Ref No: DDG-R4D/SPP/07/14

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Senior Plant Pathologist.

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) seeks a highly qualified and experienced plant pathologist to undertake research and coordinate efforts to manage critical diseases of major cropping systems in West and Central Africa. As a member of the IITA Plant Production and Plant Health Core competency, and in collaboration with our national and international partners, the successful applicant will provide leadership in plant pathology to improve crop productivity and quality, to achieve impact on millions of Africans by increasing food security and income generation. IITA has a strong Africa-wide program on mycotoxins and biological control of aflatoxins (www.aflasafe.com) that is being scaled up. The incumbent will provide leadership for the science of biocontrol and technically backstop commercialization thrust to promote adoption by African farmers.

Position/Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and expand IITA’s portfolio of donor-funded projects on mycotoxins and biological control of aflatoxins.
• Serve as the link between IITA’s mycotoxin research group and CGIAR’s Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) Program.
• Provide leadership for interdisciplinary research leading to management of important diseases of cereal, legumes, roots and tuber crops in West and Central Africa.
• Study biology and epidemiology of diseases to generate a good understanding of the host-pathogen-environment systems that can further help to develop strategies for disease management.
• Mentor and backstop graduate students and national and regional staff responsible for research and regulatory systems.
• Lead and support initiatives to raise funds for projects, targeted activities and meetings.
• Routinely communicate research results through media outlets, communication channels and through the publication of peer reviewed journals.
• Develop and nurture effective partnerships and collaborative relationships.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a PhD in plant pathology, with more than 7 years of post-PhD experience in plant pathology and mycotoxin research.

Core Competencies

• Experience in pathogen diversity, host-plant resistance and disease management research and corresponding publication record.
• Experience in use of molecular biology and statistical tools to study pathogen diversity and ecology is essential.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with multidisciplinary teams, national agriculture Research Systems, farmers, special interest groups, government officials, and consumers.
• Demonstrated experience in seeking grants and management of large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish journal articles.
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

Duty station: The position will be based at the IITA Headquarters and Regional Hub for West Africa in Ibadan, Nigeria, but will involve extensive travel within and outside Africa and include management of staff in countries across the target area of Eastern, Southern and Central Africa. 

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.

Applications:  Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers                  

Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found for this important position.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.