Post Doctoral Fellow, Genetic Diversity and Climate Change

Bioversity International is a global research-for-development organization. We have a vision – that agricultural biodiversity nourishes people and sustains the planet.

We deliver scientific evidence, management practices and policy options to use and safeguard agricultural biodiversity to attain sustainable global food and nutrition security. We work with partners in low-income countries in different regions where agricultural biodiversity can contribute to improved nutrition, resilience, productivity and climate change adaptation.

Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium – a global research partnership for a food secure future.

For further information on Bioversity International, consult our Web page at: www.bioversityinternational.org

****The context****

According to the last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Africa will be particularly affected by climate change: and cereal crop productivity will decrease if no measures are taken. The disruption of agricultural production systems can exacerbate the food security challenge and, thus, prevent or reduce the economic growth that is experienced in large part of the continents. As a matter of fact, the backbone of African economy remains agriculture. While several adaptation measures have been taken by a large number of countries with positive effect on the resilience of agricultural systems in the short term, they are not sufficient to address the long term impact of climate change. In order to support African economic growth and employment of the growing populations, new options for longer term adaptation to climate changes need to be developed. The changes will require transformation of agricultural in some parts of Africa, particularly in semi-arid areas.

To address those challenges Bioversity International and the Economic Commission for Africa of the United Nations (UNECA) are implementing a project to investigate the potential of three crops, cassava, sorghum and millets and their existing diversity in Africa to offer alternative options to climate change. The aim of Bioversity’s Post Doctoral Fellowship programme is to offer an exceptional first employment and professional experience to recent PhDs specializing in fields relevant to Bioversity activities.

****Key responsibilities****

Based initially in Turrialba, Costa Rica, and subsequently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the incumbent will support with the development of suitable maps for each of the target crops under different current and future climate scenarios. These maps will support the identification of the agro-ecological potential of these crops and the risk of crop failure and link them to market potential in specific countries and regions within sub-Saharan Africa. More specifically, the incumbent will:

• Investigate the potential of three crops: cassava, sorghum and millets and their existing diversity adapted to different ecogeographic zones;


• Develop alternative options to climate change, and at least one major crop chosen between, maize, rice, and wheat;


• Develop suitability maps for each of the target crop under different current and future climate scenarios, which allows for the identification of the agro-ecological potential of these crops taking into account ecogeographic variation of these crops to identify;


• Present the results in clear maps and other products that can be communicated clearly to policy makers of different African countries to support their decisions in adaptation of staple crop production systems to changing climate conditions. Results will be presented to policy makers during specific congresses and meetings at the African Climate Policy Centre of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA);


• Explore the application of stochastic modeling approaches like MarkSim to better inform policy makers on crop risk failures, and for at least one crop test the use of dynamic models like InfoCrop to consider specific climate smart practices in modeling;


• Coordinate with other project staff to ensure the integration of results from different components of the project;


• Prepare project reports as required;


• Collaborate in the development of proposals to fund further research activities;


• Contribute to other organizational and programmatic activities as and when required;


• To perform any other task relevant for project success.

Qualifications and competencies

****Essential qualifications & competencies:****

• PhD in agricultural or modeling sciences.


• Experience in suitability / crop modeling.


• Knowledge of or with experience with GIS.


• Basic knowledge of programming in R, python or similar and the desire to broaden and strengthen skills.


• Fluency in written and spoken English, both verbal and written.


• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills including the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels and build consensus in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.


• Well-developed analytical and synthesizing skills including the ability to write clear and concise scientific documents and research proposals.


• Willingness and ability to travel frequently outside duty station.

Desirable qualifications and competencies:

• Working knowledge of Spanish.


• Familiarity with the CGIAR system.

****Terms and conditions:****The Post Doctoral Fellow will be offered a 2-year contract. Bioversity offers an attractive stipend and contribution to the costs of living, inclusion in Bioversity insurance schemes, contribution to retirement fund, and leave provisions. Additional benefits apply for Post Doctoral Fellows recruited from outside Ethiopia.

****Note****: The position is sponsored by the African Climate Policy Centre of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and is addressed exclusively to nationals of the various African countries.

Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity.