The International Potato Center (CIP) works with partners to achieve food security, well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems in the developing world. We do this through research and innovation in science, technology, and capacity strengthening.

Job Summary

CIP is seeking to recruit a Sweetpotato Seed Specialist to be based in Kumasi, Ghana. The Sweetpotato Seed Specialist will work with partners to strengthen sweetpotato seed systems in important production regions of Ghana. The Seed Specialist will also assist with a yam bean seed program. The position will be under the supervision of the resident CIP scientist.

Specific duties will include:

•   With partners, multiply and maintain breeder/foundation seed of selected released varieties and advanced materials at primary multiplication sites at CSIR-CRI, CSIR–SARI, and satellite locations.
•   Work with partners to establish and maintain secondary multiplication sites for Apomuden and other recently released and pre-release varieties at target locations in the Central, Volta, Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions of Ghana.
•   Conduct research and demonstration to evaluate the benefits of multiplying pathogen-tested planting material in net tunnels and to evaluate yield gains that may be achieve through the use of pathogen-tested planting material in contrast to non-pathogen-tested, field derived planting material.
•   Conduct research and demonstration to evaluate the potential for using the storage root conservation (triple-S system) in Ghana, both on station and on-farm, in partnership with development partners.
•   Assist to maintain in vitro, screen house and field germplasm and breeding material collections in order to ensure rational and timely production of adequate quantities of healthy planting material for trials.
•   Assist with clean up using tissue culture, thermotherapy and virus indexing of selected Ghanaian sweetpotato varieties, advanced lines and germplasm.
•   Assist with all aspects of yam bean (Pachyrhizus) work in Ghana.
•   Work with partners in selected countries in the region on an occasional basis to implement similar programs and studies to duties outlined above for Ghana

Qualification Required & Experience

The successful candidate should have or be:

•   Masters degree or equivalent in Plant Sciences
•   Previous experience in areas of responsibility
•   Knowledge of improvement in clonally propagated crop systems
•   Hard working team member capable of working with diverse partners to deliver results on time
•   Competence in statistical analysis and data management.
•   Organized, innovative, and clear thinking individual able to communicate well orally and verbally
•   Eager to learn new skills and to contribute to program and team success
•   Competent driver with current valid driving licence
•   Ability to work independently and to take initiative when sorting out problem issues.
•   Knowledge of French highly desirable

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position under the supervision of a CIP scientist at the Crops Research Institute in Kumasi, Ghana and is on a 2-year renewable contract.

Location: Kumasi

How To Apply For The Job

Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest and expectations for the position, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details (Telephone, E-mail) of three professional referees to

Ted Carey
International Potato Centre, (CIP)
c/o CSIR-CRI
P.O. Box 3785
Kumasi, Ghana.
Telephone: +233-546-938-599;

e-mail: e.carey@cgiar.org

Closing Date: 30 June, 2013

•   Only short listed candidates will be contacted
•   To find out more about CIP, visit our website at http://www.cipotato.org
•   We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage women to apply for this position.