Job Vacancy: Research Assistant for the Tanzania Dairy Genetics Project

Applications are invited from qualified candidates for two positions of Research Assistants in the
AGRITT project Tanzania Dairy Genetics to be based in Rungwe and Lushoto for a period of 15
months. This project seeks to identify appropriate dairy genotypes for targeted smallholder farming
systems, as well as characterize avenues, including knowledge transfer processes, necessary to overcome
bottlenecks in uptake and application of dairy technologies. This will be done through application of
state-of-the-art genetic analysis systems to characterize the genetic composition of dairy cows and bulls
used in Tanzania. Additionally, ICT tools and systems will be developed to aid in collecting, and
analyzing the records of individual animals.
Suitably qualified candidates are asked to submit a hand written application letter accompanied by copies
of relevant academic certificates and a recent CV with names of at least two referees who have personal
knowledge of the applicant. The letter should be mailed to
Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Finance and Administration,
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST),
P.O. Box 447 Arusha,
TANZANIA.
Telephone: +255 272970003
Telefax: +255 272970016
Email: dvc-admin@nm-aist.ac.tz
To reach him not later than the 8
th
August 2014. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for
interview and will be required to produce their original academic and professional certificates.
Post Title: Research Assistant
Salary: Negotiable and commensurate with Qualification and experience
Duty Station: Lushoto (1 position), Rungwe (1 position)
Duration of Appointment: Fixed term of 15 months
Reporting to: Project Manager
Qualifications: Holder of BSc preferably in the field of Animal Sciences, Animal production or
veterinary Medicine; Persons with working knowledge of the Rungwe and
Lushoto smallholder farmers are particularly requested to apply.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Delivery of project objectives will require collection of hierarchical data from community, village, farm
and animal levels for an extended period of time (15 months).
The project seeks to engage one research assistant for each site who will be tasked with coordination,
collection and collation of data obtained in their respective sites. Specifically, the site coordinator will
undertake
1. Facilitate the identification of households and dairy cattle that meet set criteria
2. Supervise and participate in biological sample collection
3. Collect, and enter monitoring data multiple times from at least 100 households
4. Organize and facilitate focus group discussions amongst farmers
5. Liaise with extension staff working in their sites to facilitate delivery of feedback information