RFP301408) ASSISTANT I - FIELD RESEARCH, ARUSHA, TANZANIA

ASSISTANT I - FIELD RESEARCH (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ADVERT)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve People's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

Assistant I- Field Research is responsible for supporting the Implementation of Field research activities within the Bean Breeding Program. The Incumbent assists in field trial establishment, crop management, data collection harvesting seed handling and maintenance of research sites to ensure high-quality research data and successful execution of breeding activities.

Assistant I- Field Research will support the planning, establishment, management, monitoring and evaluation of field experiments and breeding trials. The position ensures that field operations and conducted according to research protocols, contributes to accurate data collection, maintains field equipment and research materials, and supports the production of quality breeding materials for research and variety development

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Work Closely with Bean Breeders, researchers, technicians and greenhouse staff to implement field research activities.
  
• Collaborates with project teams and research partners during field trials, demonstrations and training activities.
  
• Support interns, students and visiting scientists during field operations.
  
• Participate in Planning meetings, field evaluations and research activities.
  
• Maintain effective communication with supervisors and research teams regarding field activities and observations                                            
  
• Prepare research fields for planting according to experimental designs and research protocols.
  
• Assist in land preparation, planting, transplanting and field layout of breeding trials.
  
• Label plots and breeding materials accurately to ensure traceability.
  
• Conduct routine crop management activities, including irrigation, weeding, fertilizer application, staking and pest and disease management.
  
• Monitor crop growth and report nay abnormalities affecting field trials.
  
• Collect, record and verify field data accurately using standard data collection procedures.
  
• Harvest research materials according to breeding protocols and ensure proper handling and storage of harvested seeds.
  
• Assist in seed processing, drying, cleaning, packaging, labelling and inventory management.
  
• Maintain Field equipment, tools and irrigation systems in good working conditions.
  
• Ensure research plots and surrounding work areas are clean, organized and safe.
  
• Support field demonstrations, training sessions and research visits.
  
• Comply with occupational health, safety and environmental standards.
  
• ​Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor in support of Bean Breeding Program.
  

Required Qualifications and Experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Crop, Science, Agronomy, Plant Science, Hot culture or related field.
  
• Additional training in Agricultural research or field experimentation will be an added advantage.
  
• At least 1-2 years of experience in Agricultural field operations, crop production or agricultural research.
  
• Experience in filed trial management and data collection is desirable.
  
• Experience working with breeding programs or research institutions is an added advantage.
  
• Knowledge of bean production or other legume crops is preferred.
  

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of Crop Production and field management practices.
  
• Basic understating of agricultural research and experimental field trials.
  
• Ability to accurately collect, record and verify research data.
  
• Knowledge of seed handling, harvesting, processing and storage procedures.
  
• Ability to identify common crop pests’ diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
  
• Competence in operating and maintain basic agricultural tools and equipment.
  
• Good organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
  
• Good organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary team.
  
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Physical ability to work outdoors under varying weather conditions.
  
• Commitment to maintain research quality safety and compliance with institutional procedures.
  

Terms of employment

This is a nationally recruited position based at Arusha, Tanzania. The initial contract will be for one year subject to a probation period of three months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG04 level, with a minimum basic salary of  TZS 915,302, a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference RFP301408 ASSISTANT I - FIELD RESEARCH as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date:19^th August 2026

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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