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.org
Lentil Breeder
Aleppo, Syria
The Organization
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a non-profit international agricultural research center, one of 15 centers worldwide, 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). ICARDA has a staff of over 400 scientists and support personnel, representing more than 45 nationalities. Research addresses 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 holds the world's largest collection of lentil germplasm and has a vigorous pre-breeding program exploiting this variability. The breeding program is based at ICARDA headquarters in Aleppo, Syria, with close links to national programs. ICARDA is seeking a lentil breeder to manage its breeding program.

The main responsibilities include:
•
 Responsibility for leading the lentil breeding program at ICARDA
•
 Maintenance of lentil breeding activities in partnership with national programs and advanced research institutes
•
 Conduct of original research on lentils and publication of results
•
 Cooperation with scientists in other disciplines such as pathology, biotechnology, agronomy and socio-economics in food legume research
•
 Participation in setting the Center's priorities in lentil research
•
 Providing training in lentil breeding to NARS scientists, including provision of training materials
•
 Development of research proposals for potential donors and of technical research reports
•
 Representing ICARDA on lentil breeding in regional and international fora

The position is within the Biodiversity and Integrated Gene Management Program, reports to the Program Director, and is based at ICARDA's modern headquarters and main research station located near Aleppo, Syria.

Essential Qualifications and Competencies
•
 PhD in plant breeding;
•

A minimum of 5 years experience in research and training, preferably on food legumes;
•

Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships with scientists in national programs;
•
 Fluency and good communication skills in written and spoken English;
•
 Willingness to undertake considerable international travel

Desirable Qualifications and Competencies
•
 Work experience in developing countries;
•

Experience in aspects of biotechnology, particularly the application of marker assisted selection;
•

Knowledge of Arabic, or a second language such as French.

Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of three years (including one year's probation), renewable thereafter annually. 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 to Grade 12).

Living in Syria
ICARDA's headquarters is situated in a rural setting 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-
A 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
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/8506/08 on the application (or in the subject line if applying by e-mail).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 7 August 2008

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

Posted on 3 July 2008 
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