Research Associate - Soil Laboratory Manager, Cotonou, Benin

Research Associate - Soil Laboratory Manager, Cotonou, Benin

Closing Date: Sunday, 29 September 2013

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Research Associate – Soil Laboratory Manager
Ref: GSS/38/RD/2012/12/13/08 The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Research Associate – Soil Laboratory Manager who will be based at AfricaRice, Cotonou, Benin. This position is funded by the Multinational-CGIAR Project on Support to Agricultural Research for development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC). This invitation for applications follows the general procurement notice AfDB43-04/12 for this project that was published in UN Development Business online on 27 April 2012.
About AfricaRice Africa
Rice is one of the 15 international agricultural research Centers that are members of the CGIAR Consortium. It is also an autonomous intergovernmental association of African member countries. Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Agronomist, the Research Associate will manage the soil science laboratory. Specifically, s/he will be responsible for the following activities:

• Coordinate and conduct laboratory and field experiments related to soil science and plant nutrition, with a special emphasis on analyzing samples from the Center's diagnostic surveys and developing soil nutrient assessment tools;
• Maintain laboratory equipment to the highest quality standards;
• Develop and maintain standard laboratory operational procedures, and ensure effective data management, interpretation using statistical software and archiving;
• Implement the Center's risk assessment and risk management practices as related to laboratory work;
• Contribute to the Center's capacity building efforts and backstop students, trainees and national partners;
• Draft journal articles, conference proceeding and donor reports;
• Undertake any other activities as required by the Center. Qualifications/Selection Criteria Education: at least a Master degree in soil science, plant nutrition or agronomy. Work Experience: more than 5 years of relevant working experience. Key Competencies Required: strong analytical skills; knowledge of laboratory analyses and soil sampling methods; ability to work efficiently as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with minimal supervision. Language The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language.

Terms and Conditions
This is a regionally recruited position.

• AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
• The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility for renewal.

Application procedure Candidates should send an application (including a cover letter and a detailed CV with the following information: Name, surname, gender, date of birth, family status, nationality, certificates obtained, professional experience (stating clearly beginning and end dates of each experience: day, month, year), language skills (French/English), and the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / email) of three referees.
To apply for this position, please send your applications: To: A.Kpadonou@cgiar.org with the vacancy reference in subject: GSS/38/RD/2012/12/13/08 Or to the following address: Head, Human Resources Unit, AfricaRice, 01 B.P. 2031, Cotonou, Benin Republic Applications will be considered until Sunday, September 29, 2013. AfricaRice is an equal opportunity employer. AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations and particularly welcomes applications from women and developing countries. AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at www.AfricaRice.org