Nutritionist - Ref: 10-03/NUT/IRS/SSA

The Initiative: The Sweetpotato for Profit and Heath Initiative is a 10-year initiative for 17 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries launched by the International Potato Center (CIP) in October 2009, whose core vision is to reposition sweetpotato in African food economies, particularly in expanding urban markets, and to reduce child malnutrition and improve smallholder incomes and food security.  This Initiative provides a unique opportunity to engage in multi-disciplinary research to address issues of hunger, food security and malnutrition.  CIP is committed to pursuing a food systems approach when addressing the needs of rural or urban poor.  The development and promotion of adapted pro-vitamin A rich sweetpotato is a key component of the Initiative.  For further details on the Initiative, consult www.cipotato.org/sasha/docs.html.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes, sweetpotatoes, Andean root and tuber crops, and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru with staff and activities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its regional office in Africa is in Nairobi, Kenya.  CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 60 donor members.

The Position:  We are seeking an innovative, energetic scientist dedicated to quality field work to lead a unique action research project examining the effectiveness of a food-based approach using pro-vitamin A sweetpotato linked to improved public health services for pregnant women (75% of time allocation). The position requires coordinating an effective partnership with an international health NGO, local CBOs, and public sector health and agricultural staff.  Good quantitative skills are a must, and prior experience collecting dietary recall and biochemical indicators of vitamin A status are highly sought.  Experience in qualitative research methods, particularly in the area of understanding dietary practices and how to change behaviors, would also be a plus.  Approximately 25% of the position will be dedicated to backstopping nutrition surveys and formative research and intervention design in community nutrition in other SSA countries, including Malawi, Rwanda, and Ethiopia and with the potential for Mozambique, Ghana, and Angola (25% of time)

The scientist should be committed to using research for development in a complex cooperative environment of research and development partners.

The successful candidate will have:
• PhD in International Nutrition or Public Health or other related discipline with a strong nutrition minor;
• At least two years’ research experience in the design and implementation of household level or community studies in the developing world strongly preferred; relevant experience in Africa preferred.
• Demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships in collaborative project implementation and monitoring;
• A good publication record consistent with post-doctoral experience;
• Experience with survey data collection and management;
• Prior working experience in Africa preferred;
• Excellent social skills and a collaborative style;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Good working knowledge of Portuguese and/or French is preferred.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a four-year term with the possibility of renewal. CIP offers a range of benefits for this position in addition to exoneration from local income tax.

Applications: Applicants should only apply if available to fill the position by 1 May 2010 at the latest.  Please apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to cip-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 1 February 2010 and will continue until the post is filled.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.