The International Potato Center (CIP) and the Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) are seeking a dynamic and innovative research professional with expertise in pro-poor market analysis, processing, and value chain development and assessment, to lead the design and implementation of a new research project that aims to expand the utilization of RTB and reduce their post-harvest losses in the countries of East and Central Africa.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The Program: The CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) is one of a new series of initiatives spearheaded by CGIAR to bring together the research synergies and resources of multiple agricultural research-for-development centers to improve efficiencies and increase impacts. The purpose of RTB is to tap the underutilized potential of root, tuber, and banana crops to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.
The Position: This position will be based in Kampala, Uganda which is a key country in the region for RTB crops. The successful candidate will report directly to the Global Science Leader of Social and Health Sciences. The primary goal of this position is to design and implement a post-harvest and value chain (PH/VC) research strategy for Uganda with relevance for the East and Central African region. As part of this goal, the successful candidate will be expected to closely liaise and collaborate with researchers in RTB and other Research Programs with whom CIP collaborates on PH/VC issues in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This is expected to lead to substantial cross-learning between programs to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the development and promotion of value-adding technological/institutional/commercial innovations.
Duties and Accountabilities:
• Establish a project coordination team in Kampala, Uganda.
• Based on the project proposal document, lead the preparation of a workplan in consultation with stakeholders in Uganda that includes crop and geographical targeting, characterization of existing RTB systems and identification of needs and opportunities in increasing post-harvest efficiency and improving RTB value chains.
• Establish a clear theory of change for the project and an impact pathway based on it. • Identify specific research and development outcomes, aligning closely with the project document • Lead the development of a detailed postharvest and value chain research plan for RTB crops in Uganda, in close collaboration with other CGIAR partners and national research institutes and stakeholders • Ensure timely delivery of research outputs by project partners and coordinate their dissemination through publications and technical and policy forums • Develop a clear M&E framework for the project, aligned with RTB monitoring tools and impact assessment strategy • Establish an effective value chain and postharvest research partnership for RTB in Uganda initially and in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa subsequently that is networked with CIP and RTB post-harvest and value chain work in Asia and Latin America. • Lead initiatives for building capacity in post-harvest and value chain research and development in RTB and CIP • Develop and implement a resource mobilization strategy to strengthen the value chain work in RTB and in CIP
• Based on the project proposal document, lead the preparation of a workplan in consultation with stakeholders in Uganda that includes crop and geographical targeting, characterization of existing RTB systems and identification of needs and opportunities in increasing post-harvest efficiency and improving RTB value chains.
• Establish a clear theory of change for the project and an impact pathway based on it. • Identify specific research and development outcomes, aligning closely with the project document • Lead the development of a detailed postharvest and value chain research plan for RTB crops in Uganda, in close collaboration with other CGIAR partners and national research institutes and stakeholders • Ensure timely delivery of research outputs by project partners and coordinate their dissemination through publications and technical and policy forums • Develop a clear M&E framework for the project, aligned with RTB monitoring tools and impact assessment strategy • Establish an effective value chain and postharvest research partnership for RTB in Uganda initially and in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa subsequently that is networked with CIP and RTB post-harvest and value chain work in Asia and Latin America. • Lead initiatives for building capacity in post-harvest and value chain research and development in RTB and CIP • Develop and implement a resource mobilization strategy to strengthen the value chain work in RTB and in CIP
Selection Criteria:
• PhD or MSc degree in marketing, postharvest, applied social sciences or agribusiness • At least 10 year experience in facilitating implementation of agricultural value chains through participatory approaches, linking producers to final consumers • Excellent command of up-to-date methodologies for value chain and post-harvest research, including gender analysis • Experience working with private sector partners for post-harvest and value chain innovations • Familiarity with value chain and postharvest challenges of RTB crops • Excellent management and organizational skills • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment, with prior experience participating in or leading interdisciplinary research teams strongly preferred • Strong communication skills • Good publication record in value chain and postharvest research • Ability to develop close and effective long-term relationships with stakeholders • Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment, with prior experience in Africa highly desirable • Willingness to travel frequently within Uganda and the East and Central African region • Excellent written and spoken English with knowledge of other languages an advantage
Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a three month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.
How to apply:
Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of interest, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: cip-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on January 1, 2014 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, only short listed candidates will be contacted.
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