Assistant for Statistical Services Support and Data Management
The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (www.ciat.cgiar.org [1]) works to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. CIAT is a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org [2]), a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. The Center’s research focuses on increasing productivity of key crops (cassava, common bean, rice, and tropical forages), reversing soil and land degradation, and using information to foster better decisions about issues such as climate change and environmental management. Headquartered near Cali, Colombia, CIAT has regional offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Hanoi, Vietnam, with staff posted in other developing countries as well.
CIAT has worked for more than two decades in Southeast Asia on crops and systems research to improve farmer’s livelihood through more efficient and sustainable agriculture and livestock production. Currently, CIAT-Asia focuses on three science themes, including “Cassava value chains”, “Forages and Livestock” and “Systems and landscapes”. In addition, several crosscutting initiatives are being implemented such as climate change, value chains, and food systems research. Current project activities are implemented in Cambodia, China, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Furthermore, new research initiatives are foreseen for Myanmar and India.
The CIAT regional office in Hanoi is searching for an experienced Assistant in Statistic/Biometrics, to provide support and advice to a growing team of scientists on proper experimental design, data quality control, and statistical analysis. Statistical advisory at the research planning stage is required to ensure that the proposed research is designed to adequately address the core objective / hypothesis, identify best practices for data collection and management, assure computational capacity to process data and analyze the results. Support at the data analysis stage will be key to apply suitable statistical methods, use of appropriate statistical software, warrant that reliable and evidence-based conclusions can be drawn from the analysis, and ensure best-practice presentation of results. Furthermore, candidates with prior experience in research information and data management will be given preference.
The position is available for a Vietnamese National and is based in Hanoi.
Responsibilities
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Provide consistent statistical backstopping through the full research cycle from design, analysis to publication to a team of multidisciplinary scientists at CIAT Asia headquarters and regional offices.
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Contribute to the development and use of standard procedures for data capture, storage, processing and reporting for experiments that are widely applied.
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Implement and support in-house capacity building in statistical analysis and the use of statistical programs.
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Investigate and provide statistical expertise about new methods, tools and approaches demanded by CIAT-Asia research staff, in coordination with other statisticians / data scientists in CIAT.
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Provide assistance in presentation of results including graphical representation and visualization of data and contribute to scientific article publications.
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Participate in relevant CIAT-Asia activities such as project planning meetings, results-sharing workshop, among others.
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Contribute to the creation of a research quality system that sets up processes, protocols, and policies to maintain and improve the quality of research.
Additional responsibilities:
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Contribute to development and maintenance of research and information databases.
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Conduct extensive literature review exercises with regards to key metrics relating to agriculture and farmer livelihoods in the region
Requirements
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MSc. degree in Statistics, Biometrics or similar field with a strong background in statistical analysis. A strong background in computing and database development/maintenance is an added advantage.
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At least 3-4 years of experience in statistical applications or support. Although, candidates with lesser experience may also be considered.
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Knowledge of and familiarity with a variety of common statistical designs and analytical methods, including in crop and livestock sciences, agricultural economics, environmental sciences and/or participatory research.
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Knowledge of and familiarity with relevant data management tools is an added advantage
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Skilled in handling data, including big and complex data sets.
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Experience with statistical packages, preferably free or open source.
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Excellent English communication skills (speaking and writing). Proficiency in local languages of the region will serve as an advantage.
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Demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams in a culturally diverse and inclusive work environment.
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Excellent communication and ability to communicate to a variety of audiences.
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The desire to learn and acquire new skills.
Terms of employment
The position is nationally recruited and will be based in Vietnam and report directly to Regional Program Management and the CIAT Data, information, Knowledge Group. The initial contract will be for one (1) year, subject to a probation period of three (3) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. CIAT is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality. Woman candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. All correspondence should be addressed to the CIAT Human Resources Office to Ms. Thuy Khuong ([email protected] [3]) and should clearly indicate “Assistant for Statistical Service Support and Data Management - Asia”. Closing date for applications: July 30, 2017.
For pre-application inquiries: contact Dharani Dhar Burra ([email protected] [4]) at CIAT Asia regional headquarters in Hanoi, and Leroy Mwanzia at CIAT headquarters ([email protected] [5]) in Cali, Colombia.
We invite you to learn more about us at: http://www.ciat.cgiar.org [1]