Database Manager, Genetic Resources Centre (Ref: DDG-R4D/DM/GRC/02/14)

Database Manager, Genetic Resources Centre (Ref: DDG-R4D/DM/GRC/02/14)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Database Manager, Genetic Resources Centre.
IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization
established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical regions of the world. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a premier research institution in Africa. It is the home of a major genebank for staple crops of sub Saharan Africa, part of the Genetic Resources Centre (GRC) of IITA at its headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria. GRC collects, conserves, characterises, documents and distributes accessions of important clonal (cassava, yam, banana and plantain) and seed (cowpea, maize, soybean, other legumes) crops to all those around the world who request them for breeding and research.
A major aspect of the work of GRC is to effectively document the collection of germplasm (georeferencing etc) and to bring this together with agro-morpohological and molecular characterisation and other data in a way which is accessible, user friendly and can be easily integrated with other databases across the Institute and beyond
Position/Responsibilities
The tasks of the Database Manager, Genetic Resources Centre will include:

• Assists in conducting needs analysis for the development of new databases and/or the modification of existing databases.
• Expands on the current databases specification to develop a final set of database specifications that is to the satisfaction of the GRC.
• Designs, develops and maintains web-based business processes and database applications.
• Ensures that the interface to databases is as user friendly as possible and processes are streamlined.
• Provides a high quality, first line support service to users, both within HQ and to external remote users.
• Provides organized and step-by-step system documentation of the database application.
• Provides training, workshops and appropriate documentation for database users.
• Provides support in databases and information systems, particularly with breeding data management system.
• Provides support in the implementation of IITA data management system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a degree in Computer Sciences or related field.
Core Competencies

• Five (5) years relevant work experience in database programming and analysis.
• Familiarity with networking and application distribution and system documentation.
• Strong MS SQL Server skills, and experience in migrating data.
• Experience in structured online relational database design and implementation.
• Experience with Rich Internal Applications such as Java Script, AJAX, IDE, agile software development, in addition to MySQL and Spring Framework.
• Excellent communication skills in English, oral and written.
• Ability to write concise and accurate technical instructions throughout program development.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills.

Duty station: Ibadan, Nigeria.
General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.
Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application
Closing Date: 28th February 2014

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.