M24217 Data Specialist-Agronomic Analytics and Modeling

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Data Specialist-Agronomic Analytics and Modeling, to implement and support the current processes of the SAS program.

The position will be based in India, Kenya, or Mexico depending on where the selected candidate is located.

Specific duties:

• Develop and implement best practices and protocols for data cleaning, analysis and modeling.

• Design and oversee the development of complex statistical models for agronomic data analysis.
• Implement machine learning and AI techniques to extract insights from large-scale agricultural datasets.
• Validate and refine models to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
• Lead the development of methodologies for calculating key agricultural KPIs, including:

○ Greenhouse Gas emissions

○ Soil health indices

○ Sustainable practice adoption rates

• Ensure alignment of KPI calculations with international standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with breeding data teams to integrate data-driven insights into agronomic analyses.
• Implement data governance practices to ensure data integrity and security.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of data pipelines and storage systems.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports on analytical findings to stakeholders.
• Develop data visualizations and dashboards to communicate complex information effectively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate analytical insights into actionable recommendations.
• Any other tasks requested by the supervisor.

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• The candidate must have Minimum 5 years of experience in leading data science teams, preferably in an agricultural or environmental context.
• Advanced level of English language (English test will be administered; candidate must score a minimum of C1 as per CEFR).
• The candidate must exhibit a strong background in statistical analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
• The candidate must exhibit proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, and SQL.
• The candidate must have experience with big data technologies and cloud computing platforms.
• The candidate must demonstrate the ability to translate complex analytical results into actionable insights.
• The candidate must have excellent communication and leadership skills.
• The candidate must have knowledge of agricultural systems and environmental science is highly desirable.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Communication, Strategic Thinking, Teamwork, Innovation, Creativity and Pro-activity.

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development.