Agricultural Machinery Development Officer – Nationally Recruited Staff (2 position) CIMMYT is seeking an experienced Agricultural Machinery Development Officer assist innovative USAID funded agricultural R4D project focused on efficient surface water irrigation, scale-appropriate mechanization, and conservation agriculture, to sustainably intensify cropping systems in Southern Bangladesh. Project activities are being implemented in collaboration with International Development Enterprises (iDE), and will integrate and build upon synergies created with the already operational Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh project. As Agricultural Engineer, you will work to support an applied research and extension program in partnership with public and private sector partners centered on the use of efficient and scale-appropriate agricultural machineryto intensify dry season cropping in Southern Bangladesh. The successful applicant will join the multi-institutional and interdisciplinary team that coordinates the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh. CSISA is a collaborative R4D program launched in 2010 with funding from USAID. It combines the strengths CIMMYT, IRRI, and WorldFish in collaboration with public and private sector partners. For more information about CSISA, please visit: csisa.cimmyt.org/. The CSISA Mechanization and Irrigation project (CSISA-M.I.)harnesses research to inform development and the sustainable intensification of dry season cropping in the impoverished regions of Southern Bangladesh by facilitating broad access to low-cost and efficient surface water irrigation and scale-appropriate agricultural machineries. To watch a video showing the work of CSISA-MI, please visit: youtube/watch?v=TqeU1ZRov3Y. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: cimmyt.org. The position will be based either in Dhaka, Jessore, Khulna, Barisal, or Faridpur, Bangladesh. Frequent travel (likely 60+% time) to other locations (Gazipur and Rangpur, other project hubs, among others) will be required to assist in trainings and partnership outreach. Specific duties of this position include: Implement fieldwork with the approval and supervision of CIMMYT’s lead Agronomy and Mechanization Scientists. Assist in field research activities, including maintenance of agronomic, machinery, and survey focused research data in collaboration with farmers, agricultural service providers, and the public and private sector. Maintain proper data records, enter data into electronic data bases, and maintain proper data archiving and back-up systems. Carry out needs assessments for selcted CSISA-MI districts through field visits, focus groups, and surverys. Assist in the field demostration of new agricultural and irrigation machineries, in close partnership with core partner organization and the private sector. Coordinate participatory trials on Agricultural machinery, crop and resource conserving crop management in cereal-based systems. Interact and organize meetings with various stakeholders and partners, with a particular emphasis on the core partner organization and private secotr, to discuss, streamline, and implement new agricultural machineries in the field in a corrdinated way. Helop from partnerships with a wide-range clientele including farmers, NGOs, private and public sector organzations, and scientists, to evaluate and deliver agricultural machinery technologies that are appropriate to the diverse cropping systems and socioeconomic environments of Southern Bangladesh. A. We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes: Masters’ Degree or Engineering degree requiring 4 or more years’ of study in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering or related field. Advanced knowledge of relevant adminsitrative and/or operating protocols and policies of the function. Specialized knowledge limited to small field of expertise Basic managerial competence B. Work Experience Required & Number of years of relevant experience needed 3 years – Requires conceptual knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within a discipline. Thereof at least two years of post-degree professional research and field extension experience and at least one year of practical experiecne working with agricultural machineries (irrigation pumps, threshers, harvesters, tractors, or similar equipment.) Demonstrated experience in the implementation and management of farmer-participatory agricultural field trials, preferably in an on-farm (non-research station) setting with particular emphasis on crop management in rice, wheat, or maize-based cropping systems, agricultural machinery, and/or irrigaiton managemnet in Bangladesh. Demonatrated experience on agriculutral research with ability to disseminate results for development. Prior experience working with the private sector in agriculture is preferred. C. Complxity of thinking needed. Work is complex and technical in scope. Regularly requires a combination of mental abilities such as probing, analysis, careful judgment, flexible and original thinking, and creativity. Involves applicatoin of concepts from one disci;ine. Understand the linkages with other disciplines. Create multi-disciplinary projects and initiatives. Ability to identify and finalize solutions to field problems (seeds, soil, and water management, intergrated pest management, farm machinery, nutrient management, post-harvest operations). Choose options/solutions for complex problems. D. Extent to which interpersonal skills are important for this job interpersonal skills: Contacts (Internal, External) Frequency, Nature & Purpose of Contacts Frequent contact with people other than immediate colleagues and with external entities. Ability to communicate and relate effectively, internally and externally is important. Purpose is to share inforamtion, and secure the cooperation and commitment of individuals, large project teams, or external insittutions. In addition to effective communication, the jobholder has to motivate and provide leadership. E. Level of English Language Required Read and respond appropriately to correspondence, orally and in writing Ability to prepare regularly-used documents and reports without assistance F. Any other language required and level Local language at post. Interact confidently with colleagues and exernal contacts on complex issues and to write documents or presentations Fluency to persuade, negotiate, coach, conceptualize and train G. Informaiton Technology skills needed Proficinecy to use standard software at an advanced level. Typically this would include minor programming using macros, mail merge, designing customized reports, developing audio visual presentations, etc. with occasional assitance May include some use of database or research applications Advanced skills in Winfows Operating System, LAN and Internet Complex use of Simple systems H. Authority to make decisions; Extent of supervision & suprt available Objectives and desired outputs are defined Jobholder has freedom to choose the best approach or method to use in own field of work Work is occasionally checked for methodology as well as outputs. Supervision is readily available I. Impact of the job; positive and impact of errors. (Contribution to own unit, department, project or the organizatoin.) Provides services or informtion, the quality and timeliness of which are importatn to enable the delivery of other funtions, units, or individuals Work is occasionally checked and errors soon become apparent and can be corrected with moderate costs and/or delays J. Resources managed in terms of staff reporting to this job, directly and indirectly, budget, targets, physical assets, etc. Manages own time and outputs; priorities are set by the supervisor Does not supervise any other staff member Control over other resources is not a significant element of the job, only custody of assets such as car, laptop etc. K. Other requirements The incumbent needs to be an observing, analytical, accessible person showing initative and having good communication and interpersonal skills Possess good work ethics and dedication Ability to work in a team as well as independently to solve immediate problems The job holder performs its duties in normal office conditions as well as in the field, where established health and safety regulations must be met Schedule availability and flexibility to travel is required, including undertake fieldwork in rural contexts Should be able to drive motorcycles and a valid driving license for the same The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of one year with a three-months initial probationary period, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. Salary range is negotiable. Other benefits will be admissible according to CIMMYT rules and regulations for USAID funded projects. CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply. To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Wednesday, 30th July 2014 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: [email protected]. Please indicate Position Reference number: B13171 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at [email protected]. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 18:39:35 +0000
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