- Mwea, Kenya
- IRRI
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Technical Assistant on behalf of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to provide support in the day-to-day operations of experiments and research activities.
ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
ILRI hosts the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Nairobi (www.irri.org) with its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna in the Philippines. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations.
Key Responsibilities
Purpose
- Provide support in the day-to-day operations of experiments and research activities, including preparation of materials, setting trials in the field/screenhouse/greenhouse/laboratory, from seeding, harvesting to seed processing to ensure that research standards of quality assurance are met
- Perform specific procedures related to experiments/research studies (e.g. preparation of hydroponic solutions for screening, setting of field trials, monitor pests and diseases, maintain seed supply of experimental material, taking measurements for growth and yield assessments to quantify effects of abiotic stresses etc. in field and greenhouse trials)
- Compile and review sample collection for processing
Engagement
- Provide timely support to contract workers in the field/screenhouse/greenhouse/laboratory to ensure smooth operations and efficiency-monitoring.
- Provide support for training of scholars, farmers, extension workers and interns to ensure maximum and effective transfer of knowledge
Delivery
- Actively contribute to the maintenance and organization of the field/screenhouse/greenhouse/laboratory as required by the institute protocols including maintaining supply inventory, cleanliness, orderliness and safety in the laboratory and other workspaces, preparation of commonly used solutions/materials, inventory and requests for chemicals and other supplies as well as waste disposal
- Maintain stock of seeds of commonly used genotypes and populations, and provide basic data on stored germplasm
Requirements
- Diploma in the Agriculture with 2 years of relevant work experience
- Basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or other softwares
- Experience in rice production and practices of plant breeding in rice
- Experience with field data collection, sample processing and archiving
- Understanding of health and safety in the workplace and good working practices
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills Ability to ride a motorcycle on the field and have a valid license for this category or be willing to learn it
- Knowledgeable in milling rice samples, grading, post-harvest handling and working in a grain quality lab will be considered an asset
Requirements
Post location: The position will be based in Mwea, Kenya
This position is at job level HG 9 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.
How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above on or before 29 August 2023. The position title and reference number REF: IRRI-TEC/08/2023 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.
