The CIMMYT is seeking an experienced professional to support the Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) project funded by USAID. The project promotes the use of improved seeds and Integrated Soil Fertility Management technologies approved and registered by the Government of Nepal. The project works to specifically increase availability of technologies to improve productivity in maize, rice, lentils, and high value vegetable farming. It also works to improve capacity of both the public and private sectors in their respective roles for technology development and its in-country dissemination.

Position Title: Assistant Research Associate (ARA)

Reference No: N20115

1. Major duties and responsibilities

• Coordinate field operations for the evaluation and validation of new varieties with enhanced tolerance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Organize and conduct multi location field trials in collaboration with project partners in Nepal.
• Implement proper field designs, data collection and management, analysis and interpretation methods in identifying/recommending new products/technologies for NSAF target crops.
• Visit and supervise field trials, research fields, demonstration plots, seed production sites.
• Work with public and private sector partners to support quality seed production of new crop varieties.
• Enhance capacity of seed company partners in seed processing, storage, marketing and quality control activities.
• Support partners in adapting best seed production and crop management practices.
• Collaborate and ensure effective interface with market development, MEL, socioeconomics, project management and communication components of the project.
• Implementing scaling strategies, strategic research and demonstration activities in collaboration with farmers as well as public and private sector partners.
• Prepare success stories related to the project outcomes to enhance feasibility.
• Contribute to prepare journal articles/ scientific publications.
• Develop training modules and outreach materials in collaboration with Seed System Officer.
• Organizing technical trainings and demonstrations for farmers and seed company partners.
• Organizing and ensuring smooth logistics for field days/other community outreach events.
• Ensure effective networking and good communication links with all key project personnel as well as farmers and public and private partners.
• Work with NSAF-seed team to ensure that field activities contribute to overall NSAF's project targets and work plans.
• Preparation and timely sharing of field visit reports, bi-weekly, monthly, semi annual and annual reports, data files, project beneficiary lists, and other relevant information and documents as required.
• Ensure proper utilization of resources and logistics assigned for smooth implementation of project activities.
• Keep a check on inventories of products and materials used and request a replacement when required.
• Undertaking other project-related tasks as required.

• Proven experiences on the seed production of hybrids and OPVs, management of demonstration and validation trials, variety release procedures, seed regulations, seed quality standards, 
• Hands-on experiences in collecting, processing, and analyzing experimental data from standard and incomplete block designs
• Excellent computer skills and experience with relevant agricultural data analysis software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills both in English and Nepali. 
• A high degree of personal organization and ability to multi-task and work under pressure and willing to travel extensively.
• Valid motor cycle driving license holder 

• M.Sc. degree in plant breeding, seed technology, agronomy, horticulture or closely related fields and proven experience on field research activities 
• The position requires a minimum work experience of 3 years - Requires conceptual knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within a discipline.