Research agronomist in modeling job in Kenya

Vacancy at the ‘Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche
Agronomique pour le Développement’ (CIRAD)
Research agronomist in modeling – post-doc position (24 months)
CIRAD is a French research centre working with developing countries to tackle
international agricultural research and development issues (www.cirad.fr). Are you
interested in agricultural research in Africa and do you want to contribute to research
on sustainable agricultural production systems? We invite you to join our research
unit ’Annual cropping systems’ at CIRAD, in one of the leading teams in the field of
agricultural systems research in Africa.
We are seeking a Research Agronomist in modeling for our EU-funded project
CA2Africa -Conservation Agriculture in Africa- www.CA2Africa.eu. The project seeks
to better understand the reasons for the limited adoption of Conservation Agriculture
(CA) in Africa. We believe that a better understanding to what extent and under which
conditions CA improves the livelihoods of smallholders is a pre-requisite to know
where and how to promote large-scale CA adoption. The goal of the project is,
therefore, to examine the agro-ecological, socio-economic and institutional conditions
that determine success or failure of CA. The successful candidate will work closely
with the scientific teams executing the four work packages of the project, which range
from testing existing bio-physical and economic models, analyzing CA case-studies
and disseminating the results of the project.
Job Description:
The main activities for which the post-doc will be trained are the following:
- Analyzing and assessing the impact and adoption of Conservation Agriculture in
Africa using biophysical and socio-economic models
- Comparing the analysis of a number of case studies through an innovation platform
regrouping the major players in research and development of Conservation
Agriculture
- Formulating lessons learned and proposals for research, development and policy on
Conservation Agriculture.
Profile/qualifications:
- PhD in agronomy or equivalent
-Strong background in interdisciplinary research, especially linking agricultural and
social sciences within innovation systems
- Field experience with agricultural practices will be needed
- Very good knowledge in computer and mathematical modeling, especially in the use
of agronomic and socio-economic models
- A good practice of relational databases
- Excellent communication skills in English and French are essential
- Ability to work in a team and in an international context
- Willingness to travel to Africa
- Experience with working overseas is appreciated
Location:
Montpellier (with overseas travels)
Type of contract:
CDD –Post-doc – two years
Start date:
Immediate
Contact:
Please send your letter of application outlining motivation, date of availability and
competencies and experiences for the position accompanied by a detailed
CV/Resume (including contact information, nationality, family status, date of birth)
and the names and addresses (including phone/e-mail) of three referees no later
than January 15, 2011 to:
Marc Corbeels
CIRAD
UPR 102 Annual Cropping Systems
TA-102 B / 08 Ave Agropolis
34078 Montpellier Cedex 5
Tel: +55 61 3388 9849
Email: marc.corbeels@cirad.fr

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