CIFOR-ICRAF
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Within the Trees Theme, the Genetic Resources Unit is tasked on making available the necessary information on tree genetic resources as well as tree germplasm needed for the various research and development projects. It houses the Genebank that currently holds 195 tree species as seed collection and 85 species as field genebanks across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Genebank is one of the FAO-Plant Treaty Article 15 Genebanks, conserving the tree collection as global public goods. The genebank curator will play an important role to ensure the Genebank fulfils this role
Duties and responsibilities
- Lead and undertake relevant research on agroforestry tree seeds relating to their conservation and use. These include seed storage behaviors, longevity studies, germination dormancy breaking, seed vigour variability, genetic integrity among seed lots, etc.
- Efficiently manage conservation of the AF tree collection according to all relevant international standards, while targeting the Genebank achievement of CGIAR Genebank Performance Targets.
- Ensure the maintenance of international quality management system (QMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for functional, technical and legal compliance.
- Develop and implement germplasm viability testing workplans while liaising with genebank database team on efficient curation and retrieval of germination test records.
- Tabulate and analyze germination tests while conforming to ISTA certified methods and techniques of seed testing.
- Develop and improve methods for seed dormancy breaking and pre-germination treatments.
- Liaise with genebank database team to plan for routine monitoring of viability of conserved germplasm.
Plan and follow up on multiplication and regeneration of collection accessions. - Liaise with partners and other Theme teams on acquisition of AF tree seeds to be added to Genebank collection.
- Plan and manage seed/seedlings characterization activities.
- Follow seed requests and ensure timely germplasm distribution in line with CIFOR-ICRAF Genetic Resources Policy.
- Contribute to the development of relevant donor reports.
- Lead the development of genebank research activities and outputs to publications for high impact journal as well as publicise the same to broad range of audiences in seminars, conferences, etc.
- Participate in resource mobilization for the Genebank and other Trees Theme projects.
- Design and supervise the Genebank workflows (including seed testing laboratory, database and germplasm health units) to ensure optimal staff engagement as per the annual workplans.
- Supervise interns and fellows attached to the Genebank
- Liaise with other CGIAR Genebanks’ communities of practice to ensure continuous integration of improved technology
- Liaise with national and international seed laboratories in refining and harmonizing agroforestry tree seed testing methods and operations in line with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)
- Contribute to Centre reports on genetic resources as requested by various bodies such as FAO-Treaty, CGIAR-IA etc.
- In collaboration with other teams, ensure the Genetic Resources Unit webpage is regularly updated with relevant AF tree information.
- Assist in the planning and preparation of genebank tours, seminars, workshops.
Education, knowledge and experience
•MSc specializing in seed science, seed technology or conservation ; Preferably with BSc in fields of Botany/Taxonomy.
•Five years’ experience working in a genebank or a busy seed testing laboratory, of which two years leading some of the key activities in the area.
•Evidence of leading recent publications on related seed science or conservation in high impact journals
•ISTA membership and engagement in its relevant committees are added advantage
Terms and conditions
•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR?ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
•The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya