Sweetpotato Breeder Senior Scientist (2024-41)

CGIAR System Organization; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 50 000 - 85 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A global research organization is seeking a Senior Scientist to establish and manage a sweetpotato breeding program aimed at serving the West Africa market. The candidate will work with local partners, utilize modern breeding techniques, and publish findings. This role requires a PhD in Plant Breeding, extensive breeding experience, and strong leadership skills. An internationally competitive salary in USD and benefits are offered.

Prestations

Internationally competitive salary

Competitive pension and health plans

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in active crop breeding.
• International experience in breeding programs is essential.
• Extensive knowledge of variety release processes.

Responsabilités

• Lead and manage sweetpotato breeding programs.
• Collaborate with local and international research institutions.
• Conduct genetic analysis and utilize modern breeding techniques.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians.

Connaissances

Leadership skills

Effective communication skills

Background in plant breeding

Multidisciplinary team management

Formation

PhD in Plant Breeding or Crop Sciences

Description du poste

Overview

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit an energetic and results-oriented Senior Scientist to establish a sweetpotato breeding program and oversee the breeding activities in West Africa.

About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP’s mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture. For more information, please visit https://cipotato.org/about/.

The position

The selected candidate will develop and implement a sweetpotato breeding program and coordinate a breeding network aimed at serving the West Africa sweetpotato market segments. The candidate will work closely with local partner organizations including CGIAR and NARES institutions, as well as other partners, to establish a crossing and evaluation program delivering superior varieties that support rapid adoption by farmers. The Senior Scientist for Sweetpotato Breeding will be based in Nigeria, where they will establish the program and the breeding network. The incumbent will be a member of the CIP global breeding team and report to the Leader of Crop Improvement and co-report to the Africa breeding lead.

Key Responsibilities

Science leadership

• Lead and manage sweetpotato breeding programs, focusing on developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties.
• Collaborate with local and international research institutions, farmers, and stakeholders to ensure the adoption of new varieties.
• Conduct genetic analysis and utilize modern breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection and genomic tools.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform breeding decisions and strategies.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Mentor and train junior scientists, technicians, and students in sweetpotato breeding techniques and methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with CIP social scientists, economists and gender specialists to ensure the update and refinement of Product Profiles and Market Segments served.
• Maintain updated estimates of genetic gains.
• Represent the sweetpotato breeding program in internal and external meetings, and promote progress through engagement with the communications team.

Strategic Planning & Management

• Establish and coordinate West Africa sweetpotato breeding network.
• Coordinate yearly planning processes and revision of the breeding pipelines.
• Identify and guide the development of concept notes and research ideas for resource mobilization purposes.
• Support and contribute to planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of partners’ annual workplans and budgets of funded activities.
• Facilitate collaborative research among/within NARS in SSA.
• Build linkages among multiple partners including NARS, NGOs, seed companies/associations and policymakers to ensure a vibrant and responsive breeding program.
• Manage the sweetpotato breeding budget and the budget allocation process.

Requirements

• PhD degree in Plant Breeding or other Crop Sciences with a minimum of 10 years' experience in active crop breeding and a strong understanding of breeding’s role in sustainable agricultural development, food and nutrition security, and inclusive economic development.
• International experience of 8 years’ experience in active work in breeding programs. Previous experience in clonal crop breeding in Africa is a plus.
• Ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, communicate a common vision among diverse partners, and effectively work with diverse stakeholders including senior government officials.
• Extensive knowledge of variety release processes.

Skills

• Strong and effective leadership skills.
• Proven success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships and attracting funding.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another local language is an asset.
• Opportunity to work with an internationally renowned organization with a track record of success and accomplishments.
• 3-year contract with possibility of renewal.
• Internationally competitive salary paid in USD, with competitive pension and health plans.