World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Recruiting a Soil and Plant Laboratory Supervisor Supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), CIAT-TSBF is a non-profit organization that conducts socially and environmentally progressive research aimed at reducing hunger and poverty and preserving natural resources in developing countries. The Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT-TSBF operates as an integral part of the CIAT-TSBF research program and is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The goal of CIAT-TSBF is to contribute to human welfare and environmental conservation in the tropics by developing adoptable and suitable soil management practices that integrate the biological, chemical and socioeconomic processes that regulate soil fertility and optimize the use of organic and inorganic resources.
The Position:
ICRAF/CIAT-TSBF seeks to recruit a Soil and Plant Laboratory Supervisor to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Soil and Plant Laboratory Supervisor will have the overall responsibility of ensuring that procedures and processes are in place for the timely and efficient analysis of soil and plant samples and communication of results to the scientists. He/She reports to the Program Leader, Integrated Soil Fertility Management and works very closely with all CIAT-TSBF scientists in the region
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Set up an analysis quality control system and ensure quality control through use of reference samples, data calculation and correction procedures, and external quality control schemes.
• Organize computer-based soil and plant sample reception, storage and retrieval procedures
• Set up sample processing procedures through own and external laboratory facilities and following up on the efficiency of sample throughput.
• Supervise soil and plant sample analysis, aiming at minimizing costs and maximizing sample throughput ensuring maximal quality.
• Maintain instrument logbooks and set up protocols for instrument calibration and servicing, including external servicing when needed.
• Supervise laboratory personnel through specific job allocation, monitoring performance, and identifying training and performance improvement needs.
• Maintain a computer-based stock of chemical and consumables and set up timely procurement protocols through reliable suppliers.
• Set up and supervise soil and plant processing and storage facilities in other regions where TSBF-CIAT has activities.
• Implement any other laboratory-related tasks in consultation with the main supervisors.
Qualifications and Experience:
• The ideal applicant will have an MSc in Soil Chemistry or a related field.
• Good knowledge of laboratory quality standards and soil and plant management procedures.
• At least 5 years experience in laboratory supervision.
• Demonstrated management and supervisory skills.
• Must be able to work independently with little supervision, but also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft office, databases and statistical packages.
• Fluency in English.
ICRAF/CIAT-TSBF is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. This position is on local terms and will be for an initial period of two (2) years, renewable subject to six (6) months probation period, assessment of performance, and availability of resources. Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees.
All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry
Centre (ICRAF), P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org. Applications will be considered until 31st December, 2009 and should clearly indicate “Application for Soil and Plant Laboratory Supervisor -CIAT-TSBF” on their application letters or email submissions.
Only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted. We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://www.ciat.cgiar.org;
http://www.ciat.cgiar.org/tsbf_institute/index.htm
www.worldagroforestry.org.
Friday, December 11, 2009
World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Jobs. Recruiting a Soil and Plant Laboratory Supervisor
