V A C A N C Y    A N N O U N C E M E N T

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS
P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105;
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: www.icarda.cgiar.org
Cropping Systems Agronomist
Aleppo, Syria
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The Organization
ICARDA is a non-profit international agricultural research center in a worldwide consortium of 15 centers, supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With a staff of over 400 scientists and support personnel, representing more than 45 nationalities, ICARDA addresses two key areas of agricultural research: germplasm improvement (cereals and legumes) and natural resource management. The Center has a global mandate for barley, lentil and faba bean improvement, and a regional mandate for the improvement of wheat, chickpea and forage and pasture legumes. A major emphasis is placed on the conservation and management of land and water, and improved productivity of small ruminants in integrated farming systems in dry areas. The Center's research and training programs are implemented in partnership with national programs and, in most cases, with other CGIAR centers as well as advanced research institutes in both developing and industrialized countries.

The Position
ICARDA has an immediate vacancy for the position of a Cropping Systems Agronomist (P-level) under its Diversification & Sustainable Intensification of Production Systems Program (DSIPSP). The position is based at ICARDA's headquarters in Aleppo, Syria. The incumbent will develop and implement an integrated research program on Cropping Systems Management under rainfed and irrigated farming systems in collaboration with national and international partners. He/she will be expected to work in close collaboration with specialists in crop improvement, forage systems, rangeland management, small ruminant production, socioeconomic and policy research, and water and land management The specific responsibilities of the position are as follows:
•
 Develop an integrated research program on Cropping Systems Management on conservation agriculture platforms within DSIPSP
•

Conduct dryland agronomic management research to increase and sustain crop yields and soil productivity in farmer participatory mode in close collaboration with NARS partners; with special emphasis on conservation agriculture, crop diversification, and climate change.
•

Conduct yield gap analysis for major commodities promoted by ICARDA and identify sources of yield gap in dry areas which will lead to targeted interventions to enhance productivity.
•
 Initiate programs to promote diversification in dryland production systems (irrigated, rainfed and rangelands) to enhance and sustain their productivity and to develop integrated plant response in order to assist in assessing the impact of cropping on land degradation and land quality.
•
 Study and quantify crop yield gaps with respect to environment, use of improved varieties and improved agronomic management practices; and identify what is needed to bridge yield gap t between actual and attainable potential yields
•

Publish in international journals, and prepare reports, training materials, and other documentation as requested
•

Design and organize training activities in cooperation with other Programs in ICARDA, NARS partners, and advanced research institutions
•
 Assist in the preparation of project proposals for external funding
•
 Represent ICARDA in regional and international fora

Qualifications and Experience
•
 PhD degree in Agronomy with a strong background on Cropping systems management and crop modeling
•

Minimum five years professional experience
•

Proven record of research excellence, scientific publication, and proposal preparation
•
 Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
•
 Fluency in English and competency in relevant computer applications
•

Supervisory and management skills and experience
•

Knowledge of modelling will be an advantage

Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of three years, with one year considered probationary. Renewable, thereafter, on an annual basis. The salary is paid in US dollars. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and free enrollment for dependent children in the ICARDA-administered International School (KG-Grade 12).

Living in Syria
ICARDA's headquarters are situated 30 km south of Aleppo, Syria's second largest city. In addition to the internationally-accredited School, ICARDA runs a Sports and Social Club for the staff. Syria has many historical and archaeological sites, some a short drive from Aleppo. There are four distinct seasons and the terrain varies from desert to mountains to fertile fruit orchards. Major international airlines fly into Damascus and Aleppo.

Application
Qualified applicants are invited to send:
1-
Cover letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) highlighting the candidate's experience against the criteria listed under Qualifications and Competencies, including salary expectations and noting where the candidate saw the advertisement.
2-
Curriculum vitae, with a recent photo
3-
Names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional referees (they will not be contacted without the candidate's permission),
to: 
 Personnel Services
ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: http://www.icarda.org

              (If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.)

REFERENCE: quote INT-P/8340/08 on the application (or in the subject line if applying by e-mail).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 30 June 2008.

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.
 

Posted on 4 June 2008 
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