Job Description

:The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks to recruit a dynamic Scientist for the West Bengal Project: xe2x80x98Developing local Seed Potato Production System in West Bengalxe2x80x99 funded Government of West Bengal.The project aims to support early generation and commercial seed potato production in West Bengal by building local capacity within the public and private sector to supply adequate amounts of quality seed of in-demand and locally adapted varieties that meet the main market segment, while supporting smallholder farmers in maximizing their investments in seed through building capacity in on-farm seed quality management, good agricultural practices for improving soil health and fertility.Location - 50% Mohit Nagar, 50% Kolkataxe2x80x8bRequirementsxc2xb7 As a Scientist, you will be responsible for the overall project implementation in West Bengal to achieve the set goals for the project. You will ensure capacity building of public and private sector on early generation seed production, promote good agricultural practices to ensure availability of suitable quality planting material to achieve greater seed potato security (supply, access, and use of better-quality seed potato, including new varieties) for the partners in West Bengal. You will report to the project PI for project technical matters.xc2xb7 Learn the project proposal to fully understand and internalize the entire project mission and be ready to contribute as an important member of the team towards meeting the set goals at scale in an effective, sustainable, and cost-effective manner.xc2xb7 Develop and maintain plans to support the project including analyses of task, schedules and resources needed.xc2xb7 Under the guidance of your supervisor, you will develop a detailed work plan for yourself and team and diligently implement it to achieve the set goals and targets by identifying, enrolling, handholding and monitoring suitable project partners for various activities in the potato value chain.xc2xb7 Liaise with your supervisor to ensure that activities are completed on time within budget and meet quality standard which will include developing and implementing plans for monitoring project progress as well as scheduling project meetings.xc2xb7 Oversee day-to-day management and implementation of the project activities in close collaboration with Government of West Bengal Scientists and project partners.xc2xb7 Facilitate the implementation of project activities in the project area and participate in the monitoring of progress made towards achieving project set goals and outputs.xc2xb7 Provide support to public and private sector partners and ensure that they are fully and actively engaged.xc2xb7 Establish and maintain good working relationships with government extension service, research stations, NGO partners, and farmer groups.xc2xb7 In close consultation and collaboration with the Government of West Bengal Scientists teams ensure that capacity is developed in all needed areas for various stakeholders within the value chain.xc2xb7 Ensure that quarterly and annual consolidated technical and financial project reports are prepared and submitted to the program management office on schedule.xc2xb7 Present the activities, results, impacts and outcomes of the project at professional, donor and other stakeholdersxe2x80x99 meetings.xc2xb7 Document lessons learned and best practices on the project development, implementation, and oversight activities.xc2xb7 Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor to meet the objectives of the value chain.xc2xb7 Capacity building of public and private partners on early generation seed potato production to field multiplication and bulking using apical rooted cuttings technologyxc2xb7 Demonstration and training of potato on-farm seed management, soil fertility and other key agronomic practices and innovations through innovation sitesxc2xb7 Field bulking, testing, and identification of candidate varieties for national registrationxc2xb7 Providing technical assistance to the national program, when requested and within the limits of available resources, in disease detection for seed certification schemes, in tissue culture for early generation seed productionxc2xb7 Development and advocacy for locally adapted protocols and schemes for seed quality assurance to the federal and state level agencyxc2xb7 Design and implement wide-scale farmer extension materials, briefs, scripts for cartoons and videos, including through innovative use of ICTs platform.Note: List above is including but not limited to.INTERNAL RELATIONSWHO?PURPOSExc2xb7 Others research areas and Strategic Research Programs.xc2xb7 CIP Regionsxc2xb7 To coordinate cross functional research projects.xc2xb7 Relevant operational unitsxc2xb7 To coordinate operational activities to ensure the effective project implementationEXTERNAL RELATIONSWHO?PURPOSExc2xb7 Public and private research and development organizations

• Negotiate Collaboration

• Coordinate joints projects

xc2xb7 Contribute with seminars and workshopsINCUMBENT PROFILEEducation:xc2xb7 PhD level degree is in Agriculture and agricultural related fields, plus 4 years of postdoctoral level experience with solid publications in impact factors higher than 2.Experience:
xc2xb7 The prospective candidate must possess a minimum of eight yearsxe2x80x99 work experience in Project coordination, implementation, and management.
xc2xb7 Demonstrated ability to write, publish, and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials.
xc2xb7 At least six years of practical experience on potato seed system, good agricultural practices, seed storage, potato pest and diseases.Specialization:
xc2xb7 The candidate must possess an excellent project management, leadership, interpersonal and team building skills.
xc2xb7 Must have experience on project coordination with stakeholder engagement.
xc2xb7 Must have organizational, planning and budget management experience.
xc2xb7 Must have ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
xc2xb7 Willingness and ability to travel and work in resource-poor, rural areas.
xc2xb7 Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsCore competencies:xc2xb7 Innovationxc2xb7 Accountabilityxc2xb7 Teamworkxc2xb7 IntegrityLanguages and level:xc2xb7 Must be from West Bengal, Fluent in Bengali, Hindixc2xb7 Advanced written and oral communication skills in English, Hindi and BengaliSpecific Competencies:xc2xb7 Leadership & People Managementxc2xb7 Inspire Change

• Decision Making

BenefitsHow to apply?and submit your cover letter and a full C V in English with at least three (3) professional references. Screening of applications will begin shortly after the last day of application (3 weeks from start of application). All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at .CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.

International Potato Center