The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym,Through strong science and effective partnerships, we create, share, and use knowledge and agricultural technologies to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems, and sustain natural resources in developing countries. We participate in an extensive global network of people and organizations who share similar research and development goals, including the public and private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, farmers, and the development
assistance community.
The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
Summary of responsibilities:
Lead market intelligence research to engage with breeding programs (CGIAR, NARS, private sector) on:
Consumer preferences for fresh and processed foods derived from cereal crops.
Strategies and needs of cereal processing industry strategies (and implications for raw material sourcing).
Cereal seed retail markets.
Trends in food markets and implications for cereal processors and farmers.
Support the capacity development of CIMMYT’s partners in the region, including seed companies, extension programs, and national agricultural research centers, in areas related to market intelligence.
Engage local stakeholders (seed companies, breeding teams, NGOs) on strategies, policies, and research needed to inform breeding design and investments in East Africa and beyond through workshops, briefs, and periodic one-on-one engagements.
Engage staff from CIMMYT, NARS, NGOs, and seed companies in the region to understand plant breeding, seed production, and seed distribution, as input for designing a stronger client orientation by social science in its seed systems agenda.
Support regional efforts to mobilize resources to expand R4D agenda on seed systems and related areas of work.
Requirements:
MSc. degree in marketing (research), business management, food science and technology, agribusiness, or similar field with at least ten years of relevant experience in the private or public sector.
Track record of quality technical reports.
Experience in research looking at consumer preferences, food processing, product development, food marketing.
Demonstrated ability to excel in complex multidisciplinary research or development projects.
Good partnership building skills, including the ability to interact with private sector; deliver effectively; and moderate meetings with local partners.
A high degree of personal organization and ability to work under pressure.
Personal attributes and competencies
Proactivity, Problem Solving and Decision-making, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and Teamwork.
Strong analytical skills and ability to process both quantitative as well as qualitative information.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including gender sensitivity and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams as well as to develop strong and effective working relationships with partners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
