Tasks

Under the overall guidance of the Director General and the direct supervision of the Director of Programmes, and in close collaboration with other staff of the Centre, the Senior Agricultural Specialist will lead efforts to create, assemble, analyze, and disseminate state-of-the art knowledge on mountain farming systems through collaborative applied research and communications activities.

Specifically, the Senior Agricultural Specialist will perform the following tasks.

• Formulate and develop programme activities and project proposals that will promote sustainable use of mountain farming resources and enhance the national/local capacity for balanced development of mountain farming.
• Interact and collaborate with relevant national, regional, international and donor institutions in developing collaborative programmes in the field of sustainable mountain farming systems.
• Coordinate and manage programme activities of the division viz research, training and field activities; mobilize resources to support mountain farming systems activities; and provide overall team leadership for these activities.
• Work closely with the Director General, Director of Programmes, and other staff in the overall planning, management and development of ICIMOD as a vibrant integrated mountain development knowledge Centre providing significant value to people of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region.
• Act as focal point for mountain farming systems in ICIMOD and the HKH; establish and maintain a network of institutions and experts in the field of mountain farming systems throughout the HKH and, where relevant, beyond.
• Carry out and manage literature review and field research to maintain leadership in acquiring and effectively communicating knowledge about the mountain farming systems.
• Collect, analyze, and assess documentation and information on mountain farming systems and ensure that ICIMOD’s Documentation Centre has (access to) major references on the subject.
• Ensure full and effective use of MFS staff resources and undertake annual reviews of staff performance.
• Provide advisory services in the field of sustainable mountain farming systems through

-Correspondence (including electronic correspondence)
-direct contact with visitors to ICIMOD
-visits to HKH countries and field projects
-identifying qualified professionals from network institutions
-training and mentoring

• Work as a team player within ICIMOD to support other activities and promote institutional goals.

Within the overall framework of the Centre's Programme (RCP-II) the Senior Agricultural Specialist will

• take primary responsibility for activities on Analysis of Problems and Issues of Marginal Farms and Empirical Data on the HKH Agriculture (Activity 1.1/3) and Regional Training on Sustainable Mountain Agriculture (Activity 17)
• contribute substantially to activities on Improved Soil, Water, and Nutrient Management Options for Marginal Farms (Activity 1.2); Income Generating Options for Marginal Farms (Activity 1.3); Conservation of Bio-diversity in Mountain Ecosystems (Activity 16); Regional Training on Gender and Organizational Development for Sustainable Mountain Land Use (Activity 18); and Policies for Sustainable Mountain Development (Activity 6).

Minimum qualifications required:

• Ph.D. or equivalent academic background in agricultural sciences, preferably in mountain farming systems.
• 8 years of work experience in farming systems' research, of which part, preferably, has been gained in the HKH region.
• Record of publications in related subjects.
• Experience in managing and working with multidisciplinary, teams, particularly with international/regional agencies; capacity for intellectual leadership and skill in working with colleagues and collaborators of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to prepare project proposals, progress reports, etc. for submission to ICIMOD sponsors; skill in project planning, negotiation and assessment.

Others

• Computer Literacy: word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical packages required.
• Internet Literacy: email, internet search, participation in list-serves or electronic conferences.
• Language Skills: demonstrated ability to speak and write professionally, fluently and grammatically in English; knowledge of other regional HKH languages highly desirable.
• Health: physically fit to undertake frequent travel to remote and difficult mountainous regions.
• Commitment: demonstrated commitment to mountain peoples and environments.

Duration

3 years, of which the first year is probational, and subject to future funding levels of ICIMOD. Starting date is April 2001, or as early as possible.

Remuneration

Salaries and benefits are based on a modified UN system at level equivalent to P2 or P3 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Gender and Equity Policy

Qualified and eligible women candidates and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. ICIMOD implements a gender fair policy and is supportive of working women. It operates a day-care Centre at the campus and a Gender Resource Centre and is committed to gender mainstreaming at the organizational and programmatic levels.