The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) invite qualified, passionate, and skilled professionals to apply for the position of Associate Scientist – ICRISAT Kenya, based in Kiboko, Makueni County. This strategic role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to agricultural research and development, with a strong focus on pigeonpea breeding in Eastern and Southern Africa. It is well suited for candidates seeking to make a meaningful impact on food security, sustainability, and scientific innovation in the drylands and agricultural landscapes of Africa.
About CIFOR-ICRAF
CIFOR and ICRAF are two leading international research institutions that have joined forces to address global challenges through science, innovation, and partnerships. These non-profit organizations focus on applying research to promote sustainable agriculture, alleviate poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and conserve natural resources. With over 65 years of combined experience, CIFOR-ICRAF continues to champion agroforestry and forestry systems across diverse ecological zones, including drylands and humid tropics.
CIFOR-ICRAF’s mission is centered on transforming landscapes and livelihoods by advancing research, influencing policies, and promoting practices that ensure environmental health and social equity. As part of CGIAR—a global research partnership for a food-secure future—the organization works with stakeholders at all levels to deliver sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Position Title: Associate Scientist – ICRISAT Kenya
Reference Number: 202547
Job Category: Local Position
Duty Station: Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya
Job Status: In-Progress
Contract Duration: 3 years (renewable based on performance and funding availability)
Application Deadline: 23 July 2025
Role Overview
The Associate Scientist will play a pivotal role in the pigeonpea breeding program, focusing on the development of new varieties and hybrids. The candidate will support breeding activities designed to produce early, mid-early, and medium-duration pigeonpea cultivars suitable for diverse agro-ecological zones in Eastern and Southern Africa. This includes implementing advanced breeding techniques such as speed breeding, managing experimental data, generating reports and publications, and supporting project management functions.
This role requires strong technical competence, a research-driven mindset, and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment. The selected candidate will join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing productivity, resilience, and nutritional benefits of pigeonpea through science-based solutions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Pigeonpea Breeding Activities
- Design, implement, and oversee field breeding activities focused on population development and hybrid parent breeding in pigeonpea.
- Develop and manage breeding pipelines for early, mid-early, and medium-duration pigeonpea varieties tailored for Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Conduct field experiments including layout planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of trials and nurseries.
2. Speed Breeding and Generation Advancement
- Apply advanced breeding technologies and methodologies, including speed breeding techniques, to accelerate the generation of pigeonpea varieties.
- Develop strategies for rapid generation turnover and improvement of selection cycles.
3. Data Management and Interpretation
- Collect, summarize, and interpret data from breeding experiments using statistical tools such as GENSTAT, R, and SAAS.
- Maintain detailed records and databases for seed stocks, breeding materials, and experimental results.
4. Reporting and Publication
- Prepare scientific reports, donor briefs, and technical documentation related to the pigeonpea breeding program.
- Publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals to contribute to global scientific knowledge and reinforce CIFOR-ICRAF’s position as a thought leader in agroforestry and crop science.
5. Proposal Development and Project Support
- Collaborate in the development of funding proposals and research concepts to expand and sustain pigeonpea breeding initiatives.
- Participate in the planning, budgeting, and progress tracking of ongoing and new projects under the pigeonpea breeding framework.
6. Regional Support and Collaboration
- Assist in coordinating pigeonpea breeding activities across Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Work closely with national partners, NGOs, and research institutions to promote adoption and testing of improved varieties.
7. Seed Systems and Trial Management
- Establish and maintain seed stocks for multi-locational trials and breeding nurseries.
- Oversee seed multiplication, storage, and distribution for research and development purposes.
8. Communication and Teamwork
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior researchers, technicians, and field staff.
- Foster teamwork and professional communication within the breeding program and across related projects.
Key Requirements
Educational Qualifications
- A PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience specifically in pigeonpea breeding.
- Previous exposure to pulse crop breeding and development of pulse improvement strategies is desirable.
Technical Competence
- In-depth knowledge of field experimentation techniques including plot layout, data recording (field books), and statistical analysis.
- Proficient in using GENSTAT, R, and SAAS for data management and interpretation.
- Hands-on experience with breeding techniques and generation advancement methods including speed breeding.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent writing and verbal communication abilities for research dissemination and donor reporting.
- Strong team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to handle crisis situations and promote collaboration.
Computer Literacy
- Proficiency in MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and use of digital tools for scientific communication and data handling.
Terms and Conditions
- Type of Appointment: Locally Recruited Staff (LRS), full-time contractual position.
- Duration: 36 months, renewable subject to performance, continued project funding, and institutional requirements.
- Remuneration: CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience, paid in local currency.
- Duty Station: The position will be based at the ICRISAT offices in Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya.
- Equal Opportunity: CIFOR-ICRAF is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications from qualified women and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
Why Join CIFOR-ICRAF?
Working with CIFOR-ICRAF offers you a chance to contribute to world-class research while helping to address critical issues such as food insecurity, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. As part of a respected global institution, you will collaborate with top scientists, policy experts, and practitioners to design sustainable agricultural solutions for some of the most vulnerable communities in Africa.
The organization also provides a stimulating work environment that encourages innovation, professional development, and knowledge sharing. Your work will directly support CIFOR-ICRAF’s mission of harnessing the power of trees and agroforestry to improve livelihoods and protect ecosystems.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their applications through the official CIFOR-ICRAF recruitment portal. The application deadline is 23 July 2025.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be acknowledged upon submission.
No email applications will be accepted for this position.
