Technical Assistant II at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The Technical Assistant II at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) will be responsible to assist in running greenhouse/field-based activities that feed into the program’s research outputs through data collection, sample collection and sample preparation for laboratory analysis. The successful candidate will also be directly responsible for the maintenance of vegetatively propagated materials maintained on ILRI Nairobi campus as a safety duplicate for the Genebank materials in ILRI Addis.

Key Responsibilities

Establishment and maintenance of field and greenhouse experiments including trial layout; land preparation; pot filling; planting; harvesting and routine maintenance (weeding, watering etc.),
Maintenance of a safety duplicate of vegetatively-propagated Genebank materials,
Collection of field data including but not limited to soil moisture determination, recording of plant growth parameters and disease symptoms.
Conducting seed viability and germination experiments,
Sample collection and preparation (drying, grinding, weighing etc.) in preparation for nutritional profiling.
General support on forage establishment.
Perform any other related duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

High school certificate (KCSE)
At least two years of experience in a similar position with hands-on knowledge in all essential field and green house procedures including but not limited to: soil sterilization and potting, planting and watering, pest control, collection of plant samples.
Knowledge on greenhouse procedures and plant propagation/maintenance,
Knowledge of trial layout and experimental design,
Basic knowledge on plant agronomy,
Basic knowledge on using sample preparation equipment including milling machines, oven driers etc.
Relevant training on working with plants and plants pathogens,
Familiarity with routine screen/greenhouse procedures.

Post location: This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment: This position is at job level HG8 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role, and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above on or before 19 September 2024. The position title and reference number REF: FFD/1561/2024should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.