Scientist – Integrated Crop and Livestock Systems
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.
ICBA is looking for a dynamic and results oriented Scientist – Integrated crop livestock systems , who will be a member of the Crop Diversification and Genetics (CDG) section and a team member of the Directorate of Program, leading integrated crop, forage, livestock and farming systems related research and development activities and projects across the directorate's two sections, CDG and Sustainable Natural Resources Management (SNRM).
His/her major role will be to attract research support through external funding by developing attractive project proposals and liaising with donors to secure potential financial support. The farming systems scientist will conduct applied research to select conventional and alternative food and feed crops adapted to environments with excessive salt, heat, and drought stress to support integrated crop -livestock production systems, feed systems and range land management, and will help external projects as required. The systems scientist will participate in developing technology packages, including the best crop – forage management systems and operations that optimize nutrient use in arid and arid-saline soils and saline water resources. The incumbent will lead ICBA at various forums as needed to represent the center at national and international levels.
- Strategic planning, designing and implementing advanced integrated crop -livestock, forage and range land farming systems strategies focused on optimizing crop, forage and livestock productivity in arid, saline, and stress-prone areas within the mandate of ICBA.
- Identify funding opportunities and lead the preparation of projects and proposals for submission including preparing the technical and financial components as well as identifying and liaising with potential national, regional and international partners.
- Leading systems research initiatives, conducting field and feed trials, and analyzing data to evaluate new food and fodder crop varieties and optimize crop- livestock interactions, and agronomic practices.
- Lead research on fodder and rangeland crops in arid and saline environments to support the livestock feed systems, climate resilient livestock production.
- Develop strategic partnerships with national, regional, and international organizations working on food, fodder and livestock systems
- Utilizing precision agriculture technologies and statistical methods to analyze field data, interpret results, and provide actionable insights and reports to program leaders, the Chief Scientist, and the management.
- Training, mentoring, and supporting junior field staff, students, and interns, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, farmers, and industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
- Interact and associate with other research programs for multidisciplinary research activities and participate as a team player in developing technical reports, extension materials, and publications in refereed journals.
- Assess the productivity, profitability, sustainability and environmental impacts of integrated crop-livestock systems using appropriate biophysical and socioeconomic indicators.
- Participate as needed and contribute to training programs, conferences, forums, media, ICBA publications and other appropriate fora as and when required to present ICBA innovations and increase its visibility.
- Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor and management as per the requirements.
Essential:
- PhD in Agronomy, Agricultural Systems, Forage agronomy subject from a recognized University
- At least 5 years of post-PhD international work experience in integrated crop-livestock systems, cropping and farming systems, or related research Proven publication record in refereed journals
- Proven ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research and to obtain external grant funding
- Team player to work in a multi-cultural environment
- Fluency in written and spoken English, and well-developed presentation, negotiation and public speaking skills.
- Experience in statistics and database management
Desirable:
- Experience in crop, forage and farming systems modeling
- Experience on fodder, rangeland cropping and livestock feed system in water scarce environments
- Additional language skills like Arabic are highly desirable
- Experience in resource mobilization, project management or development projects.
- Experience working with national agricultural research systems or development agencies.