Banana Breeder

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Banana Breeder.IITA is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit IITA for more information.The successful candidate will design, execute, and manage the banana breeding program, while also coordinating a breeding network targeting East and Central African banana prioritized market segments. This position reports to the Banana Breeding Program Lead.Position ResponsibilitiesBreeding Strategy: Formulating breeding strategies aimed at achieving specific goals, such as increasing yield, improving stress tolerance, or enhancing nutritional content.Product Design and Development: Implement an effective breeding strategy to develop elite breeding material and a product advancement process to identify new candidate varieties for targeted market segments and product profiles.Demand-led Breeding: Support and contribute to the revision of market segment definition and product profile development and seed system activities in the region.Germplasm Development: Identify, obtain, and develop appropriate germplasm to sustain the breeding program.Coordination: Coordinate the development of a multilocation product performance testing strategy, data analysis, and advancement process aligned with target market segments.Optimization of Breeding Processes and Operations: Ensure cost-effective breeding operations and standard operating procedures that deliver agreed quality and performance indicators.Collaboration and Partnerships: Develop strong partnerships with national public breeding programs to collaboratively identify critical germplasm, product needs, and define complementary breeding objectives.Capacity Building: Provide training and mentorship to breeding staff, partners, and scholars on breeding techniques, methodologies, data analysis, and scientific communication.Resource Mobilization: Contribute to or lead the development of research proposals and other fundraising activities.Publication: Lead or contribute to publication of research results in international, refereed journals.Reporting: Produce monthly and annual reports.RequirementsEducational QualificationsThe candidate should have a PhD in plant breeding, genetics, or a related field.Core CompetenciesAt least 5 years of experience in plant breeding.Experience applying quantitative genetics principles, genomics, and latest breeding technologies is desired.Experience working in the tropics will be considered favourably.Experience with polyploid and perennials is an asset.Strong networking and facilitating skills with focus on enabling and empowering others to succeed.Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural and diverse environments.Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.Successful experience and commitment to inclusive research design and implementation.Evidence of experience in resource mobilization.Excellent written and oral communication skills.General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.Applications: Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head of People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link: IITA Application Form.Closing Date: 23rd October 2024IITA is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr