(RFP301407) ASSISTANT I – GREENHOUSE TECHNICIAN TEMPORARY - (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ADVERT) , ARUSHA TANZANIA

ASSISTANT I – GREENHOUSE TECHNICIAN TEMPORARY - (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ADVERT)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve People's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

Assistant I- Green House Technician is responsible for supporting greenhouse operations by carrying out  crossing, planting, crop maintenance, seed harvesting and data recording to support the Bean Program. The incumbent ensures that greenhouse activities are conducted efficiently and according to established research protocols, contributing to successful development of improved bean varieties.

The Incumbent will support the implementation of greenhouse research activities by conducting controlled crosses, managing breeding materials, maintaining healthy plants, collecting and recording research data and ensuring the proper maintenance of greenhouse facilities. The Position contributes to achieving the objectives of Bean Breeding Program through accurate execution of crossing and Plant management activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Work Closely with Bean Breeders, research associates’ technicians and field assistants
  
• Collaborate with scientists in planning and implementing greenhouse crossing activities
  
• Support visiting researchers, interns and students during greenhouse experiments
  
• Coordinate with Laboratory, Field and seed management teams to ensure smooth workflow
  
• Participate in project meetings, training sessions and other research activities as assigned.
  
• Conduct crossing of common bean varieties to support breeding programs and genetic improvement.
  
• Select and prepare parent plants based on desired traits such as yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
  
• Assist in conducting and collecting necessary data for advanced breeding and seed multiplication at different locations.
  
• Manage greenhouse operations, including irrigation, pest and disease control, and sanitation practices.
  
• Collect, process, and store seeds from successful crosses following standard protocols
  
• Record experimental data systematically and assist in data analysis for breeding decisions.
  
• Assisting on Visiting fields regularly to monitor weeds, disease development, and insect growth.
  
• Collecting soil, tissue, and samples from fields for analysis.
  
• Assisting with research work and other project activities.
  
• Assist in field layout and mapping.
  
• Carry out any other duties that will be assigned by the supervisor.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Crop Science, Plant Science or a related field.
  
• Additional training in greenhouse management or plant breeding is an added advantage.
  
• At least 1-2 years of experience in greenhouse operations, agricultural research or crop production.
  
• Experience with Crossing of crops is highly desirable.
  
• Experience working in Plant breeding or agricultural research institution is added advantage
  
• Experience in data recording and seed handling is preferred
  

• Knowledge of Greenhouse management practices
  
• Knowledge of Crossing techniques in Beans or similar crops
  
• Ability to identify healthy plants and monitor crop growth
  
• Basic understanding of plant breeding and seed production
  
• Good record-keeping and data collection skills.
  
• Ability to safely handle agricultural equipment and greenhouse tools
  
• Knowledge of Pest and disease identification and management
  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details.
  
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team
  
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
  
• Physically fit and able to work in greenhouse conditions for extended periods.
  
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of research quality, safety and  environmental stewardship
  
  

Terms of employment

This position is a Temporary Position based in Arusha, Tanzania. The initial fixed contract will be for 6 Months.

The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference RFP301407 ASSISTANT I – GREENHOUSE TECHNICIAN TEMPORARY  as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date:19^th August 2026

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at:  

                                              http://alliancebioversityciat.org

Requirements

Benefits