POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II

IITA-TZ-2023 – IRRI-009 -NRS- UYOLE

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on behalf of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) invites applications for the position of Research Technician II.

Background: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is a nonprofit independent research and training organization. IRRI is a member of the Consultative Group of International Agricultural research (CGIAR) Consortium.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations.

This position will provide support to the Seed System and Product Management activities specifically in the up-scaling of improved rice cultivation technologies such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology and the deployment of quality seedEof improved, climate-resilient, market-preferred and nutritious rice varieties to ensure high rate of genetic gain to farmers while ensuring equitable access for women and other disadvantaged groups.

Duty Station: The position will be based in Uyole – Mbeya.

Qualifications and experience

• Diploma course in Agriculture with 2 years of relevant work experience

Skills and knowledge Mandatory

• Basic knowledge of MS office programs such as Word and Excel or related software Preferred
• Experience in rice production
• Know how to drive a motorcycle in the field and have a valid driver’s license for this category or be willing to learn it.

Responsibilities

Purpose

• Assist in research activities related to Seed System and Product Management, including coordinating with national research partners (e.g. NARES, NGOs, women groups, and universities) in setting up trails, organizing field days, data collection, and conducting interviews based on the planned research activities and SOPs.
• Support the deployment and demonstration of various technologies both at the research station and in farmers’ fields with the aim of creating awareness and demand of those technologies among stakeholders.
• Execute routine protocols to ensure proper positioning of technologies that are ready for up-scaling and provide feedback on farmer and other stakeholder responses and learnings to the technical team.
• Support researchers and scientists in implementing surveys.

Engagement

Provide timely, consistent and accurate information to direct supervisor to ensure smooth flow of research activities, such as farmers’ preferences, unexpected factors that may result to unexpected outcomes of field demo and trials, conflict and other issues, to ensure that research objectives and SOPs are followed.

Delivery

• Carry out regular monitoring and maintenance of research facilities and equipment.
• Lead data collection in the field across identified study areas including those being implemented in collaborations with partners.
• Assist in advising stakeholders on tested and validated beneficial technologies (e.g. new varieties, climate mitigation practices, practices that enhance water use efficiency etc.) to key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the deployment of digital tools such as seed cast to enhance efficient monitoring of the rate and extent of adoption of new technologies by farmers and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to writing reports on findings of Seed System and Product Management activities as well as other research results.
• Support in the planning and organizing of technical workshops or trainings as part of capacity building for stakeholder on Seed System and Product Management related activities.

Work Condition and environment

Requires work in field conditions, open to operate from project sites whenever required (physically or virtual assistance in implementation of SOPs and data management)

General information:

The duration of contract for the position is two years. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Country Representative, IITA-Tanzania, Plot No. 25, Mwenge – Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni Industrial Area P.0. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or by email to [email protected]

Applicants are requested to please indicate the reference number for the position as indicated on the heading of the announcement in your application as well as on the subject of your email if sending by email. If sending by post or hand delivery, please indicate the reference number on your application as well as on the left-hand side of your envelope. Please note that any applications without the reference number indicated will be automatically disqualified.

Closing date: The deadline for submitting the application is 19 June 2023.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.