Back Research Assistant – Regional on Farm Trials CIMMYT

Reference number: 202381
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Research Assistant – Regional on Farm Trials CIMMYT

Overview CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, and self-motivated professional for managing maize regional on-farm trials under the CIMMYT Global Maize Program, based in Nairobi and, and trial shipment internally and externally to relevant partners. The hired candidate will report to the Maize Seed Systems Lead, and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with assignments at the Kiboko Research Station in Makueni County.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Planning and coordination of on-farm trials.

• Responsible for the on-farm trial preparation, including trial designs and planting protocol preparation in Fieldbook / Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) as per the scientist’s guidelines.

• Coordinate trial distribution to partners in a timely manner and assist the scientist to ensure the sampling protocol captures the heterogeneity of farms within target population of environments.

2. Data collection, organization, and analysis.

· Coordinate with partners for accurate data collection and timely return by ensuring electronic data capture is implemented using KoboCollect.

· Prepare historical ROFTs data for curation and analysis as required with guidance from the scientist.

· Assist scientist with data analysis, report writing, summarizing results for stage-gate advancement and other uses as required.

3. Technical backstopping, training, and partner support.

· Establish and maintain contacts with collaborating organizations and partners for technical backstopping and training.

· Assist in organizing and coordination of exhibitions, demonstrations, and field days as required.

4. Management of seed production research.

· Organize and implement research on maize seed production and other topics related to maize seed systems.

· Ensure timely preparation and planting of trials according to the experimental design.

· Generating descriptor data and preparing catalogue entries for new maize products.

5. Seed preparation and seed inventory management.

· Seed preparation and shipment to various partners

· Ensure safe storage of seed to preserve quality and viability.

· Seed inventory management at duty station.

6. Inbred line nursery planting & management.