Reports to: Principal Small Ruminant Breeder
Location: The position will be based in Ethiopia
Main purpose of position
The Small Ruminant Breeder will be a member of the multidisciplinary Resilient Agrosilvopastoral Systems (RASP) team. The selected candidate will lead field implementation of small ruminant breeding programs in Sub Saharan Africa, CWANA and South Asia. The selected candidate will design new programs and follow up established programs, manage ICARDA\u2019s data platform (DTREO) and train national scientists on data collection and analysis.
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.
ICARDA\u2019s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org
All CGIAR Centers\u202fare currently engaged into a reform process\u202f(\u201cOne CGIAR\u2019\u201d)\u202fthat will\u202fhelp ICARDA and CGIAR achieve\u202fbetter impact through more\u202fstrategically\u202fintegrated research,\u202funified governance,\u202fan integrated structure\u202fand new research modalities\u202facross participating Research Centers. This transformation is supported by CGIAR donors who have committed to increased funding as a result of these reforms.\u202f\u202f
Main responsibilities
The incumbent will:
-\tDesign, implement and scale small ruminant breeding programs (including development of reproductive platforms, certification of improved sires).
-\tPromote community-based breeding programs and conservation and sustainable use of livestock genetic resources jointly with the Principal SR breeder.
-\tContribute to the design and implementation of genomic selection jointly with the SR Geneticist.
-\tSupport the organisation and execution of sampling, data management and curation for genomic studies on small ruminants.
-\tManage ICARDA\u2019s small ruminant data platform (DTREO).
-\tLiaise on small ruminant breeding and genetics research both within the organization and with other institutions, governments and donors.
-\tPrepare reports, concept notes, proposals, and other relevant project/program documents.
-\tOrganize and facilitate key meetings with partners to review progress and agree on future actions to meet objectives.
-\tOrganize and contribute to training and technical backstopping to NARS on all aspects related to livestock breeding (focusing on community-based breeding programs), conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources.
-\tContribute to project development, public awareness activities and publications.
-\tKeep up to date on developments in small ruminant breeding and genetics through scientific literature and publish research findings in ISI peer-reviewed scientific journals.
-\tPerform any other duties as required.
Requirements
Education, qualifications, and experience
\u2022\tPhD degree in livestock breeding, genetics or related discipline.
\u2022\tComprehensive knowledge of livestock genetic improvement, including characterization and conservation of animal genetic resources
\u2022\tGood skills in breeding data management, analysis and reporting.
\u2022\tAt least 5 years post-doctoral experience in design and implementation of breeding programs in international research centres or organizations.
\u2022\tExperience with leading research programmes in multi locational/multi country research programmes.
\u2022\tExperience with breeding programs in MENA region and/or Sub-Saharan Africa would be an advantage.
\u2022\tProven publication record in ISI-peer-reviewed journals.
\u2022\tNational and international recognition in the discipline
\u2022\tGood inter-personal skills and the ability to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
Benefits
Terms of appointment, salary and benefits as per IRS requirements
This is an internationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package, including a competitive salary, housing allowance, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars.
The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 2 years of which the first year will be probationary period. Possibility of the extension will be subject to merit and productivity of the staff, funding and continued need for the position.
ICARDA is committed to increasing women representation in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from women.
Applications will be acknowledged, but we apologize in advance as due to the large number of applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.