The International Potato Center (CIP) has developed a novel approach that integrates research and development activities aimed at commercializing the Root and Tuber Crops (RTC) subsector (with focus on potato, sweetpotato and cassava). The goal is to increase the subsector’s contribution to food and nutrition security, incomes, job creation and economic growth in Malawi. Funded by the Embassy of Ireland to Malawi, the 4-year project namely ‘Market-led Transformation of the Root and Tuber Crops Subsector (RTC-MARKET)’ started on 1st May 2023 and planned to achieve this through four main objectives: (i) To develop and promote improved RTC varieties, technologies and knowledge to support commercial production, value addition and linkages to domestic and international markets; (ii) To enhance availability and access to quality RTC seed and other inputs; (iii) To increase production of quality RTCs for domestic and export markets and food and nutrition security; and (iv) To increase private sector investment and capacity in commercial processing and marketing of quality RTC value added products for domestic and export markets.

To accomplish its deliverables, CIP seeks to engage the services of an experienced Agronomist consultant who has an experience in market/business development model to review and fine-tune the model for driving RTC commercialisation as per project focus and, accordingly, develop a comprehensive framework for monitoring and evaluation of transformation and commercialisation of the RTC-subsector

Objective

In executing this assignment, the consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:

• Work together with Government Research Stations to ensure seed production of different classes of potato and sweetpotato seed under containment
• Support project partners in the establishment and harvest of on-farm seed and root production demonstration plot
• Provide partners with technical support for the establishing and monitoring of seed multiplication sites/fields and production of roots and tubers
• Support the Project Manager in key activities such as budgeting and report writing
• Supervise field technicians in their duties, perform any other duties as assigned by Project Manager and Associate Scientist such as representing organization at various functions deemed important
• Conduct and collect data from trials on sweetpotato technology development
• Seed dissemination to beneficiaries
• Analyze trial data and draft reports and publication papers
• Contribute to development, implementation and evaluation of joint technology packages at study plots.
• Develop training materials, protocols and technical content sweetpotato technologies.
• Training of trainers and farmers on seed multiplication and root production
• Conduct participatory technology evaluations to assess technology adaptation needs.

Deliverables

• Conduct and collect data from trials on sweetpotato technology development, farmers and markets.
• Analyze trial data and draft reports and publication papers.
• Prepare training materials and protocols for seed and root producers.
• Training of trainers and farmers on seed multiplication and root production.
• Monitor seed multipliers and facilitate registration with SSU and inspection.
• Identify demo sites, demo farmers, plant demos and trials.
• Dissemination of seed to multipliers and producers.
• Summarize existing data and jointly draft a peer reviewed paper.
• Final report of deliverables.

Selection Criteria

• MSc degree in Agronomy, or related field
• Demonstrated experience participatory research and extension approaches, multi-stakeholder approaches,
• At least 6 years of post-MSc work experience in agricultural research for development
• Experience working in CGIAR consortium projects will be an added advantage,
• Skill in report writing
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills in English

Time frame

• The successful Candidate(s) will be placed on roster and will remain eligible for consideration for a period of 12 months, after which their status may be reviewed based on the needs of CIP. Roster placement does not guarantee employment but ensures that the candidate will be considered for relevant, similar openings during the roster period.

Conditions: This is a national consultancy position limited to Malawi nationals and permanent residents only.