The 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 a staff of 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 Position
The dry areas of the world have witnessed severe drought in the last 25 years, with reports of devastating economic, social, and environmental effects. A proactive integrated approach to drought management is therefore needed to identify and implement appropriate coping strategies. Efficient water management practices, improved cropping systems, good cultural practices, and favorable policies are all essential parts of any effective drought mitigation plans. These are issues the ICARDA water management team, the MegaProject 1 (MP1), is addressing. MP1 works with ICARDA's MegaProject on integrated gene management and other programs to improve water productivity in dry areas and mitigate the effects of drought. Capacity building of the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and the dissemination of new technologies using innovative methods are essential features of the water management program.

ICARDA MP1 is therefore seeking a Drought Mitigation and Management Specialist, who will be based at ICARDA's headquarters in Aleppo, Syria, and conduct activities at the Center's collaborative sites in CWANA. He/she will research and promote drought preparedness, mitigation, and sustainable water management in the dry areas. He/she will work with a multidisciplinary research team to develop strategies, methodologies, and technologies that can be adopted by farmers, communities, and policymakers to minimize the negative effects of drought on livelihoods. The major responsibilities of the position include:
- Comprehensive assessment of existing strategies, measures, and policies (especially indigenous) on drought preparedness and mitigation in the dry areas - Development of methods, options, and strategies for water scarcity and drought characterization, preparedness and mitigation in the dry areas - Adaptation of GIS- and geostatistics-based methodologies for spatial and temporal analyses and mapping of drought and dry spells to the dry areas - Identification (in collaboration with Integrated Gene Management program) of drought-tolerant varieties of ICARDA's mandate crops, and evaluation of appropriate crop management options with the NARS - Coordination and strengthening of the NEMEDCA Drought Network - Development of drought management strategies for the dry areas

In addition, the successful candidate will work with a larger group of experts in areas of agronomy, soils, hydrology and marginal water use, and interact closely with teams of scientists at ICARDA, NARS and other CGIAR centers. He/she will interact with other drought and water specialists worldwide as part of the global challenge to use water more efficiently, and with other specialists who are developing and implementing integrated approaches to natural resource management. He/she will also be expected to contribute to fundraising and public awareness activities at the Center, and to training using modern methods and approaches.

Qualifications and Experience
- An earned PhD degree in agricultural water management, irrigation science or engineering with a strong background in soil-water-plant relations, hydrology, soil conservation, agro-meteorology, simulation modeling, and geostatistics, and a strong interest in climate change
- At least 10 years experience in analyzing, characterizing, and developing drought preparedness and mitigation measures in the dry areas
- Excellent publication record in risk analysis and remote sensing for drought assessment
- Excellent analytical and communication skills
- Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
- Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, and a working knowledge of Arabic and/or French languages will be an advantage

Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of three years, renewable thereafter annually. The salary is paid in US dollars. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and free enrollment of dependent children in the ICARDA-administered international school (KG - Grade 12).

Living in Syria
ICARDA's headquarters is situated 30 km south of Aleppo, Syria's second largest city. In addition to the internationally accredited school, ICARDA runs a Sports and Social Club for the staff. 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 Damascus and Aleppo.

Method of Application
Qualified applicants should download and complete the ICARDA employment application form (MS Word or PDF), and send with a recent photograph and any other relevant supporting documents (non-returnable) to:

NOTE
1.If sending application by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.
2.Quote reference INT-P/0618/06 on application (or in subject line if sending by e-mail).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 31 May 2006.

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.