Human Resources Office Dalia Bldg. 2nd Floor, Bashir El Kassar Street, Verdun Area, next to Arab Bank P.O. Box 114/5055 Postal Code 1108-2010 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961-1-813308/9 www.icarda.org

Date Palm Specialist Internationally Recruited Staff

Reports to: Assistant Director General, International Cooperation and Communications Location: Muscat-Sultanate of Oman

Closing date: 31 August, 2014

Main purpose of the position ICARDA is seeking a Date Palm Specialist to work in the center’s regional program on Development of Sustainable Date Palm (DP) Systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The program, financed by the GCC General Secretariat aims to develop DP production systems in GCC countries applying the latest approaches of modern science and technology. The project has three components: 1. Problem-Solving Research under the following themes: a. Propagation and Crop Management b. Crop Protection and Integrated Pest Management c. Post-Harvest, Marketing and Processing d. Biotechnology and Germplasm Conservation e. Information Technology 2. Technology Transfer 3. Capacity Building

About ICARDA The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization temporarily based in Beirut, Lebanon supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICARDA is committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research, and the equitable use of natural resources. For more details: www.icarda.org

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To provide research support and technical backstopping, to the project, strengthening national institutional and human resource capacity through training, regional networking and information dissemination to end-users as well as resource mobilization. To effectively and successfully manage and coordinate the project activities and conduct cooperative research at sites in the GCC countries of the Arabian Peninsula primarily with national scientists, and supported, when necessary, by other ICARDA scientists in the fields of irrigation management, agro-climatology, crop production and propagation, post harvesting and processing, biotechnology, information technology, crop protection and IPM and socioeconomics. Ensure the timely implementation of the project activities and achievement of its deliverables according to its annual work plans and budget. Plan for the projects Annual Coordination and Technical Meetings and serve as the secretary for the project’s Steering Committee Meetings. Timely submission of high quality progress reports (technical and financial) to donors, and efficiently manage the project financial resources according to the annual work plans and budgets.

IEA # 409

Human Resources Office Dalia Bldg. 2nd Floor, Bashir El Kassar Street, Verdun Area, next to Arab Bank P.O. Box 114/5055 Postal Code 1108-2010 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961-1-813308/9 www.icarda.org   

Work very closely with NARS institutions in GCC Countries to ensure the uptake and large scale adoption and impact of the project outputs, including the development of effective technology dissemination approach(s). Work very closely with ICARDA’s Regional Program for Arabian Peninsula, Research Programs and Support Units to ensure the quality and timely implementation of the project. Explore new partnership opportunities with NARS and international institutions to add value to the project implementation.

Education, qualifications and experience Earned Ph.D. in a relevant subject; a minimum of 10 years’ experience in date palm research and development; proven record of excellence in a relevant scientific domain; at least three years of international experience in a leadership position; ability to lead a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team; innovativeness and experience in the developing world; a track record in donor relations; fund raising and project development; excellent communication skills in English; good knowledge of Arabic preferred.

Terms of appointment, salary and benefits The initial contract will be for 3 years, of which the first year will be probationary period. Subsequent employment is decided based on the merit and productivity of the staff member, and continued need for the position.

How to apply Please apply online at www.icarda.org/iea/ by 31 August, 2014 We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from women. Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

IEA # 409