Field Assistants- Kiboko - CIMMYT
Kenya · Makueni County, Kenya
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, triticale, 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 : Field Assistants- Kiboko To support the research technicians at Kiboko with planting, agronomic management, harvesting of field trials and nurseries, seed processing and packaging for trials and nurseries and supervision of casual labor.
Job Description
1. Seed processing, packaging and storage.
- Support field technicians at Kiboko with timely seed processing eg. Shelling, drying, weighing and packaging of seed for storage
- Support in timely seed preparation for nurseries and trials
2. Planting and management of trials and nurseries.
- Support in planting nurseries, optimal and biotic and abiotic stress (managed low N, managed drought, artificial FAW infested) trials
- Support in carrying out proper agronomic practices such as timely weeding, fertilizer application, pest control etc. on nurseries and trials planted at Kiboko station.
- Ensure application of control measures for FAW in consultation with the research technician.
- Ensure irrigation for trials and nurseries planted at Kiboko are applied as required and appropriate.
- Ensure rouging off types in nurseries are carried out as required.
3. Data collection, pollination and harvesting.
- Support data collection for trials and nurseries in a timely manner using hand-held electronic devices.
- Support in pollination of crossing and selfing nurseries as per the instruction of the technician
- Support in harvesting of trials and nurseries and collection of harvest time data for both trials and nurseries.
4. Supervision of casual labor.
- Lead team of casual laborers in field operations (seed processing, packing, storage, pollination, harvesting etc.) for increased efficiency and accountability.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in agriculture.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili
- At least three (3) years of practical experience in an agricultural research setting, with demonstrated expertise in planting trials and nurseries, data collection using electronic devices, pollination in crossing and seed increase nurseries, management of trials and nurseries, and seed preparation for trials and nurseries.
Education, Experience and Technical skills
•Bachelor’s degree or diploma in agriculture. •Proficiency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili •At least three (3) years of practical experience in an agricultural research setting, with demonstrated expertise in planting trials and nurseries, data collection using electronic devices, pollination in crossing and seed increase nurseries, management of trials and nurseries, and seed preparation for trials and nurseries.
Personal Attributes and Competencies
•Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise a team of workers, prioritize tasks, and effectively organize workloads during peak periods. •Ability to undertake routine field activities with minimal supervision. •Personal qualities which include commitment, high level integrity, honesty, efficiency, flexibility, self-motivation, and respect for diversity. •Demonstrate a high level of discipline and proper implementation of Health, Safety and Environmental compliance.
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 Kiboko, Kenya. •We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

