THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. The Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/)

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people.

The Alliance is  a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org  ) a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa's most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

About the position

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate- Delivery. The Senior Research - Delivery who will assist the lead scientist and other team members to develop and implement research and delivery initiatives to improve the RTB seed systems in Rwanda.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

• Support the coordinator of ViRCA Deployment Project with day-to-day ground activity implementation that includes: planning with partners, conducting stakeholder trainings, implementing IITA-led activities; backstopping or supervising partner-led activities of the project; and activity reporting to IITA and the donor.
  
• Support decentralized and business oriented quality seed production and supply systems (seed value chains) of publicly bred varieties of roots, tubers, and banana (RTB) to farmers
  
• Work with partners to develop and validate innovative demand-led, context-specific seed systems models; work with extension and delivery systems to scale up best models to improve access to seed by 'last mile' farmers who have not benefitted from improved seed
  
• Assist partners in the design and implementation of seed road maps, including technical/infrastructural support to the RAB to develop sustainable production of quality pre-basic and basic seeds
  
• Actively engage and support coordination of stakeholders in RTB seed systems
  
• Conduct and support research resulting in increased knowledge about and documentation of RTB seed systems in Rwanda and the region
  
• Contribute to resource mobilization - fundraising - to support/expand RTB seed systems work
  
• Develop and disseminate knowledge about effective and sustainable RTB seed systems through scientific writing, reports, and policy briefs.
  
• Additional tasks may be assigned by the supervisors as deemed necessary or relevant to the role.
  
  

  Requirements

  • MSc degree in Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture economics, preferably with a specialization in Agribusiness.
    
  • At least 2 years of research and/or development work experience in Rwanda.
    
  • A good understanding of at least one RTB value chain (Cassava, Banana, Potato, Sweet Potato), and related seed systems in Rwanda.
    
  • Ability to communicate fluently in English (oral and written), and Kinyarwanda. A good proficiency in French is an advantage.
    
  • Good interpersonal skills to work in multi-cultural environment
    
  • Experience in partnerships management.
    
  • Ability to travel extensively and work extra hours in the field implementing project activities.
    
  • Ability to analyze data and produce technical reports and publications.
    

    Terms of employment