Manager Database development, Modelling and Mapping – FERARI
Current Job Openings –> Full Time –> Full Time Africa
Accra
ID: 20120765
Full-Time/Regular
Background
Over the past decade or so Ghana has embarked on an agenda to develop its fertilizer sector. Essential components to stimulate this development is the identification of the site and crop specific need for the amount and composition of plant nutrients, i.e. balanced fertilizers. This need for balanced fertilizers changes over time as well due to year-to-year weather variability and long-term changes in climate. Understanding the spatio-temporal drivers that determine the need for fertilizers calls for the application of various quantitate methodologies in agricultural science and excellent skills in programming and computer technology.
IFDC is leading a 5-year program that integrates research and educational in an implementation path, with the aim to transform the Ghanaian fertilizer sector for sustainable agricultural development. The transformation is driven by evidence-based agro-technical perspectives embedded in multi-stakeholder processes to create enabling conditions for adoption of appropriate balanced fertilizers by smallholder farmers.
Managing such a massive program is complex that requires a tool and well-functioning data management and quantitative analytical methods to ensure that the program is effective in targeting the required locations and intended people. The system should be able to arrive at scientifically solid crop- and site-specific fertilizer recommendations that are visualized for easy access by third a non-scientific audience.
Scope of work
Our FERARI program needs a highly qualified specialist/scientist on database management, crop and soil modelling and advanced statistical and spatial analyses, including the use of machine learning methods to lead our Modelling and Mapping team and in supervising undergraduate and graduate students. We are looking for a colleague with a BSc/MSc equivalent in computer and agricultural sciences with proven experience in development of advanced spatial methodologies in agriculture. This implies that the candidate should understand the importance of database integrity in terms of both efficiency and security, very good and practical excellence in the use of statistical and spatial analysis tools such as GIS and programming in software like ‘R’.
Key job responsibilities
- Excellent in Geographical Information System software use (ArcGIS, QGIS, e.tc.)
- Install server software
- Configure database servers
- Monitor and maintain system health and security
- Design backup processes for server and associated data
- Create accounts for all users and assign security levels
- Establish a disaster recovery protocol
- Provide end-to-end technical support and problem resolution
- Schedule and perform regular server maintenance
- Create database management procedures
- Evaluate data analysis models and procedures
- Participate in FERARIs cross-training program
- Ability to program or willingness to learn
- Supervise and train internal staff
- Provide technical assistance to support student thesis and dissertation
Application Procedure
Apply online by following the link provided. Please provide your motivation letter and CV in one document.
Closing date….
Duration of Assignment
One year with possible renewal depending on performance and availability of funds.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Required Experience
Qualifications
- A BSc/MSc degree or equivalent in computer and agricultural sciences
- At least 6 years of relevant working experience.
- Professional qualifications in addition to your academic training in the field of programming in agricultural sciences.
- Evidence of excellence in computer skills and development of leading applications in computer and agricultural sciences
- Proven abilities to supervise staff and undergraduate and graduate students.
- Pleasant and effective communication and writing skills
