V A C A N C Y    A N N O U N C E M E N T

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS
P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105;
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: www.icarda.org
International Nurseries Scientist
Aleppo, Syria
The Organization
Established in 1977 as an autonomous, non-profit, international research center, ICARDA is one of the 15 international research centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme. ICARDA's mission is to contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through research and partnerships to achieve sustainable increases in agricultural productivity and income, while ensuring the efficient and more equitable use and conservation of natural resources. With its main research station and headquarters in Aleppo, Syria, and a staff of over 500 scientists and support personnel, ICARDA works through a network of partnerships with national agricultural research systems (NARS), regional and international institutions, universities, advanced research institutes, and non-governmental organizations. In addition to its headquarters programs, ICARDA operates throughout the non-tropical dry areas through regional programs and country offices.

The Position
ICARDA is producing international public goods in several forms. One in the form of improved germplasm of cereals and legumes which are sent annually upon request to National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and other collaborators around the world for further selection, identification, and release of new varieties. This germplasm is distributed as International Nurseries (IN) in the form of segregating populations, observation lines, special trait nurseries, and replicated yield trials. The timely delivery of IN to collaborators is essential for appropriate planting.

ICARDA has an immediate vacancy for the position of an International Nurseries Scientist (RA-level) under its Biodiversity and Integrated Gene Management Program (BIGMP). The position is based at ICARDA's headquarters in Aleppo, Syria. The main responsibilities include:
•
 Work within the interdisciplinary team of the Biodiversity and Integrated Gene Management Program
•
 Provide overall supervision of the International Nurseries (IN), and
-
 Obtain from breeders/other scientists, information on the types of international nurseries/trials planned for the season
-
 Prepare nurseries/trials request forms to be sent to NARS and collaborators
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 Update the list of collaborators
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 Assemble all requests, enter them in the database, and provide the breeders/scientists with the list of international nurseries' requests
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 Prepare the randomization of the trials using modern statistical approaches, the field books for the nurseries and trials with all the required labels
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 Prepare and collate the boxes of nurseries/trials to be sent to the requesting collaborators
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 Liaise with the Seed Health Laboratory in order to obtain the required quarantine documents in accordance with the regulations for each recipient country
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 Ensure that the Standard Material Transfer Agreements (SMTA) and any other additional declarations and shipment instructions requested are undertaken through proper channels (certificate of donation, certificate of origin, certificate of GMO free, etc.)
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 Arrange with the Purchase and Supplies Department or Mail Office, the dispatch of all IN and trials shipments and ensure they arrive between one and three months prior to the intended date of planting by the recipient; and follow up with collaborators on the arrival of shipments
-
 Follow up the return of field books with data (hard copy and electronic form) in collaboration with regional and national coordinators
-
 Compile and enter data into databases (preferably in ICIS)
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 Undertake appropriate analyses, write the annual report, and ensure that the results of the analyses and reports are sent back to collaborators
•
 Write or contribute to writing ISI Thompson manuscripts based on information from the international nurseries/trials, for example on genotype by environment interactions using data analysed across locations and years, and meta analysis
•
 Maintain a database of released and adopted varieties by NARS from ICARDA-supplied germplasm, in collaboration with breeders, regional and country coordinators and NARS

Qualifications and Competencies
•
 MSc or higher degree in plant breeding, quantitative genetics
•
 Excellent knowledge of statistical design and analysis
•
 At least five years experience in crop improvement
•
 Knowledge or experience in the fields of bio-informatics and agriculture
•
 Proven evidence of publication in ISI Thompson refereed journals
•
 An ability to work well in a multidisciplinary and multinational environment, and have a capacity to establish good working relationships with local scientists, and NARS' and advanced research institutes' collaborators
•
 Fluency in written and spoken English is essential

Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of one year, renewable thereafter on an annual basis. The salary is paid in US dollars. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a savings scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and free enrollment for dependent children in the ICARDA-administered International School (KG-Grade 12).

Living in Syria
Aleppo is Syria's second largest city. Syria has many historical and archaeological sites, some a short drive from Aleppo. There are four distinct seasons and the terrain varies from desert to mountains to fertile fruit orchards. Major international airlines fly into and out of Damascus and Aleppo. In addition to the internationally-accredited School, ICARDA runs a Sports and Social Club for the staff.

Application
Qualified applicants are invited to send:
1-
Cover letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) highlighting the candidate's experience against the criteria listed under Qualifications and Competencies, including salary expectations and noting where the candidate saw the advertisement.
2-
Curriculum vitae
3-
Names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional referees (they will not be contacted without the candidate's permission),
to:
Personnel Services
ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: http://www.icarda.org

(If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments)
Quote reference INT-RA/8160/09 on the application (or in subject line if applying by e-mail)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 30 July 2009

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women
Applications will be acknowledged, but only short listed candidates will be contacted

Posted on 17 June 2009
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