Research Assistant- Plant Breeding at World Vegetable

Research Assistant- Plant Breeding at World Vegetable

World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg)

Arusha

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a nonprofit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world through increased production and consumption of nutritious and health- promoting vegetables. For more information about World Vegetable Center, please visit our website: worldveg.org

WorldVeg seeks to recruit a Research Assistant – Plant Breeding to strengthen the Centers breeding program to provide evidence-based solutions for making improved vegetable varieties more available, affordable, and accessible to vegetable producers. She/he will involve in implementation of the various breeding activities of the Center and other related activities. The employee will be based in the Center’s regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa in Arusha, Tanzania.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assume responsibility for implementation of breeding activities like planting of nurseries, crossing blocks, experiments/trials and seed increases;
• Prepare and implement field plans and layouts of nurseries, crossing blocks and experiments/ trials
• Schedule and conduct seed preparation, sowing, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, emasculation and crossing, data collection, harvesting and seed extraction;
• Make sure seeds of breeding lines and varieties are properly labeled and maintained;
• Properly record all breeding germplasm introductions and distributions and periodically summarize and present reports to supervisor;
• Ensure that all field and laboratory data are collected in time and transfer into computer;
• Assist in selection and statistical analysis;
• Ensure available farm tools, field and laboratory facilities and equipment related to breeding activities are in place and well maintained;
• Prepare monthly/weekly requirement of daily laborers based on activities planned for the period;
• Directly supervise daily laborers on duty in the field and in the laboratory;
• Assist in practical training courses organized by the vegetable improvement unit;
• Cooperate with other research assistants under the program and within the regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa on vegetable research and development activities;
• Accomplish any other duty requested by the supervisor – The Vegetable Breeder;
• Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the Country Programme Manager as may be needed

  Required Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Horticulture, crop science or agronomy, from an accredited university.
• A minimum of three years of experience in vegetable breeding, horticulture and agronomy research within an international non-governmental organization (NGO), highly preferred.
• Excellent computer skills in MS-office applications (Word, Excel, Power point)
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to interact with partners and colleagues in a multi­cultural setting.

The Reward: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS)position with competitive pay and benefits.

The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg’s Five Core Values:

Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing
Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to sharing results in a transparent manner.

Commitment to Impact
Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.

Commitment to Partnerships
Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.

Respect for People
Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views.

Respect for the Environment
Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, a recent passport-size photograph, names, and addresses (including telephone/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability to info-esa@worldveg.org or the job bank site before 12 August 2024. Please mention the position title in the subject line.