Breeder / Foundation Seed Production Officer at The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks Ghanaian nationals for the position of Breeder / Foundation Seed Production Officer  at the institute's research location in Tamale. These positions are sponsored under the "Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa - Phase II (YIIFSWA II) by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
 
Responsibilities

• Assist in the production of foundation planting materials in the aeroponics systems of the research institutes
• Liaise with project officers and partners
• Support project partners in laying out, execution and monitoring of demo plots and field experiments
• Collection of data from demo plots and other field trials
• Facilitate the transfer of stocks of breeder or foundation seed from research institutes to the foundation or certified seed producers
• Record and compile seed yam production and dissemination data in the formal seed system for traceability
• Provide technical assistance to the private seed companies as necessary
• Assist the seed system specialist to organise and conduct seed production related training courses and workshops at local , regional and national levels
• Facilitate, enhance and promote breeder and foundation seed businesses through media campaigns, field demonstrations on station, and advocacy efforts at all levels
• Support national need certification inspectors and other authorities in the implementation of Quality Management Protocol for breeder and foundation seed yam
• Develop a breeder and foundation seek production monitoring and evaluation system in collaboration with the seed system and the M&E teams to track seed production activities
• Establish and maintain close communication with scientist involved in YIIFSWA-II project to facilitate exchange of information and materials
• Report monthly on achievements and progress to the seed system specialist
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor

Qualification Required & Experience

• MSc in plant breeding, agronomy, seed technology or related field
• Individual with knowledge in breeder and foundation seed yam production
• Individual with good verbal and written communication skills
• Must be computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and otehr analytical software
• Ability to work with staff of different origins, nationalities and disciplines
• Ability to travel frequently across communities within the project's coverage