Senior Research Associate

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About the Organization

The International Potato Center (CIP) is a global, non-profit research organization that works to improve food security, nutrition, and incomes in developing countries through research and innovation in root and tuber crops—primarily potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Job Description

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a highly motivated, field-oriented, and experienced Senior Research Associate to support a dynamic potato development initiative in Haryana. The successful candidate will be based in Karnal, Haryana and will be responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring field-level agronomic activities within Haryana along with team management.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful agricultural research and development aimed at improving food security and livelihoods in the region.

The position requires a strong background in potato seed systems and agricultural practices along with managerial skills. Practical expertise in pot-harvest management, pest and disease management, and potato production is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to prepare and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials effectively.

The role includes strategic thinking and the ability to work collaboratively with farmers, government departments and internal project teams. While the role will primarily focus on agronomic duties, the selected candidate will also be expected to take on a wide range of responsibilities ensuring flexible and effective execution of activities as per project needs. Practical expertise in seed storage, pest and disease management, and potato production is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to prepare and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials effectively.

Language: The candidate must be fluent in Hindi to conversate with farmers, with advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all field-level activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Oversee and guide field teams in the identification, engagement, and mobilization of farmers, facilitating the formation of well-structured production clusters for both table and processing potato varieties.

• Provide strategic leadership in delivering hands-on training and technical guidance to farmers, public institutions, and private sector partners on best practices for sustainable potato production.
• Supervise the design and implementation of varietal demonstrations and agronomic trials, ensuring consistent quality and promoting widespread adoption of improved practices among farmers.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with the Department of Horticulture (DoH), HAU/KVK teams, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination and successful project implementation.
• Lead the development and delivery of capacity-building programs for both farmers and trainers (DoH/HAU personnel), covering key areas such as agronomy, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), post-harvest handling, and value addition.
• Manage monitoring systems and reporting protocols to ensure accurate documentation of field activities, oversee data collection processes, and contribute to the creation of knowledge products and learning resources.
• Mentor and support field staff, encouraging a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning within the implementation team.​

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• PhD degree in agriculture sciences / Agronomy / Horticulture or related fields.

                     OR

• Master’s degree in agriculture sciences / Agronomy / Horticulture or related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of experience (for PhD holders) or 8 years of experience (for Master’s degree holders) in quality potato seed production with seed or potato processing companies at the farm level along with managerial experience.

Language:

• The candidate must be fluent in Hindi to conversate with farmers, with advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

Specialization:

• Strong expertise in integrated potato crop management practices.
• Proven experience in setting up and managing demonstration plots and farmer-led field trials.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to undertake a variety of tasks and travel extensively across project locations.
• Team Management experience

• For more information please check the Link

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