Key responsibilities

Located at Bioversity’s Office in Kampala, Uganda and reporting to the Theme Leader for the Production and Value Chain Systems, the incumbent will:

• ?  Contribute to the development of  a collaborative research program for understanding host – vector – virus ecology of banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) in smallholder systems of Sub-Saharan Africa;
• ?  Facilitate farmer/village participatory experimentation in pilot sites in BBTD-infested areas of Central and Southern Africa (Burundi, Malawi, DR Congo in Kisangani and bas Congo) focused on local clean seed systems and production;
• ?  Support the design and implementation of improved guidelines for virus management in global banana genetic resources conservation and movement, with emphasis on banana streak virus (BSV);
• ?  Participate in the development and implementation of the global strategy for Bioversity and the CRP Roots Tubers and Bananas on banana virus epidemiology and management, systems for clean planting material, modelling of seed degeneration and agroecological intensification of banana production systems;
• ?  Contribute to the identification of funding opportunities for collaborative research and assist with the development of concept notes and funding proposals;
• ?  Support collaborative participatory and formal research with a focus on high quality science and capacity strengthening with research and field partners;
• ?  Write technical and scientific publications and engage with a variety of research and development partners to achieve outcomes and impacts for rural livelihood improvement.

Qualifications and competencies:

Essential
qualifications & competencies:

• ?  PhD in plant pathology or a Masters in related fields with extensive field and experience and record of scientific publications.
• ?  A minimum of 3 years of work experience with host-vector-virus ecology, laboratory techniques and a resulting record of peer-reviewed articles.
• ?  Field experience in tropical agriculture, preferably Africa.
• ?  Familiarity with and interest in participatory, gender-sensitive research and experimentation methods.
• ?  Working knowledge of relevant software (MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and softwaredatabase and advanced statistical analysis.
• ?  Excellent communication, interpersonal and team work skills including the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels and build consensus in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• ?  Well developed project management skills.
• ?  Well developed analytical and synthesizing skills including the ability to write clear and concise scientific documents.
• ?  Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken.

Desirable
competencies and qualifications:

?  Advanced French language skills, both written and verbal.