The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit one (01) dynamic and experienced Research
Associate – Agronomist to support field activities and contribute to the implementation of the EU
funded project “Ensemble, travaillons pour lutter contre la faim dans le Sud (MIRAIKA)”. The project
aims to strengthen food and nutrition security and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities
and institutions across the Great Southof Madagascar, including the districts of Amboasary,
Ambovombe, Antanimora, Betroka, Beloha, Tshihombe, and Bekily.
About CIP
CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is
dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 15
CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and
regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations, and the
private sector.
About the role
The Research Associate – Agronomist will provide technical and operational support to project
implementation, focusing on agricultural extension, training, field coordination, and monitoring of
sweetpotato-based interventions. The successful candidate will work closely with partners, farmers,
and local stakeholders to promote improved production, post-harvest handling, and value addition
practices.
The position is based in Ambovombe, Madagascar, and reports to the Project Coordinator /
Nutritionist.
Key responsibilities
• Train partners and beneficiaries on good agricultural practices for sweetpotato production,
including pest and disease management
• Deliver training on post-harvest handling, storage, and processing of sweetpotato roots
• Support logistics and administrative activities to ensure effective distribution of sweetpotato
vines and small-scale processing equipment
• Facilitate the establishment and management of demonstration plots and organize field days
• Strengthening linkages between vine multipliers and potential buyers to enhance market
access
• Monitor and provide technical backstopping to project partners and beneficiaries
• Develop training materials, tools, and data collection templates
• Collect, analyze, and report project data to support monitoring, evaluation, and learning
• Support the design and implementation of surveys, studies, and awareness campaigns
• Represent CIP at local and regional workshops, meetings, and coordination forums
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local and regional authorities and
stakeholders
• Ensure risks are identified and managed in all assigned activities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Coordinator in line with the project work plan
Requirements
What are we looking for?
• Master's degree in Agriculture, Biology, or a related field
• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience
• Strong knowledge of agriculture systems in Madagascar, with proven field experience
• Experience in agricultural extension, farmer training, and working with smallholder farmers
• Experience designing training tools and delivering participatory capacity-building programs
• Knowledge of sweetpotato production systems preferred
• Experience implementing gender-responsive interventions is an advantage
• Understanding of agricultural value chains, including processing and market systems
• Strong planning, organizational, and coordination skills
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities
• High integrity, accountability, and problem-solving mindset
• Ability to work in challenging field conditions and under pressure
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital tools
• Excellent written and spoken French and Malagasy
• Working knowledge of English required
Benefits
Why should you consider this opportunity?
• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D
background, a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our
Orange Flesh Sweetpotato work in Africa
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity
for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in
developing countries and supported by more than 50 donor members
What are we offering?
• Compensation package commensurate with experience
• Initial fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance
and availability of funds
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace
• ANY OFFER MADE WITH REGARD TO THIS VACANCY IS CONDITIONAL TO THE FORMAL AWARD
OF THE AFORE-MENTIONED GRANT
How to apply?
Visit the following link: (
http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/
) to apply. The deadline for the receipt of
applications is February 27, 2026. Please note that while all applications are reviewed by our team,
only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited
to Madagascar nationals and permanent residents only.
This position will have contact with children or vulnerable adults
Learn more about CIP by accessing our website at
http://www.cipotato.org
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals are particularly
encouraged to apply
