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About IRRI

Job Purpose

The main task of the Rice Breeding Innovations (RBI) Department is to deliver on these key priorities guided by its OneRice breeding strategy and framework in the areas of breeding for favorable and unfavorable environments based on prioritized market segments, host plant resistance, quantitative genetics, and seed delivery systems across Asia and Africa. As the donor focus is shifting to Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically to increase the rates of genetic gains and replacement rates of older and obsolete varieties, this role will be crucial in increasing the impact and outreach of RBI and with the national partners specifically in Tanzania as one of the most important partner countries for IRRI.

This position will be responsible for delivering on existing important projects in Tanzania to ensure the continuity of future funding through proactive donor engagement and management of regional expectations from East and South African (ESA) national partners. Specifically, the focus would be on integrating all the aspects of upstream and downstream research of the OneRice breeding strategy and framework and resource mobilization.

This position will be based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and is open for international applications.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee the rice breeding program and product delivery in prioritized market segments in line with target product concepts in East and South Africa with a focus on Tanzania
• Be the focal point for IRRI for RBI activities in the country working closely with TARI and IRRI teams in the country and ESA
• Effectively leverage IRRI’s HQ and regional capacity to deliver on IRRI’s mission effectivity aligned with OneCGIAR/GI in Tanzania
• Innovate in increasing the rates of genetic gain using population improvement and recurrent selection approach together with the breeding team
• Oversee the NARES breeding and seed system network trials
• Promote an enabling environment, mentor scientists and staff in the team and manage performance for the team to grow
• Collaborate with governments, donors, rice R&D partners, and private enterprises to align with client and donor expectations.
• Align with Department and Unit Leaders and Research Support Services to assure cross-unit synergy within IRRI
• Maintain and proactively develop networks & partnerships with various research teams including public and private entities
• Successfully mobilize funds to ensure continuity of IRRI’s mission in Tanzania
• Consistent delivery of improved varieties to replace older and obsolete mega varieties for farmers in prioritized market segments
• Seed system focus to ensure that the varietal replacement is through critical engagements with seed system stakeholders
• Develop and optimize the breeding program using quantitative optimization in close collaboration with the biometrics team
• Actively seek external funds and secure partnerships for research and development needs and strengthening IRRI’s presence in ESA
• Publish the important and relevant scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Agriculture, Molecular Biology, or Genetics
• At least 10 years of post-PhD experience in Plant Breeding and Crop Improvement

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Demonstrated history of implementing modern breeding methods in CGIAR-rapid
  and data-driven breeding & testing program
• Clear understanding of quantitative genetic theories and principles
• Operating in a matrix organization; proactive and effective communication
• Planning and execution of regional activities on breeding and seed systems in Africa
• Experience in resource mobilization preferably in Africa
• Managing a team with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and interpersonal skills at regional and global levels

Preferred

• Strong experience in managing CGIAR modern breeding, delivery, and dissemination, molecular markers platforms, and resource management.

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.