The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are seeking to fill the position of Research Technician – DCP – CIMMYT, based in Alupe, Kenya. This position is part of the CIMMYT dryland legumes and cereals breeding programs and is designed for a professional with strong technical and administrative abilities in field research management.
CIFOR and ICRAF are global research institutions dedicated to advancing science and evidence that address critical global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity, and energy shortages. Their mission focuses on creating a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes contribute positively to the environment and human well-being. With a combined experience of more than 65 years, the two organizations are at the forefront of agroforestry and forestry research. They apply a multidisciplinary approach to improve livelihoods, safeguard ecosystems, and shape global policy and practice.
As members of CGIAR, a global partnership for food security, CIFOR and ICRAF are aligned with the mission of reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and sustainably managing natural resources. This vacancy represents an opportunity for qualified professionals to join a high-impact team dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainable development.
Position Overview
The Research Technician – DCP – CIMMYT will be a key contributor to dryland legumes (groundnut, chickpea, and pigeon pea) and cereals (sorghum and millets) breeding programs. The role involves both technical and administrative responsibilities, ensuring that activities, projects, and initiatives are implemented effectively and efficiently. The position demands a strong background in crop protection, agronomy, or related agricultural sciences, along with practical experience in research trial management.
The successful candidate will provide critical support in managing phenotyping nurseries and trials, organizing and processing data, supervising field staff, and liaising with research partners.
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Technician will carry out a variety of responsibilities under the supervision of CIMMYT scientists and in collaboration with national agricultural research system (NARS) partners. These responsibilities can be categorized into four main areas: management of field trials, data collection and organization, supervision of labor, and coordination with partners.
1. Management of Phenotyping Nurseries and Trials
One of the central responsibilities of this position is the planning, implementation, and management of phenotyping nurseries and experimental trials. This involves:
- Working in close coordination with CIMMYT scientists and NARS implementing partners to ensure all land preparation activities are completed on time. This includes seed assembly and planting according to the specified experimental design.
- Overseeing agronomic management activities in the field, including the correct application of fertilizer, ensuring timely irrigation, and implementing effective weed and pest control strategies.
- Coordinating the artificial inoculation of disease and striga screening trials based on established procedures to maintain research accuracy and relevance.
- Ensuring that seeds for control checks are available in adequate quantities and organizing timely seed multiplication when necessary.
- Maintaining viable stocks of pure pathogen cultures and striga seeds for use in inoculation activities as required.
Through these responsibilities, the Research Technician will play a crucial role in the success of CIMMYT’s breeding programs by ensuring high-quality and reliable trial management.
2. Data Collection and Organization
Accurate data management is fundamental to agricultural research. The Research Technician will:
- Lead the collection of accurate and timely data across various growth stages in field trials and nurseries.
- Employ appropriate tools and software to capture, process, and organize data efficiently.
- Ensure data integrity by conducting accurate entry and consolidation, preparing datasets for further scientific analysis.
- Learn and operate the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for routine operations, including data upload, data curation, and preliminary analysis.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the Breeding Management System (BMS), which will be advantageous in supporting breeding activities.
The technician’s contributions in this area will support the generation of robust datasets, which are vital for advancing breeding programs and scientific outputs.
3. Supervision of Casual Labor
The role includes responsibilities related to human resource management in field operations. Specifically, the Research Technician will:
- Supervise casual laborers engaged in field activities, ensuring they carry out tasks according to required standards.
- Develop budgets related to labor requirements and monitor utilization of allocated resources.
- Provide training and guidance to field staff, equipping them with the skills needed to successfully manage research trials and related activities.
This supervisory function ensures that fieldwork is performed efficiently and consistently while also contributing to capacity building within the project.
4. Other Responsibilities
Beyond the core functions, the Research Technician will be expected to:
- Assist research partners with technical or operational needs in coordination with the supervisor.
- Establish and maintain active communication with collaborating and implementing organizations to strengthen research networks.
- Undertake additional tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor to support program success.
This flexibility is crucial in research environments where project demands may shift and evolve over time.
Education, Knowledge, and Experience
The position requires the following academic qualifications and professional expertise:
- A Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc) degree in crop protection, agronomy, or related agricultural sciences.
- At least three years of practical experience in field trial management, particularly in relation to dryland crops.
- Demonstrated knowledge in agricultural field activities and the ability to manage research projects within a dynamic and fast-paced organization.
- Strong understanding of field trial management and the ability to identify and manage biotic stresses affecting dryland crops.
- Familiarity with pest and disease evaluation scales, particularly those applicable to dryland crops.
- Supervisory skills with the ability to train and guide field staff effectively.
- Strong oral communication skills for day-to-day interactions and the ability to prepare clear and accurate reports.
- Problem-solving abilities, with experience in analyzing challenges and proposing viable solutions in a timely manner.
- Competence in using standard software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email.
- Core competencies required include problem-solving and decision-making, negotiation and conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork.
Terms and Conditions
- This position is classified as Locally Recruited Staff (LRS).
- Remuneration will be competitive and provided in local currency, commensurate with the candidate’s skills and experience.
- The appointment is for two years, subject to a six-month probationary period. Extension of the contract will depend on performance, the continued relevance of the position, and the availability of resources.
- The duty station for this position is Alupe, Kenya.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to apply for this position before the application deadline of 21 September 2025. All applications will be acknowledged, though only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
