CIMMYT is a pioneering, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s agricultural challenges today. Focused on improving the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets, CIMMYT plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, particularly in the Global South. By leveraging applied agricultural science and strong partnerships, CIMMYT enhances the livelihoods of millions of resource-poor farmers and contributes to a more productive and inclusive agricultural future.
CIMMYT is currently seeking an outstanding, self-motivated, and results-oriented professional to join its Dryland Crops Program as a Plant Breeder – Grain Legumes, East and Southern Africa. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with NARS, CGIAR initiatives, and other key stakeholders to develop and implement modern and effective breeding and variety deployment strategies.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Key Responsibilities:
- Establish and lead breeding activities for the CGIAR component of the CGIAR-NARS network.
- Design and implement a collaborative breeding strategy to develop elite breeding material and identify new candidate varieties for targeted market segments.
- Identify, obtain, and develop appropriate germplasm to support breeding programs in partnership with NARS and other key stakeholders.
- Develop and implement modern population improvement and testing strategies in collaboration with multidisciplinary network scientists, EiB, and partners.
- Coordinate multi-environment product performance testing strategies, data analysis, and advancement processes aligned with crop market segments and target production environments.
- Ensure cost-effective breeding operations through standardized procedures that meet agreed-upon quality and performance indicators.
- Build strong partnerships with public breeding programs to collaboratively identify germplasm and define complementary breeding objectives.
- Support regional crop networks in planning and implementing breeding activities, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Contribute to seed system activities in the region to enhance variety adoption and seed availability.
- Lead or contribute to research proposal development and fundraising efforts.
- Publish research findings in international, peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements:
- PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or Quantitative Genetics.
- Minimum of five years of experience in a public or private sector breeding program.
- Experience applying quantitative genetics principles to breeding programs.
- Proven expertise as a pigeon pea breeder.
- Knowledge and experience in using genomics and advanced breeding technologies (highly desirable).
- Strong networking and facilitation skills, with a focus on enabling and empowering others.
- Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural and diverse environments.
- Experience and commitment to inclusive research design and implementation.
- Fluency in oral and written English.
- Willingness to travel frequently both internationally and locally.
- Experience managing staff and budgets is desirable.
Core Competencies:
- Client Orientation
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Teamwork
- Communication
Benefits:
This position offers an initial fixed-term contract of three years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funds. CIMMYT provides an internationally competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
- Housing allowance
- Car provision
- Comprehensive health and life insurance
- Assistance with children’s education
- Paid vacation
- Annual home travel airfare
- Retirement plan contributions
- Generous relocation assistance
How to Apply:
Candidates must apply online for IRS25111, Plant Breeder – Grain Legumes, East and Southern Africa.
Screening of applications will commence on February 13, 2025.
Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email) of three work-related references, along with confirmation that CIMMYT can contact them, and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and diversity. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
