Senior Research Associate

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref : 2025/03/NRS/IN/ASIA

Senior Research Associate

(West Bengal)

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks to recruit a Senior Research Associate for the project “Developing Local Seed Potato Production Systems in West Bengal”, funded by the Government of West Bengal. The project aims to strengthen early-generation and commercial seed potato production by building public and privatesectorcapacity to deliver high-quality, locally adaptedvarieties. Italso supports smallholder farmersthrough improved seed qualitymanagement and good agricultural practices.Weseek a dynamic professional with experience in seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops, early- generation seed production, seed quality assurance, pest and disease management, and variety release processes to support the Project Leader in implementation.

Education: PhD level degree is in Agriculture and agricultural related fields.

Experience: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of six years’ experience in project coordination and implementation,withastrongbackgroundinpotatoseedsystemsandgoodagriculturalpractices.Practical expertiseinseedstorage,pestanddiseasemanagement,andpotatoproductionisessential.Thecandidate should also demonstrate the ability to prepare and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials effectively.

The candidate must possess strong project management, leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills, along with proven experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement. He/She should demonstrate expertise in organizational planning and budget management, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment. Excellent communication skills and a willingness to travel and work in resource-limited rural areas are essential.

Language:ThecandidatemustbearesidentofWestBengalandfluentinBengaliandHindi,with advanced written and oral communication skills in English, Hindi, and Bengali.

Key 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.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.

• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.

• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

What are we offering?

• Excellent working environment.

• Compensation package commensurate with experience.

• Eighteen months (18) fixed term contract.

• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply?

Visit thefollowing link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit yourcover letter and a fullC.Vin English with at least three (3) professional references. Last Day for application is 17 August 2025 and Screening of applications will begin from 18 August 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. This position will have no contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.