Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa
|FARA|IRRI|CARD|UNU-ONY |AWARD|
FARA is the apex organization for agricultural research for development in Africa. The FARA Secretariat is the lead institution for pillar IV of NEPAD’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) which encompasses agricultural research and technology dissemination and adoption. FARA works closely with the sub-regional organisations (SROs) and the national agricultural research and extension systems to ensure effective implementation of CAADP activities. FARA’s mission is to create broad-based improvements in agricultural productivity, competitiveness and markets by supporting Africa’s sub-regional organisations in strengthening capacity for agricultural innovation.
FARA recently received a grant from the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA) to implement a project on ‘Strengthening Capacity for Safe Biotechnology Management in Sub-Sahara Africa’ (SABIMA). This is a 3-year project to be executed in six (6) countries of Sub-Sahara Africa with the collaboration of Sub-Regional Organisations (SROs) and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).
FARA is therefore seeking to recruit under the FARA SFSA SABIMA, a Project Assistant. Reporting to the Project Manager the successful candidate will perform among other duties, the following:
Job Description
1. Track project activities in accordance with the work plan and report to the Project Manager.
2. Assist in compilation of project reports.
3. Help to organize project meetings and workshops.
4. Provide back up support to the Project Manager.
5. Act as Secretary to the FARA Task Team on the SABIMA Project
Requirements
A BSc in agriculture or field of biology with at least 2 years on the job experience. An MSc in a field of agriculture or field of biology, preferably in animal or plant breeding, biotechnology or biosafety will be an added advantage. Experience in project management support service is desirable. Good computer skills will be required.
Compensation
This is a General Service position and FARA offers competitive terms of employment. FARA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.
Applications
Please send (preferably via e-mail) comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers of three referees to:
Dr. Monty P. Jones, Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Fax: +233 21 773676, Email: ed@fara-africa.org
NOTE
Please state the position only as the subject of the email/ application
Applications will be accepted up to 22nd June 2009
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
AWARD Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) seeks to appoint an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Coordinator, to work with our fellows, mentors, and partners to track project progress, outcomes and impacts at individual and institutional levels. Deadline for Applications: 1 July 2009 at CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program Nairobi, Kenya . More information
AWARD Communications Manager
AWARD wishes to recruit a dynamic and creative Communications Manager to lead its communications efforts for public awareness, knowledge sharing and networking. This internationally-recruited position offers a rewarding opportunity for a seasoned communications professional with sound strategic and operational skills in using diverse media to reach different audiences in Anglophone and Francophone Africa. More information
Junior Professional Fellows Program United Nations University
The United Nations University Office at the United Nations, New York (UNU-ONY) recruits Junior Professional Fellows (JPFs) for two sessions each year running from August to January, and February to July. The internship title, "Junior Professional Fellows" reflects the high level of responsibility and opportunity given to those accepted into this program.
As a UN agency, the aim of the UNU is to function as a think tank of and for the UN, and to bridge the gap between policy makers and academia. The UNU Office in New York's areas of responsibility include Events, Marketing, Partnership-Fundraising, Policy Research and work on Latin America. The UNU-ONY, in its work, liaises with the UN System, the Permanent Missions, academia, NGOs, foundations and the private sector.
• Applications Deadlines: August 1st to January 31st Session: May 31st.
• February 1st to July 31st Session: November 30th;
Candidates selected for the current recruitment session will be informed by the beginning of July 2009. More information
CONSULTANCY IN M&E
COALITION FOR AFRICAN RICE DEVELOPMENT (CARD)
VACANCY FOR A SHORT-TERM CONSULTANCY:
TO ESTABLISH AN MONITORING AND EVALUATION SYSTEMS FOR THE CARD INITIATIVE
CONDITIONS
Entry of Duty 8 May 2009 (expected)
Duration 30 Working Days until 30 June 2009
Workplace Nairobi, Kenya and Cotonou, Benin
Payment Consultant fee and travel cost (air ticked and per diem)
COALITION OF AFRICAN RICE DEVELOPMENT (CARD)
CARD is a multi-stakeholder initiative launched at the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) in May 2008. The Coalition aims to double rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa within ten years through increased and better-coordinated investment and assistance in the rice sector. Major bilateral and multilateral donors, African and international institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations which attended TICAD IV formed a consensus on the goals and objectives of CARD and showed a deep commitment to working together to respond to the needs of the African rice-producing countries that will be identified and prioritized in their National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS).
OBJECTIVE OF CARD INITIATIVE
The primary objectives of the CARD is, by 2018, to have doubled Africa’s annual rice production to 28 million tons by improvements in productivity and efficiency across the rice value chains enabled by aligning national rice development strategies with government and development partner interventions.
DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Coordinator, CARD Secretariat, and in collaboration with the experts of relevant organizations, the consultant will:
.Establish monitoring and evaluation systems for initiatives related to implementation of national rice development strategies, donor harmonization and impact pathways
.Establish systems for supporting data collection, collation and analyses including:
.rice statistics, in collaboration with African Rice Centre (WARDA)
.profiles of rice-related interventions in Sub-Saharan African Countries,
.other information related to the CARD Initiatives
. Based on above, prepare CARD M&E and Information manuals
.Design a web-page on the above-mentioned information in collaboration with a web-design consultant
QUALIFICATIONS
.Thorough knowledge and significant accomplishments in monitoring, evaluation and
.Excellent skills in reporting and information management
.Highly focused and results-oriented in supporting complex, deadline-driven tasks
.Working-level command of spoken and written English.
