Job Description

GRADUATE TRAINEE – RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The organization invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the position of Graduate Trainee – Research and Development. Reporting to Head Operations, the incumbent will be responsible for procurement of breeders’ seed, multiplication, and development of foundation seed to meet seed production requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the Graduate Trainee shall include but not limited to: -

• Procurement of breeders and foundation seed from Breeding Institutions as per production plans and budgets
• Contracting and managing foundation seed multiplication on farms in order to deliver quality seed to meet production requirements.
• Enforcing the SEED ACT and CERTIFICATION SCHEME NOTICE 2000 following these critical operations;
a. Grower recruitment
b. Field selection
c. Land preparation
d. Planting
e. Fertilizer application
f. Weed control
g. Pest and disease identification and control
h. Roguing and detasselling
i. Male and female synchronization
j. Male parent removal
k. Irrigation
l. Harvesting and on-farm grading (cob sorting)
m. Seed delivery.
• Multiplication of adequate parent material of all seed crops marketed by ARDA.
• Planning the multiplication of all parent material for crop seeds in liaison with production, marketing and other relevant departments.
• Provision of the critical information required by production department regarding certified seed multiplication.
• Initiating a crop breeding program and evaluating crop varieties for possible release.
• In liaison with marketing department, develop agronomic information regarding varieties being marketed by ARDA.
• Prepare and implement weekly itinerary and action plans for effective monitoring of foundation seed crops in the field.
• Implement Quality Management System to ensure continuous improvement for the company.
• Evaluate distinctiveness, uniformity and standability (DUS) of breeder and foundation seed to ensure purity.
• Any other duties as assigned by appropriate superiors.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Breeding or equivalent

Attributes
• Must demonstrate technical competence.
• Strong people management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Result oriented, Innovative, Analytical and an excellent team player.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to work with minimum supervision.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their Application Letters clearly indicating the position applied for together with detailed Curriculum Vitae and Certified Copies of Certificates by not later than the 04 March 2024 to:[email protected]