General:
The Africa-based, globally networked International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries. ILRI positions its work at the dynamic interface of poverty alleviation and sustainable livestock livelihoods. Our staff works in partnerships and alliances with hundreds of organisations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest universities and research institutions in the world. ILRI also hosts Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) a new centre for excellence in modern plant and animal biology in Africa. It will consist of a Hub based on the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya and a network of regional nodes and other affiliated laboratories and organizations throughout the region. BecA will facilitate, host and conduct research in crop and livestock research areas where new developments in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems constraining Africa's development. Capacity building will be a major goal of all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food security and their intersections with human health and nutrition, and the sustainable use of Africa's natural resources. Further information is available at http://www.biosciencesafrica.org .

The Position:
In preparing to host the BecA Hub on a shared research platform, ILRI seeks to recruit a Plant Biosciences Research Support Scientist (PBRSS) to facilitate plant research and capacity building through strategic planning, technical coordination, implementation and monitoring of plant research projects within the BecA hub. This is an international appointment reporting to the Platform Research Coordinator.

Specific responsibilities include:
· Facilitate crop research and capacity building for regional research organisations by: managing new plant research projects at the BecA hub from conceptualization through to development and successful completion in collaboration with regional scientists; mentoring, coaching and supervising students and scientists; developing and conducting individual and group biosciences training courses; developing and fostering close relationships and linkages with key institutions to enhance regional biosciences research capacity.
· In accordance with ILRI staff development policies, develop effective plant biosciences training programs for internal staff.
· Support the Research Platform Manager in developing strategy, policies and plant research programs within the BecA hub.
· Develop and manage the work plan and budget vis-a-vis BRSS activities.
· Actively promote BecA hub research and training facilities within the region.
· Advise management on required changes in biosciences research and training policies, systems and practices.

Location:
The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Essential Skills and Qualifications will include:
· PhD in modern plant biology - molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or genomic sciences - with broad experience and interest in biosciences research
· In-depth knowledge and experience of a wide range of bioscience technology including new and advanced applications of modern biology and equipment requirements.
· Extensive experience of the technology transfer/ capacity building in developing countries and ability to implement and adapt novel technologies to facilitate research.
· Experience in creating new scientific infrastructure to support plant research and establishing new research projects.
· Record of scientific achievement in plant biological sciences, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.
· Proven skills in mentoring, training and supervising scientists, postgraduate students and technicians.
· Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate and facilitate bioscience training programs.
· Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain excellent working relations with project leaders, scientists and technical staff.
· Work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
· We are looking specifically for a person with skills and experience in modern plant science, including breeding, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and requisite technologies.

Terms of Appointment:
The initial contract for this position will be for a three year term with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Salary, dependent on experience, will be paid in US dollars. ILRI provides excellent benefits including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. Relocation, housing, annual leave travel and education allowances are also provided. On-site furnished accommodation is provided, subject to availability, or in the absence of suitable housing on site, a housing allowance.

Applications:
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three professional referees qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Manager, ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Telephone: 254-20-4223000; Fax: 254-20-4223001; e-mail: recruit-ilri@cgiar.org. The name and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the envelopes of mailed, or on the fax or email applications by 30th June 2008.

To find more about ILRI, visit our Website at http://www.ilri.org Qualified candidates from African countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.