The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit one (01) dynamic and experienced Senior Research Associate to ensure the activities and support the implementation of the “Integration of Orange- fleshed Sweet potato Value Chain Development into Building Sweeter Livelihoods–” Mionjo’s project in Madagascar.

The Position: The positions will be hosted by AfricaRice in Madagascar and will report to the Food Technology Associate Scientist and Project Manager. The Senior Research Associate will supervise directly 5-training assistant in agricultural extension as their direct supervisor. This position will be based in Toliara.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify the need and support to strengthen the capacity and commitment of the 4 new Decentralize vine multipliers (DVMs) in Toliara II district.
• Strengthen the DVMs and smallholder farmers capacity and knowledges on seed and roots production to apply the double S and Triple S technologies.
• Collaborate closely with the Regional Directions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of 3 regions in selecting the candidate to participate at the training of trainer related to ”everything you want to know about OFSP.”
• Design training tools according to CIP knowledge portal and collaborate with the knowledge management specialist to translate into Malagasy.
• Contribute to create online links to share knowledge about OFSP with the support of the communication specialist and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
• Coordinate with the finance officer, training assistants and monitoring officer to purchase 40tons and distribute them to the project beneficiaries.
• Coordinate with FIFAMANOR and Regional Direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to install the pre basic screenhouse in the south and provide support to its management.
• Coordinate with the training assistants, Value Chain Specialist and conduct trainings to the agents of changes and project beneficiaries.
• Assist the DVMs for the vines and root production and institutional markets linkage.
• Organize DVMs and local smallholder famer’s group into cooperatives.
• Work closely with the project manager and training assistants to transform the current DVMs into vines -roots business enterprises.
• Collaborate with the monitoring assistant and project team to organize at least one market linkage workshop per year within project’s stakeholders, beneficiaries, and potential buyers.
• Conduct analysis of the existing DVMs with focus in Toliara II district and replace the failing DVMs in collaboration with the Regional Direction of Agriculture and Livestock.
• Monitor permanently seeds and fresh roots quality at the farms to avoid post -harvest losses.
• Conduct awareness campaigns on nutrition and root conservation for food and seed at community level.
• Conduct other activities as indicated by the project coordinator and stated in monthly workplans.
• Collaborate with FAO, WFP, and the other Mionjo AGEX staff to strengthen the synergies.
• Represent CIP at the workshops, coordination meetings and trainings related to the project.
• Undertake other tasks agreed upon with the supervisor

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Plant’s biology, or related area.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience required.
• Understanding of agricultural value chains, including the processing sector.
• Knowledge in seeds production and management.
• Experience in developing training tools and conducting youth trainings.
• Specialized knowledge on Sweetpotato preferred.
• Experience in supervising at least 2 persons is required.
• Knowledge on the agricultural calendar in the south and irrigation preferred.
• Skills in andragogy, training smallholder farmers, especially using participatory approaches.
• Experience in agricultural extension, working with smallholder farms.
• Skills in Planning and Organization Capacity, Team spirit, Interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in difficult conditions and under pressure.
• Advanced level of MS Office.
• Excellent French and Malagasy speaking and writing skills; working knowledge of English

Benefits

• Excellent working environment.
• Compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed term contract of 1 year with possibility of renewal subject on performance and availability of funds.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.