Assistant Agronomist - Consultant

The International Potato Center (CIP) is
implementing the DeSIRA project, focusing on Climate-Smart Innovations to
improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture and
food systems in Malawi through multidisciplinary research. The project aims to
enhance climate change adaptation within agricultural and food systems by
developing integrated technological innovations and fostering their uptake by
farmers. Additionally, the project seeks to inform policymakers and scaling
partners about the potential of these technologies to contribute to climate
resilience and sustainability.

To ensure its successful operationalization, the
project has decided to hire an Assistant Agronomist Consultant to assist the
Research Associate (Agronomist) with field activities as outlined in the
deliverables.

            Objective

 The
Assistant Agronomist will support the Research Associate (Agronomist) with
experimental design and setup, field establishment, facilitation of training
and trials, data collection, technology evaluation and trial monitoring and
organizing field days

In executing this
assignment, the consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:

·         Mobilize necessary resources, including labour
and equipment, to ensure timely field preparation and crop management.

·         Develop a detailed action plan for implementing
experimental activities at co-location research stations and on-farm trials.

·         Select appropriate sites for both on-station
and on-farm trials, ensuring suitability for the planned experiments.

·         Support the setup of field experiments,
coordinating with relevant stakeholders to establish both on-station and
on-farm trials.

·         Facilitate a training session for extension
staff on proper trial establishment techniques to ensure consistency and
quality. 

·         Facilitate the planting of trials at both
on-station and on-farm sites, ensuring that protocols are followed accurately.

·         Collect data on initial plant establishment

·         Enter and submit collected data to the M and E
team

·         Conduct participatory technology evaluation
during the vegetative stage

·         Support in the collection of success stories

·         Assist in organizing and conducting field days

·          

                  Deliverables

·         Experimental design and setup

·         Field Establishment

·         Facilitation of Trainings and Trials

·         Data Collection and Submission

·         Technology Evaluation and Trial Monitoring

·         Field Days and Final Reporting

Requirements

              Selection
Criteria

·         Degree or diploma in agronomy, agriculture,
soil science and other related fields

·         Good understanding of experimental designs,
field layout and data collection

·         Ability to use MS Office excel as a data
management tool

·         Self-starter and ability to work under minimal
supervision

·         Minimum of 3 years of experience working for
donor-funded agricultural development projects.

·         Advanced written and oral communication skills
in English

·         Good interpersonal skills

             Time frame

·         The successful Candidate(s) will be placed on
roster and will remain eligible for consideration for a period of 12 months,
after which their status may be reviewed based on the needs of CIP. Roster
placement does not guarantee employment but ensures that the candidate will be
considered for relevant, similar openings during the roster period.