Senior Research Associate

International Potato Center

West Bengal, India

The selected candidate will be based at Mohit Nagar, West Bengal. He/she will supervise operations in the locations and consultants and will report to the Principal Scientist.

Responsibilities:

  • Review and internalize the project proposal to fully understand objectives, ensuring effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient contribution toward achieving goals at scale.
  • Develop and maintain detailed work plans, including analysis of tasks, schedules, and resources.
  • Identify, enroll, and monitor suitable partners across the potato value chain, providing continuous support and capacity building.
  • Oversee daily project activities in close collaboration with the Government of West Bengal scientists and project partners.
  • Ensure timely, quality, and budget-compliant completion of activities, including progress monitoring and scheduling meetings.
  • Build strong relationships with government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and farmer groups to support project objectives.
  • Train public and private partners on early-generation seed potato production, field multiplication, and apical rooted cuttings technology.
  • Demonstrate best practices in on-farm seed management, soil fertility, and agronomic innovations through field sites.
  • Facilitate field bulking, testing, and promotion of newly released potato varieties in the region.
  • Provide technical assistance in disease detection, tissue culture, and seed certification support as needed.
  • Develop and advocate for locally adapted seed quality protocols and schemes with federal and state agencies.
  • Prepare and submit quarterly and annual technical and financial reports on schedule.
  • Present project outcomes at professional, donor, and stakeholder meetings.
  • Document lessons learned, best practices, and develop extension materials, including scripts, videos, and ICT-based outreach tools.
  • Perform additional responsibilities assigned by the supervisor to meet project objectives.

Requirements:

  • PhD level degree is in Agriculture and agricultural related fields.
  • The ideal candidate will have a minimum of six years’ experience in project coordination and implementation, with a strong background in potato seed systems and good agricultural practices.
  • Practical expertise in seed storage, pest and disease management, and potato production is essential.
  • The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to prepare and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials effectively.
  • The candidate must be a resident of West Bengal and fluent in Bengali and Hindi, with advanced written and oral communication skills in English, Hindi, and Bengali.

Source: https://cgiar.zohorecruit.com/recruit/PortalDetail.na?iframe=true&digest=ytYfxFjwDefd6FnbsIRmrTIOFsefphEVTG6URVzuayI-&jobid=268451000028370012&widgetid=268451000000062008&embedsource