Call for Applications for the position of Potato Training Specialist – Bafoussam, Cameroon

IITA Cameroon is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Potato Training Specialist with solid problem-solving skills, ability to work well in a team environment, excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to work under minimal supervision for International Potato Center (CIP).

The International Potato Center (CIP) was founded in 1971 as a research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato and andean roots and tubers. It delivers innovative science-based solutions to enhance access to affordable nutritious food, foster inclusive sustainable business and employment growth, and drive the climate resilience of root and tuber agri-food systems. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP has a research presence in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

A - Duties

The Potato Training Specialist will be responsible for coordinating and managing field work and training with partners in the Potato Development Value Chain project in the three regions, Cameroon. The position will be based in Bafoussam with frequent travel to the field in the Adamawa region and possibility to be relocated to another project office.

The Potato Specialist will report to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project based in Yaoundé, while also coordinating responsibilities and activities with the project team across intervention areas. The Potato Training Specialist will act as Farmer-Field School (FFS) Master Trainer to (i) implement field and coordinate training activities to strengthen farmers’ ware potato production capacities in all the project regions, and (ii) contribute to agronomic activities across the project.

The Potato Training Specialist will be responsible for coordinating the 3-level training approach: training-of-trainers (ToT), training of potential facilitators by trained trainers, and training of producers by facilitators using the field-based and season-long approach in close collaboration with CIP Regional Coordinators and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day all levels of training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for ware potato production;
• Liaise with with the participating Agricultural Training Centres for cascading down the training while addressing any technical issues that may arise;
• Facilitate refresher courses to the trainers;
• Coordinate and support planning and delivery of capacity building for ware potato production and seed multiplication programs with focus on community-based lead farmers and extension officers;
• Participate in designing, monitoring and evaluation of training activities;
• Coordinate and monitor demonstration and training sites managed by training centres;
• Provide advice to trainers and supervision to assure quality of FFS and Farmer-Run Field School (FRFS);
• Contribute to the implementation of innovative agronomic practices through on-farm trialling across the project;
• Support informal seed system development;
• Support the participatory variety evaluation and release;
• Develop and maintain good working relationship with stakeholders;
• Write project reports and other publications;
• Develop training tools and other communication materials; and
• Perform any other duty as assigned by the PI.

B – Qualification

• MSc. Degree in agronomy and agricultural sciences;
• At least one season-long facilitation as master trainer of training-of-trainers (ToT) through FFS on potato good agricultural practices;
• At least 5 years of professional experience
• A minimum of three years’ experience in building the capacity of smallholder farmers;
• Demonstrated expertise to design and carry out agronomic activities; 
• At least one-year work experience in an international agricultural research centre and/or NGO;
• At least one season work experience in the Adamawa and West regions;
• Proven experience in working independently in the field with training centres, farmers, farmer groups and extension;
• Proven experience in preparation and timely submission of publications (reports, training manuals, extension documents, etc.);
• Fluency in French and good working knowledge in English required;
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Web browsers, Smart-phone applications);
• Willingness to travel frequently and work under field conditions

C – Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background. 
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in developing countries and supported by more than 50 donor members.

D – What are the conditions?

The position is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Cameroon Nationals and permanent residents only. The employment contract will be for a one-year term (with a 4-month probation period) and the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

E – How to apply?

The application file shall include the following documents:

• a completed online application form; kindly fill the form in addition to sending your application file available on https://forms.gle/B44FSp2TK7u6RCZBA
• a detailed curriculum vitae but NOT exceeding three pages;
• a letter of motivation (MAXIMUM of two pages; including the full names of the candidate, their full address, phone number and email address);
• a copy of the national identity card;
• a copy of the highest academic credential (degree);
• a copy of any potato training report facilitated; and
• a list of three academic and/or professional referees including their contacts (one of them must be a current or former supervisor of the candidate).

Applications shall be addressed (e-mail attachments ONLY), latest by June 22^nd, 2021 to: 

The Resident Representative

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Cameroon

P.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa) Tel : 222237434 ; (+237) 699319747

Email: IITACA-HRS@cgiar.org with a copy to D.Motchum@cgiar.org

Application to the position of: Potato Specialist – Bafoussam, Cameroon

In addition to your application folder sent by email, kindly fill the mandatory form available on https://forms.gle/B44FSp2TK7u6RCZBA

Only applications received in French or in English form candidates who have filled the online form will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.

CIP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). CIP also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.