The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are seeking to fill the position of Research Technician – DCP – CIMMYT, based in Alupe, Kenya. This position is part of the CIMMYT dryland legumes and cereals breeding programs and is designed for a professional with strong technical and administrative abilities in field research management.

CIFOR and ICRAF are global research institutions dedicated to advancing science and evidence that address critical global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity, and energy shortages. Their mission focuses on creating a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes contribute positively to the environment and human well-being. With a combined experience of more than 65 years, the two organizations are at the forefront of agroforestry and forestry research. They apply a multidisciplinary approach to improve livelihoods, safeguard ecosystems, and shape global policy and practice.

As members of CGIAR, a global partnership for food security, CIFOR and ICRAF are aligned with the mission of reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and sustainably managing natural resources. This vacancy represents an opportunity for qualified professionals to join a high-impact team dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainable development.

The Research Technician – DCP – CIMMYT will be a key contributor to dryland legumes (groundnut, chickpea, and pigeon pea) and cereals (sorghum and millets) breeding programs. The role involves both technical and administrative responsibilities, ensuring that activities, projects, and initiatives are implemented effectively and efficiently. The position demands a strong background in crop protection, agronomy, or related agricultural sciences, along with practical experience in research trial management.

The successful candidate will provide critical support in managing phenotyping nurseries and trials, organizing and processing data, supervising field staff, and liaising with research partners.

The Research Technician will carry out a variety of responsibilities under the supervision of CIMMYT scientists and in collaboration with national agricultural research system (NARS) partners. These responsibilities can be categorized into four main areas: management of field trials, data collection and organization, supervision of labor, and coordination with partners.

One of the central responsibilities of this position is the planning, implementation, and management of phenotyping nurseries and experimental trials. This involves:

Through these responsibilities, the Research Technician will play a crucial role in the success of CIMMYT’s breeding programs by ensuring high-quality and reliable trial management.

Accurate data management is fundamental to agricultural research. The Research Technician will:

The technician’s contributions in this area will support the generation of robust datasets, which are vital for advancing breeding programs and scientific outputs.

The role includes responsibilities related to human resource management in field operations. Specifically, the Research Technician will:

This supervisory function ensures that fieldwork is performed efficiently and consistently while also contributing to capacity building within the project.

Beyond the core functions, the Research Technician will be expected to:

This flexibility is crucial in research environments where project demands may shift and evolve over time.

The position requires the following academic qualifications and professional expertise:

Interested candidates are invited to apply for this position before the application deadline of 21 September 2025. All applications will be acknowledged, though only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.