Research Assistant Job in Nairobi Kenya

The International Potato Centre
 
Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Office (CIP-SSA)
 
Vacancy: Research Assistant in Remote Sensing-Based Technologies

The International Potato Center (CIP), SSA is seeking a dynamic and resourceful research professional to support technical implementation of field experiments in East Africa, as part of the research within the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems.
 
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on genetic resources of potatoes, sweetpotato, and other Andean roots and tubers, crop genetic enhancement and improvement, integrated crop management and sustainable management of natural resources.

The Position: This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will support the implementation of different trials to contribute to the Production Systems and the Environment sub-Program in SSA.

Duties and Accountabilities:
  • Contribute to the design of field experiments implemented to generate remote sensing–based technologies in the region (e.g. high resolution information using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).
  • Establish and conduct the designed experiments both in research stations and farmers fields
  • Collect and record experimental data following a pre-conceived protocol.
  • Contribute to the analysis of experimental data.
  • Administer all field equipment available for field work.
  • Write field work reports following standard protocols.
  • Contribute to the preparation of scientific papers.
  • Any other related task assigned by the supervisor.
Selection Criteria: 
  • Masters degree in Agricultural Engineering or related discipline; 
  • familiarity with crop production systems; 
  • at least two years of experience in Applied Research/Research Methods; 
  • advanced Knowledge in Computer Science; 
  • ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment; 
  • ability to work in a multicultural and gender diverse environment; 
  • availability for frequent local and regional travel;
  • knowledge of statistical analysis tools and programming is a plus; 
  • knowledge in Remote Sensing is a plus. 
  • Experience flying model planes is desirable.
Conditions: This position is a Nationally Recruited Position for an initial one year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. 

CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth. 

Salary and benefits will follow the CIP policies and refer to related Kenyan regulations.

Applications:
 Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of interest, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to cip-nbo@cgiar.org with copy to Dr. Dieudonné Harahagazwe (d.harahagazwe@cgiar.org). 

The reference name of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. 

Screening of applications will begin on 1 September 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. 

You can learn more about CIP by accessing our web site athttp://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. 


Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.