Senior Research Associate

CGIAR System Organization; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A global agricultural research organization seeks a Senior Research Associate to lead a seed potato production project in West Bengal. The ideal candidate has a PhD in Agriculture and at least six years of experience in project coordination. Responsibilities include overseeing project activities, managing partnerships, and ensuring project goals are met. Competitive compensation and an excellent work environment provided.

Prestations

Excellent working environment

Compensation package commensurate with experience

Equal opportunity workplace

Qualifications

• Minimum six years’ experience in project coordination and implementation.
• Strong background in potato seed systems.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement.

Responsabilités

• Oversee daily project activities in collaboration with government scientists.
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans.
• Ensure timely, quality, and budget-compliant completion of activities.

Connaissances

Project management

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Team-building

Communication skills

Formation

PhD in Agriculture or related fields

Description du poste

The International PotatoCenter (CIP) seeks to recruit a Senior ResearchAssociate for the project “Developing Local Seed Potato Production Systems in WestBengal”, funded by the Government of West Bengal. The project aims tostrengthen early-generation and commercial seed potato production by buildingpublic and private sector capacity to deliver high-quality, locally adaptedvarieties. It also supports smallholder farmers through improved seed qualitymanagement and good agricultural practices. We seek a dynamic professional withexperience in seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops, early-generationseed production, seed quality assurance, pest and disease management, andvariety release processes to support the Project Leader in implementation.

The Position: The selected candidate will bebased at Mohit Nagar, West Bengal. He/she will supervise operations inthe locations and consultants and will report to the Principal Scientist.

Education: PhD level degree is inAgriculture and agricultural related fields.

Experience: The ideal candidate will have aminimum of six years’ experience in project coordination and implementation,with a strong background in potato seed systems and good agriculturalpractices. Practical expertise in seed storage, pest and disease management,and potato production is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate theability to prepare and disseminate technical reports, success stories, andpromotional materials effectively.

The candidate must possessstrong project management, leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills,along with proven experience in project coordination and stakeholderengagement. He/She should demonstrate expertise in organizational planning andbudget management, and the ability to work effectively as part of amulti-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment. Excellentcommunication skills and a willingness to travel and work in resource-limitedrural areas are essential.

Language: The candidate must be a residentof West Bengal and fluent in Bengali and Hindi, with advanced written and oralcommunication skills in English, Hindi, and Bengali.

KeyResponsibilities:

• Review and internalize the project proposal tofully understand objectives, ensuring effective, sustainable, andcost-efficient contribution toward achieving goals at scale.
  
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans,including analysis of tasks, schedules, and resources.
  
• Identify, enroll, and monitor suitable partnersacross the potato value chain, providing continuous support and capacitybuilding.
  
• Oversee daily project activities in closecollaboration with the Government of West Bengal scientists and projectpartners.
  
• Ensure timely, quality, and budget-compliantcompletion of activities, including progress monitoring and schedulingmeetings.
  
• Build strong relationships with governmentagencies, research institutions, NGOs, and farmer groups to supportproject objectives.
  
• Train public and private partners onearly-generation seed potato production, field multiplication, and apicalrooted cuttings technology.
  
• Demonstrate best practices in on-farm seedmanagement, soil fertility, and agronomic innovations through field sites.
  
• Facilitate field bulking, testing, and promotionof newly released potato varieties in the region.
  
• Provide technical assistance in diseasedetection, tissue culture, and seed certification support as needed.
  
• Develop and advocate for locally adapted seedquality protocols and schemes with federal and state agencies.
  
• Prepare and submit quarterly and annual technicaland financial reports on schedule.
  
• Present project outcomes at professional, donor,and stakeholder meetings.
  
• Document lessons learned, best practices, anddevelop extension materials, including scripts, videos, and ICT-basedoutreach tools.
  
• Perform additional responsibilities assigned bythe supervisor to meet project objectives.
  

Why shouldyou consider this opportunity?

· CIPis a global and reputable international organization that has a strong,state-of-the-art R&D background.

· CIPis dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, andgender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems ofthe developing world.

· CIPis a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food securefuture dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security,and improving natural resources.

What are we offering?

· Excellent working environment.

· Compensation packagecommensurate with experience.

· Work in an equal anddiverse workplace.

How to apply?

Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V in English with at least three(3) professional references. Last Day for application is 17 th August 2025 and Screening of applications will begin from 18 th August 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Thisposition will have no contact with children or vulnerable adults.

CIPis an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouragedto apply.