Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist-CIMMYT
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted on Jul 8, 2026
About Us
CIFOR & ICRAF in action
Landscape Alliance transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to advance planetary health and human well-being. It is the shared operating name of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), two independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers working together through a common strategy, governance and leadership structure.
CIFOR and ICRAF bring together decades of scientific leadership in forests, trees, agroforestry, biodiversity, climate, food systems and livelihoods. CIFOR, headquartered in Bogor, Indonesia, advances research on forests and landscape management to inform policies and practices that improve human well-being, protect the environment and increase equity. ICRAF, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, harnesses the benefits of trees for people and the environment, generating knowledge that helps governments, development partners and farmers make farming and livelihoods more sustainable.
Overview
About our organization: CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a member of the CGIAR that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org CIMMYT is looking for a: Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist This position will support crop breeding and seed systems activities by delivering integrated agronomic, physiological, and remote sensing support through effective trial management, high-quality phenotyping, and application of remote sensing tools to inform varietal performance, stress adaptation, and management decisions.
Job Description
1. Agronomy
- Design, implement, and oversee on-station and on-farm agronomic trials aligned with breeding and seed systems research objectives
- Optimize agronomic packages (plant population, nutrient management, water management, and cropping systems)
- Ensure standardized agronomic protocols and data quality across locations
- Monitor crop growth and field conditions, ensuring uniformity and trial integrity
- Maintain accurate agronomic records for all trials
- Analyze agronomic trial data and contribute to interpretation of G×E×M interactions.
2. Crop Physiology
- Identify and quantify key physiological traits associated with yield, stress tolerance, and resource-use efficiency
- Support phenotyping for drought, heat, nutrient stress, and other priority constraints through implementation of standardized phenotyping protocols across sites and seasons
- Integrate physiological trait data with agronomic and breeding datasets to inform varietal selection and targeting
- Conduct physiological experiments under field and controlled conditions (where applicable/necessary)
3. Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analytics
- Deploy and operate remote sensing tools such as UAVs/drones, handheld sensors, and proximal platforms for data collection, including processing, and analysis of imagery and sensor data
- Acquire & process imagery from satellites, drones, and aerial platforms
- Apply vegetation indices and spatial analytics for crop monitoring, stress detection, and trial quality assessment
- Integrate remote sensing and GIS data with field and physiological data for high-throughput phenotyping
- Produce spatial maps, dashboards, and visual products for technical reporting
- Mapping potential distribution area of various stresses, diseases and pests using environmental variables associated with their occurrence
4. Integration, Capacity Building, and Reporting
- Synthesize agronomic, physiological, and remote sensing evidence into actionable recommendations
- Provide technical backstopping and training to partners, field teams, and national programs
- Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, and donor deliverables
- Support data documentation, reproducibility, and knowledge management
Requirements
- MSc in Agronomy/Crop Physiology & Remote Sensing
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in applied agricultural research
- Demonstrated experience integrating field trials, physiological measurements, and remote sensing data
- Strong quantitative and data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, GIS platforms, Google Earth Engine, ArcMap)
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary and multi-location projects
- Prior engagement with international, CGIAR, NARS, or donor-funded programs is an advantage
Education, Experience and Technical skills
•MSc in Agronomy/Crop Physiology & Remote Sensing •Minimum 3–5 years of experience in applied agricultural research •Demonstrated experience integrating field trials, physiological measurements, and remote sensing data •Strong quantitative and data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, GIS platforms, Google Earth Engine, ArcMap) •Experience working in multi-disciplinary and multi-location projects •Prior engagement with international, CGIAR, NARS, or donor-funded programs is an advantage
Personal Attributes and Competencies
•Able to prepare and make presentations and reports •Good team player and motivates others to focus on results •Ability to work under minimum supervision •Good interpersonal skills in a diverse environment with multi-cultural setting •Ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment •Self-driven and well organized •Experience in budgeting and budget management •Ability to manage and provide effective communication in complex situations •Excellent computing skills; EXCEL, MS-Word, PowerPoint, MS-Project, Web Management etc
Terms and conditions
•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies. •The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources. •The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
