Call for Applications for the position of Potato Specialist – BAFOUSSAM, Cameroon

IITA Cameroon is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Potato 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 Specialist will coordinate and manage potato innovations and training with partners in the Potato Development Value Chain project in the Adamawa, West, and North-West regions, Cameroon. He/she will be responsible for evaluating and implementing innovative technologies for cooperatives and other stakeholders using services based on agronomy, storage, mechanization, cooperative management and coaching, and marketing methods.

The position will be based in Bafoussam with frequent travel to the field with the possibility to be relocated to other CIP offices. The Potato Specialist will report to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the potato project based in Yaoundé while also coordinating responsibilities and activities with the project team across intervention areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the potato agronomic activities across the project areas.
• Manage day-to-day partnerships with the participating agricultural schools and universities, Regional Coordinators of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, farmer cooperatives, and potato traders.
• Coordinate and support planning and delivery of capacity building for ware potato production and commercialization, focusing on storage, extension, and agro-dealers.
• Participate in the identification, designing, monitoring, and evaluation of potato innovation farms.
• Provide training on various aspects of potato production, storage, and commercialization.
• Support extension to document and collect data from demonstration plots to inform and improve the delivery of project interventions.
• Co-supervise students and interns in areas of research design, implementation, data collection and processing.
• Oversee the implementation of innovative agronomic practices through on-station and on-farm trials across the project.
• Support seed system development.
• Support the participatory variety evaluation and release.
• Backstop the multiplication and distribution of newly released varieties.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with stakeholders, especially universities.
• Write project reports and other publications.
• Develop training tools and other communication materials.
• Perform any other duty as assigned by the PI.

Qualification

• At least an MSc. degree in Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences 
• Between three and five years of experience in implementing agronomyrelated interventions.
• Technical knowledge of potato agronomy and pathology.
• Proven experience for working independently in the field with farmers, farmer groups and extension workers.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and carrying out potato agricultural experiments.
• Proven experience in preparation and timely submission of publications (reports, training manuals, extension documents, etc.).
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Statistical analysis software, Web browsers, Smart-phone applications).
• Fluency in French and a good working knowledge of English required.

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.

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.

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/nLrXMVpwgZ3BygcA8
• 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 report or document of potato-related work conducted; 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 July 21^st, 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/nLrXMVpwgZ3BygcA8

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.