Job Description
The International Potato Center (CIP) is implementing the DeSIRA project, focusing on Climate-Smart Innovations to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture and food systems in Malawi through multidisciplinary research. The project aims to enhance climate change adaptation within agricultural and food systems by developing integrated technological innovations and fostering their uptake by farmers. Additionally, the project seeks to inform policymakers and scaling partners about the potential of these technologies to contribute to climate resilience and sustainability.
To ensure its successful operationalization, the project has decided to hire an Assistant Agronomist Consultant to assist the Research Associate (Agronomist) with field activities as outlined in the deliverables.
Objective
The Assistant Agronomist will support the Research Associate (Agronomist) with experimental design and setup, field establishment, facilitation of training and trials, data collection, technology evaluation and trial monitoring and organizing field days
In executing this assignment, the consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:
- Mobilize necessary resources, including labour and equipment, to ensure timely field preparation and crop management.
- Develop a detailed action plan for implementing experimental activities at co-location research stations and on-farm trials.
- Select appropriate sites for both on-station and on-farm trials, ensuring suitability for the planned experiments.
- Support the setup of field experiments, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to establish both on-station and on-farm trials.
- Facilitate a training session for extension staff on proper trial establishment techniques to ensure consistency and quality.
- Facilitate the planting of trials at both on-station and on-farm sites, ensuring that protocols are followed accurately.
- Collect data on initial plant establishment
- Enter and submit collected data to the M and E team
- Conduct participatory technology evaluation during the vegetative stage
- Support in the collection of success stories
- Assist in organizing and conducting field days
Deliverables
- Experimental design and setup
- Field Establishment
- Facilitation of Trainings and Trials
- Data Collection and Submission
- Technology Evaluation and Trial Monitoring
- Field Days and Final Reporting
Requirements
Selection Criteria
- Degree or diploma in agronomy, agriculture, soil science and other related fields
- Good understanding of experimental designs, field layout and data collection
- Ability to use MS Office excel as a data management tool
- Self-starter and ability to work under minimal supervision
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working for donor-funded agricultural development projects.
- Advanced written and oral communication skills in English
- Good interpersonal skills
Time frame
- The successful Candidate(s) will be placed on roster and will remain eligible for consideration for a period of 12 months, after which their status may be reviewed based on the needs of CIP. Roster placement does not guarantee employment but ensures that the candidate will be considered for relevant, similar openings during the roster period.
Conditions: This is a national consultancy position limited to Malawi nationals and permanent residents only.