.French competency would be an asset.
.Good health and fit for extensive travelling.
APPLICATIONS
Applications accompanied by the applicant’s curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three confidential referees should be submitted by 28 April 2009 to:
Ms Caroline Bwire
CARD Secretariat, c/o AGRA
Eden Square, Block 1, 2nd Floor
PO Box 66773, Westlands, 00800 Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone (operator): +254-(0)20-3750-627 or 3675-000
Telephone (direct): +254-(0)20-3675-236
Facsimile: +254-(0)20-3750-653 or 3675-269
E-mail: cbwire@agra-alliance.org
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Science Recruitment Ireland has been appointed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to assist with a major recruitment drive. IRRI is currently undergoing a huge growth phase with urgent requirement for postdoctoral fellows, and other more experienced international candidates with expertise in some of the following areas - plant genetics/breeding, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, and developmental biology. These roles will be based in Philippines or India and will be at least 3-5 years in duration, with a good likelihood that the contracts will be extended further.
Based in the Philippines, the International Rice Research Institute is the oldest and largest international agricultural research institute in Asia. It is an autonomous, nonprofit rice research and education organization with staff based in 14 countries in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice farmers and consumers, and ensure that rice production is environmentally sustainable. We work closely with most rice-producing and -consuming countries and their national agricultural research and extension systems as well as farming communities and a range of international, regional, and local organizations. In partnerships with these national systems, IRRI conducts research and provides training and education for those helping rice farmers by disseminating information and proven, sustainable technologies. IRRI was established in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations in cooperation with the Philippine government. Its headquarters—which feature modern laboratories, training and accommodation facilities, and a 252-hectare experimental farm—lie next to the main campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, about 60 kilometers south of the Philippine capital, Manila.
Scientist, Regional Project Coordinator (Asia) for developingGreen Super Rice” (GSR)
Science
Recruitment Ireland has been appointed by the International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI) to assist with a major recruitment drive.
IRRI is currently undergoing a huge growth phase with urgent
requirement for postdoctoral fellows, and other more experienced
international candidates with expertise in some of the following areas
- plant genetics/breeding, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, and
developmental biology. These roles will be based in Philippines or
India and will be at least 3-5 years in duration, with a good
likelihood that the contracts will be extended further.
Based in
the Philippines, the International Rice Research Institute is the
oldest and largest international agricultural research institute in
Asia. It is an autonomous, nonprofit rice research and education
organization with staff based in 14 countries in Asia and Africa. Its
mission is to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice
farmers and consumers, and ensure that rice production is
environmentally sustainable. We work closely with most rice-producing
and -consuming countries and their national agricultural research and
extension systems as well as farming communities and a range of
international, regional, and local organizations. In partnerships with
these national systems, IRRI conducts research and provides training
and education for those helping rice farmers by disseminating
information and proven, sustainable technologies. IRRI was established
in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations in cooperation with the
Philippine government. Its headquarters—which feature modern
laboratories, training and accommodation facilities, and a 252-hectare
experimental farm—lie next to the main campus of the University of the
Philippines Los Baños, about 60 kilometers south of the Philippine
capital, Manila.
Job Purpose
To coordinate research
in the South/Southeast Asian region aimed at developing and
disseminating “Green Super Rice” (GSR) cultivars that have high and
stable yield but require fewer inputs.
Responsibilities:
This
role involves coordinating a regional research initiative, requiring
the expertise of many scientists. Specifically, the Coordinator will be
required to;
1. Build and nurture a strong network of partner organizations across;
a. South Asia (SA) (Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka)
b. South East Asia (SEA) (Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR), and
c. Within the Institute to implement the project.
2. Organize project planning and review meetings and arrange for inputs by the project advisory panel.
3.
Prepare the annual work plan in consultation with project partners in
SA and SEA, monitor progress against agreed milestones, and prepare
progress reports as required by the donor.
4. Interact regularly
with the other regional project coordinators to ensure harmony within
the entire project and effective exchange of information and expertise
across target regions.
5. Facilitate transfer of funds to
partners in national agricultural research and extension systems
(NARES) and hire locally recruited staff to assist in project
activities.
6. Facilitate a network of players (public, civil
society, and small and medium seed enterprises) that ensures
sustainable access to seeds and other research products by
resource-poor farmers (men and women).
7. Organize and
coordinate in-country training of NARES and cross-site visits and
assisting in the coordination of training activities at the Institute.
8.
Assist the Project Director to supervise and manage the HQ-based
research team (GML) in performing molecular breeding activities
9.
Collaborate in publishing research outcomes in appropriate journals of
international standing and disseminating the results of research and
scholarship through other reputable outlets
10. Undertake such
specific roles and management functions as may be reasonably required
by the Project Director and the Deputy Director General – Research
Knowledge Required for Scientist, Regional Project Coordinator (Asia) for developing “Green Super Rice” Role
Education / Experience
Minimum Education: PhD or equivalent in agricultural sciences or rural development or a related field
Experience required:
- Recognized creative ability to manage research projects to achieve impact
- Knowledge and experience in performing and managing a molecular breeding program.
- Proven ability to perform in a multi-organizational (public, civil society, and private sector) and multicultural environment
- Familiarity with varietal testing and working in the agro-ecosystems of South Asia
Languages: English: Written and Spoken
Knowledge of local language an asset
Ideal Experience:
Preferred competencies include:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong organizational and communication skills
For further information, please contact:
Ursula Crossan
+353 1 6479206
ursula@sri.ie
Science Recruitment Ireland
www.sri.ie