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 development experience to recent PhDs specializing in fields relevant to Bioversity activities.
****Key responsibilities****
Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the incumbent will work within a team of researchers to conduct a systematic review of the three crops, highlighting their potential to contribute to improve livelihood through market opportunity, enhance resilience, and improve food security under a climate change environment. More specifically, the incumbent will:
- Support the development of a methodology for a systematic review on the three crops in Africa, looking at socio-economic potential as well as potential for adaptation to climate change (biophysical component);
- Conduct a systematic review on the three crop highlighting their potential to contribute to improve livelihoods;
- Author and publish articles in peer-reviewed international journals based on the results of the systematic review and present results at workshops / conferences as appropriate;
- Prepare technical materials to demonstrate scientific quality and enable replication of approaches, methods and tools in other contexts;
- Provide technical support to students involved in the project implementation;
- Support the organization of relevant regional workshops;
- 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 agriculture, environmental science, biology or related field.
- Skills and experience in quantitative analysis of agricultural or environmental systems.
- Strong skills in interdisciplinary and solution-oriented thinking.
- Experience of working and living in developing countries.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal 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.
- Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written.
- Drive and entrepreneurship to pursue opportunities to garner additional support for research.
Desirable qualifications and competencies:
- Working knowledge of French.
- 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.
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