Position of Research Associate
Project on Under utilized Crops in Southern African Farming Systems
Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for
Southern Africa (CCARDESA), Botswana
and the Crops for the Future Research Centre, (CFFRC), Malaysia.

Description

The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for
Southern Africa (CCARDESA) and Crops for the Future Research Centre
(CFFRC) are currently undertaking a major research programme on the role
of underutilised crops in southern African farming systems. National
desk surveys employing secondary source data are currently underway in
14 member states of SADC. The desk surveys involve the compilation of
data at national and provincial level concerning the use of
underutilised (Orphan, Indigenous, alternative) crops within each area.
This study is being undertaken with a view to exploring the wider
potential of these crops to address social and economic needs in the
SADC region. The next phase of the research will involve the compilation
of a synthesis document which will summarise the findings of the
national studies and outline recommendations for future private and
public interventions and research concerning underutilised crops in the
region. In order to undertake this work CARDESA and CFFRC wish to
appoint a suitably qualified research associate to work alongside staff
from CFFRC and CCARDESA on the compilation of this document. Based for
part of the period of the appointment the CFFRC headquarters at the
University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus and part in Southern Africa,
the research associate will have a background in agricultural science,
agri-business or development studies at doctoral level and possess a
track record in policy and scientific research writing. International
experience in sub-Saharan Africa working with interdisciplinary research
teams is desirable. Beside assisting in the development and drafting of
the synthesis document the research associate will also contribute to
academic papers and applications for further funding based on the work
undertaken to date. The position offers an opportunity to suitably
qualified candidates to undertake work which will make a significant
contribution to an international, multidisciplinary research programme.
The programme of work will involve:

a) Liaising with staff of CFFRC and CCARDESA and national researchers in
the preparation and hosting of a research workshop to be held in August,
2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
b) Assisting in the design and contributing to the drafting of a
detailed synthesis document incorporating the knowledge generated
through the national surveys concerning the cultivation, use and trade
of underutilised crops across southern African.
c) Collaborating on the development of academic research papers based on
the project.
d) Identifying potential sources of funding and assisting in the
preparation of funding applications on behalf of CCARDESA and CFFRC.

The duration of the role is expected to be not less than four and not
more than six months and may be suitable as a postdoctoral or sabbatical
leave or exchange opportunity. Renumeration is negotiable.

This is a very valuable opportunity for suitably qualified researchers
and we look forward to working with the successful candidate on this
important aspect of southern African agriculture.
Requirements
 Candidates must possess a post graduate research qualification in
agricultural sciences, agri-business, development or related fields.
 Experience in multi-country interdisciplinary projects in Africa.
 A track record in producing high quality policy and research documents.
 Excellent organizing and planning skills.
 Excellent communication (written, oral) skills.
 Computer literate.
 Resourceful and able to work under minimum supervision.
 Able to maintain strict confidentiality and interact professionally
with all levels of management and personnel.

Interested candidates are invited to write in with full curriculum vitae
and contact number to:
Prof Sue Walker (CropBase Research Programme Director)
E-mail: [log in to unmask]

Dr Patrick O’Reilly (Research Theme Co-Ordinator (Social, Economic and
Policy Research)
[log in to unmask]>

Or

Dr Simon Mwale
Email: [log in to unmask]

Crops for the Future Research Centre (CFFRC)
http://www.nottingham.edu.my/CFFRC/index.aspx
Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for
Southern Africa (CCARDESA) http://www.ccardesa.org/