VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Analytical Scientist: Knowledge Generation (P Level)
Knowledge Management and Dissemination
Organization
ICARDA is a non-profit international agricultural research center in a worldwide consortium of 15 centers, supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With over 400 scientists and support personnel, representing more than 45 nationalities, ICARDA addresses two key areas of agricultural research: germplasm improvement (cereals and legumes) and natural resource management. The Center has a global mandate for barley, lentil and faba bean improvement, and a regional mandate for the improvement of wheat, chickpea and forage and pasture legumes. A major emphasis is placed on the conservation and management of land and water, and improved productivity of small ruminants in integrated farming systems in dry areas. The Center’s research and training programs are implemented in partnership with national programs and, in most cases, with other CGIAR centers as well as advanced research institutes in both developing and industrialized countries.
The research program of ICARDA is designed as a single coherent program, sub-divided into six mega-projects: management of scarce water resources and mitigation of drought; integrated gene management; improved land management to combat desertification; diversification and sustainable improvement of livelihoods; poverty and livelihoods analysis; and knowledge management and dissemination.
The Position
ICARDA has an immediate vacancy for the position of
Analytical Scientist: Knowledge Generation (P Level) under
its Knowledge Management and Dissemination
Mega-Project. Starting salary will depend on relevant qualifications and
experience. The incumbent will be based at ICARDA’s headquarters in
About Knowledge Management and Dissemination
Given the importance of agriculture in national growth and development, sound management of knowledge generated from science and technology and its alignment/linkage into use by end-users for sustainable development is needed. Successful implementation of technologies and innovations developed depends on the availability of outputs in a form that is understandable and acceptable by end-users, supported by tools based on the analysis of lessons learnt from successes and failures. In order to capitalize on the experiences and to add value, it is rather important to document the methodologies and processes of knowledge dissemination for further use in sharing and up-scaling innovative technologies and practices. The Knowledge Management and Dissemination Mega-Project (MP6) includes research activities in knowledge management and dissemination that were not explicit in ICARDA’s research project portfolio. Major elements of KM &D include:
· Researching, developing and implementing a systematic approach to strengthen and use ICARDA’s empirical information platform (scientific data bases, tools and methodologies, etc).
· Managing the generation and dissemination of pro-poor knowledge (TIPOs, lessons learned, Best Bet Practices and innovations).
· Developing frameworks for up-scaling pro-poor knowledge.
· Institutionalizing participatory and pro-poor community-based research approaches that contribute to strengthening public/private partnership.
· Enhancing management and delivery of research products and knowledge to end-users through new tools such as expert systems, scientific information systems and databases, and the development of integrated knowledge management systems.
· Strengthening national seed systems through technical assistance to formal seed delivery systems (development of business plans, seed quality assurance, variety maintenance, and plant breeding rights), action research on alternative seed supply systems (e.g., community-based seed enterprises), and research and technical assistance in harmonization of policies and regulations in the seed sector.
· Strengthening national agricultural information and communication systems.
· Strengthening capacity to support rehabilitation of agricultural research in conflict/post-conflict countries.
· Developing and supporting training, capacity building and innovative learning programs in KM&D.
Job Requirements
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Knowledge Management and Dissemination, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
· Collect, collate and verify (ground truthing) knowledge generated from ICARDA’s research programs.
· Identify the technological, institutional and policy options (TIPOs) emanating from the research outputs.
· Develop packages of TIPOs, Best Bet Practices (BBPs), Dissemination Tools (DSTs) and innovations.
· Research the knowledge pathways and processes (synthesizing, assembling, storing and validating).
· Lead programs that improve KM&D aspect of research.
· Coordinate with ICARDA scientists and Regional Coordinators (RCs) analysis of knowledge generated from their respective programs.
· Supervise, mentor and provide guidance to RA level scientists, graduate students and interns in executing KM&D research activities related to knowledge generation and management.
Qualifications and Experience
· PhD degree in agricultural, biological, or a related natural/social science discipline.
· At least ten years experience in international scientific agricultural research and/or project management.
· Experience in monitoring, evaluation, knowledge generation and management at field, national and regional levels.
· Familiarity with and capacity to use ICTs for analyzing and documenting International Public Goods (IPGs) and private research products.
· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels and in multi-cultural settings.
· Knowledge of MS Office applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, mobile and virtual office tools.
· Willingness and ability to travel regularly for work.
· Ability to work under pressure.
· Strong initiatives and work ethics.
· Excellent command of English language.
· Working knowledge of Arabic or French is an asset.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of three years, 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
ICARDA’s headquarters
are situated 30km south of
Application
Qualified applicants are invited to send the following:
1. A cover letter of interest, including recent salary history.
2. Curriculum vitae, with a recent photograph.
3. Names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional referees.
4. Photocopies (non-returnable) of other relevant supporting documents.
To:
Personnel Services
ICARDA
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: http://www.icarda.cgiar.org
If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.
REFERENCE: Quote INT-P/0528/05 on the application (or in the subject line if applying by e-mail).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 20 October 2005
ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.
13 September 2005