CIAT's Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute (CIAT-TSBF), with a large team in Africa, operates as an integral part of the CIAT research program. The major mode of implementation of CIAT-TSBF research is through collaboration with a range of partners through projects and regional and global networks/consortia. CIAT-TSBF's primary role and comparative advantage is in conducting international public goods research on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) in farming systems where soil degradation undermines local livelihoods and market opportunities. The three major objectives of CIAT-TSBF under its strategy are: (1) to improve the livelihoods of people reliant on agriculture by developing profitable, socially-acceptable and resilient agricultural production systems based on ISFM; (2) to develop sustainable land management (SLM) practices in tropical areas while reversing land degradation; and (3) to build the human and social capital of all stakeholders for research and management on the sustainable use of tropical soils. The ISFM strategy is an integral part of CIAT's approach to eco-efficient agriculture in the tropics.

CIAT-TSBF is seeking a Post-doctoral Fellow—Soil Science/Conservation Agriculture for its office in Nicaragua, to lead strategic research activities on ISFM in Central America. S/he will report to the Director of TSBF Institute as a member of the TSBF-Latin America team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of a research program on intensification and diversification of smallholder systems with emphasis on high value products.
• Develop soil management strategies to minimize soil losses, improve water retention, and restore degraded lands.
• Conduct high quality disciplinary research to contribute to the team efforts on ISFM.
• Provide support to regional soil management (MIS) consortium.
• Implement capacity building program through partnerships.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts of the team.

Specific duties

• Coordinate the TSBF-Latin America team activities in Central America.
• Conduct high-quality strategic research in soil science/conservation agriculture and publish research results.
• Contribute to farmer-led on-farm research on soil, water, and crop management technologies that combat soil fertility decline and on institutional arrangements that improve market opportunities, at both the input and output side.
• Backstop soils related strategic research activities in other projects managed by TSBF in Central America.
• Assist in capacity building in MIS consortia including supervision of graduate students.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts of the team.
• Represent TSBF in regional and global meetings.

Terms of employment

The position will be based in Nicaragua, Central America. The contract is for an initial period of 1 year, subject to a 6-month probation period, with potential for extension

Requirements

The candidate shall have the following competencies and experience:

• PhD degree in soil science or conservation agriculture.
• Field experience with soil management strategies.
• Laboratory experience in soil quality measurements.
• Proven publication record in peer-reviewed international journals related to above topics.
• Have an excellent command of English is essential and ability to communicate in Spanish is desirable.
• Have the ability to work with people of different nationalities and disciplines.

Applications, including detailed Curriculum vitae, salary details, date of birth, and the names and addresses of three referees (including telephone, fax numbers, and e-mail address), should be sent to Ana Lucía Restrepo (a.l.restrepo@cgiar.org) with copy to Fabián Ocoro (f.a.ocoro@cgiar.org).

The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the e-mail message.

All applications will be acknowledged; only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 14 November 2008.

Applications will be considered until 14 November 2008. If you do not hear from us within 3 months after the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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