Position Announcement - Leader for Theme 1 of the Challenge Program on Water and Food

Estimados Coleg@s,

El International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) y el Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF) requieren los servicios de una científico calificado que lidere el Tema 1 del CPWF ( Crop Water Productivity Improvement). Las aplicaciones deberán realizarse antes del 10 de marzo de 2006. Los resultados se darán a conocer en junio de 2006.

Atentamente,

José Collazos
CONDESAN-InfoAndina
Nodo Regional para América Latina del Mountain Forum
infoandina@mtnforum.org
www.condesan.org

Position Announcement:
Leader for Theme 1 of the
Challenge Program on Water and Food

Deadline: 10 march 2006

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (www.irri.org ) and the Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF; www.waterforfood.org/ ) are seeking a qualified scientist to lead the CPWF Theme 1 on Crop Water Productivity Improvement ( www.waterforfood.org/Theme01_summery.asp ).

Responsibilities

The incumbent will lead Theme 1 with its four key research areas: plant breeding for water- efficient and salt-tolerant crops, water-saving farm practices, need-based water supply, and policies and institutions. Crops include pulses, root and tuber plants, and small- and large-grain cereals (including rice and others).

Specific duties include:

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  In collaboration with other scientists working on water productivity, develop a long-term vision for Theme 1 and guide original research on crop water productivity from the plant to regional levels.
  
  


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  Monitor and evaluate CPWF-funded projects in Theme 1 through reports and field visits.
  
  


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  Assist and advise CPWF-funded project leaders on relevant research issues and on how to best achieve impact.
  
  


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  Regular synthesis and publication of information on crop water productivity generated inside and outside of the CPWF.
  
  


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  Fill identified gaps in priority areas of the research portfolio through competitive grants and tendering or through selective commissioning of small projects as funds become available.
  
  


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  Collaborate with the CPWF management team, other CPWF theme leaders, and Basin Focal Project teams in building cross-theme linkages.
  
  


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  Build communities of practice in the area of crop water productivity through workshops and outreach activities.
  
  

Qualifications

Candidates must have 1) a PhD in agriculture, agronomy, water management or other relevant fields; 2) a minimum of 5 years of experience since completion of degree work; 3) research experience in the field of crop water productivity related to the theme"s four key research areas, 4) outstanding ability to perform thoughtful, critical analyses of research inside and outside of the project; 5) demonstrated ability to guide and produce quality research; 6) ability to build strong collaborative partnerships across cultures and research disciplines; 7) well developed interpersonal skills; familiarity with project monitoring and evaluation; and fluency and demonstrated excellence in written and spoken English. Preferred skills include 1) familiarity with a range of crops in tropical or semi-arid regions; 2) knowledge of the linkage among scales from plant to regional levels; 3) field and work experience in developing countries; and 4) international work experience.

Perquisites and IRRI environment

The position is located at IRRI headquarters at Los Baños, 70 kilometers south of Manila , Philippines , and involves frequent travel to countries where the CPWF conducts research, especially in Africa and Asia . IRRI offers salary and perquisites that are internationally competitive including support for education of children, car and housing, and medical and retirement benefits. IRRI provides a gender-sensitive environment and welcomes women applicants. Citizens of developing countries, particularly rice-producing countries, are also encouraged to apply. The Institute is committed to assisting families in making personal and, to the extent possible, professional adjustments to the local environment. IRRI has an accredited international school (pre-K to grade 5) and preparatory school for younger children within the headquarters compound.

Applications

Applicants should send via email a comprehensive curriculum vitae and names and email addresses of three referees to:

Applications should be received on or before 10 March 2006 or until suitable candidate is identified. The successful candidate is expected to report in June 2006.