• Good communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent knowledge of English
• Knowledge of South Asian cropping systems preferred
• Experience with impact pathway analysis and project design with sustainability and exit strategies clearly defined.
The position will be based at CIMMYT office in Delhi, India and requires extensive regional travel. The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of three years, after which further employment is subject to performance. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Apply online no later than January 10th, 2012.
At www.cimmyt.org, click on “About us – Job Opportunities- 2011/28 Position” Please complete the online application, including your cover letter, competencies and experience for the position, and a detailed CV/resume.
For further information, contact Dr. Bruno Gerard, Director, Global Conservation Agriculture Program b.gerard@cgiar.org or the Human Resources Office, jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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