Genetic Resources Unit Manager

 

About our organization

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the diverse roles that trees play in agricultural landscapes, and to use its research to advance policies and practices, and their implementation that benefit the poor and the environment. ICRAF is guided by the broad development challenges pursued by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). These include poverty alleviation that entails enhanced food security and health, improved productivity with lower environmental and social costs, and resilience in the face of climate change and other external shocks.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, with eight regional and sub-regional offices located in China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Peru and Cameroon. ICRAF conducts research in 28 other countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Main purpose of the job

The main purpose of the position will be to oversee the management of ICRAF’s Agroforestry Genetic Resources.

Specific responsibilities

1.           Managing conservation and documentation of the Agroforestry tree collection in the seed genebanks and field genebanks to international standards.

2.           Coordinating and managing viability and germplasm health monitoring.

3.           Managing distribution of seeds from all ICRAF collections in accordance with provisions under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and country specific policies as relevant.

4.           Planning and managing genetic resources characterization activities.

5.           Organizing and managing activities and resources in the genebank and molecular laboratories.

6.           Stratification of the collection to ensure the most efficient management whilst maintaining standards of quality and safety.

7.           Liaising with genetic resources staff from national partner institutes in all regions where ICRAF operates to facilitate collection, conservation and use of  Agroforestry tree collection.

8.           Developing proposals with colleagues, fund raising and monitoring progress against donor funded projects.

9.           Developing and supervising research to promote the use of improved germplasm of exotic and indigenous tree species while avoiding problems associated with invasive species.

10.        Supervising, overseeing and facilitating development of ICRAF’s GRU databases (relevant for conservation and use) specifically for agroforestry tree seed sources, high value AF tree provenances, improved materials, i.e., clones and varieties and field genebanks.

11.        Contributing towards policy development with the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources and other relevant instruments, along with national policy frameworks.

12.        Supervising research fellows linked to ICRAF Genetic Resources Unit.

13.        Ensuring Genebank collaboration with other relevant CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) and Science Domains.

Requirements

• PhD in Agronomy, Genetic Resources, Plant Physiology or any other related subject.
• Knowledge of statistical packages.
• At least seven years of experience in managing genetic resources collections, laboratory management or plant health for genebanks.
• The applicant should display an understanding of international policies guiding access and benefit sharing for plant genetic resources and a proven publication record including scientific articles.

Terms of offer

We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This position is on regional terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to nine (9) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Click “Apply now” shown beside. You must attach the following documents:

·         Cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position, and your salary expectations.

·         Detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae with names and addresses of three referees, including telephone numbers and email addresses.

Applications will be considered until 7 June 2013 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org