Scientific Database Specialist

Organization

ICARDA is a non-profit international agricultural research center in a worldwide consortium of 16 centers, supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the United Nations Development Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). With a staff of over 400 scientists and support personnel, representing more than 40 nationalities, ICARDA addresses two key areas of agricultural research: germplasm improvement (cereals and legumes) and natural resource management. The Center has a global mandate for barley, lentil and faba bean improvement, and a regional mandate for the improvement of wheat, chickpea and forage and pasture legumes. A major emphasis is placed on the conservation and management of land and water management, and improved productivity of small ruminants in integrated farming systems in dry areas. The Centers research and training programs are implemented in partnership with national programs and, in most cases, with other CGIAR centers as well as advanced research institutes in both developing and industrialized countries.

The Position

ICARDA is an intensive user of information technology particularly for its research work. A number of scientific databases have already been developed and implemented in the center but more are planned for the future. The center has a state of the art information technology infrastructure and facilities. The incumbent will be on the staff of the Computer and Biometrics Services Unit but will report jointly to the Computer and Biometrics Services Unit Head and the Manager of the Agroecological Characterization Project, Natural Resources Management Program.

The incumbent responsibilities will include:


Development of requirements specifications, analysis and design of scientific database information systems using standard methodologies, in close collaboration with end users.

Applications software development including tables design, forms and reports, testing and implementation of above systems according to ICARDA standards and best IT practices.

Maintenance (including tuning to improve response time), Web-enabling, administration (including security and user access rights), data uploading and upgrading of existing and future scientific information systems including the Meteorology Database, Soil Database and other databases of special interest to the Agro-ecological Characterization Project.

Web enabling of the information from databases and data access in various formats and linking to the ICARDA Intranet and Internet website.

Provision of training and development of documentation for users.

Required Qualifications

B.Sc. in Computer Science or a related quantitative field. Advanced degree desirable.

Professional training in systems analysis and design, database design, administration and programming including web-based application systems.

Minimum of eight years experience in software development, including at least three years experience in systems analysis, and design and implementation of information systems using Oracle Database and other DBMS (Access, SQL Server) technology based on the web. Experience in the development of scientifc databases will be specially advantageous.

Experience in one or more of the following is essential: Java, C++, JavaScript, VBScript, SQL, XML. Knowledge of Windows operating systems and Microsoft IIS is also essential. Experience in other programming languages such as Fortran will be an advantage. Full command of written and spoken English.

Terms of Appointment

The appointment will be for an initial period of two years, renewable thereafter on an annual basis. The salary is paid in US dollars. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, dependent education allowance, vehicle for business and personal use.

Application

Qualified applicants are invited to send:

1) a cover letter of interest, including recent salary history,

2) curriculum vitae,

3) names, addresses, fax and e-mail numbers of three professional referees, and

4) photocopies (non-returnable) of other relevant supporting documents,

to:

Personnel Office

ICARDA,
P.O. Box 5466,
Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012

Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622

E-mail:
ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG

Note: If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.

REFERENCE:
Quote INT/8364/02 on the application (or in the subject line if applying by e-mail).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 28th February 2002.

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.