Research Associate III – Agronomy

•  Nairobi, Kenya
•  Full-time
•  IRRI

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Associate-Agronomy  to Facilitate the planning, designing and implementation on the routine trials, data analysis and other research activities of projects about Rice production improvement in Kenya focusing on the development and up-scaling of improved rice production and post-harvest technologies and on training farmers, technicians and extension officers.

Constantly communicate with internal and external project partners and collaborators to exchange conceptual ideas and to effectively gather feedback and research-related requirements for the advancement of technologies. Consolidate, evaluate and analyze research data gathered from trials  groups .

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock.

It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

ILRI hosts the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Nairobi (www.irri.org) with its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna in the Philippines. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations.

Key Responsibilities  

Purpose

• Facilitate the planning, designing and implementation on the routine trials, data analysis and other research activities of projects about Rice production improvement in Kenya focusing on the development of improved rice production and post-harvest technologies and on training farmers, technicians and extension officers.
• Contribute to the development of the research projects including selection of adequate research tools and equipment, verification of suggested methodologies and establishment of parameters related to rice production intensification.
• Verification and up scaling of technologies that enhance improved rice yields in farmers’ fields. 
•  Oversee maintenance of the research areas, research fields and technical equipment

Engagement

• Constantly communicate with internal and external project partners and collaborators to exchange conceptual ideas and to effectively gather feedback and research-related requirements for the advancement of the projects
• Provide assistance and guidelines to internal and external stakeholders considering efficient implementation of the projects
• Constantly monitor, evaluate and provide recommendations to improve research and training activities/tasks performed by Research Technicians and contract workers in order to  maintain smooth conduct of field and greenhouse trials as well as to foster a productive working environment
• Coordinate with required IRRI services and supplies to ensure smooth implantation of experiments/surveys

• Delivery

  •  Consolidate, evaluate and analyze research data gathered from the project trials
  • Evaluate, validate and contribute to the interpretation of results, contribute to the writing of manuscripts for reports/publications as well as presentations/posters for national and international conferences
  • Prepare and submit updated research outputs to the Scientist in a timely manner
  • Supervise and lead the maintenance of accurate data recording and updating of database for efficient storage and retrieval of information

  Requirements

  Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with minimum 5 years work experience from which at least 3 years in rice research/development

  Master of Science degree in Agriculture with minimum 1 year relevant work experience in rice research/development Basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or other softwares

  • Proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments and field trials
  • Has strong experience in field management (layout, irrigation, fertization, pest and disease monitoring)
  • Proven technical proficiency in conducting farmer-field schools
  • Experience in statistical analysis and report preparation
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Has strong technical experience in guiding farmers, technicians and extension officers

  Post location: The position will be based in Western, Kenya

  Terms of Appointment

  This position is at job level HG 12 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

  How to apply: 

  Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above on or before 5 July 2023.

  The position title and reference number REF: IRRI/06B/2023 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

  We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

  To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org

   ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.