Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET)
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION TRUST (ARET)
VACANCIES
The Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET) is Malawi’s premier institution in tobacco research, extension and training services. Established in 1995 and funded primarily by tobacco growers, ARET’s core activities include development and dissemination of tobacco technologies and training of tobacco stakeholders in order to sustain and improve agricultural productivity while conserving the natural resources.
An opportunity has arisen for highly motivated professionals with requisite academic qualifications and technical expertise to fill existing vacant posts that have arisen in ARET as follows:-
1. LECTURER (AGRONOMY)
A highly motivated and detail-oriented Lecturer in Agronomy will contribute actively to further advancing the teaching and research agenda in order to improve student experience to better understand crop needs and develop more effective and efficient farming practices.
TENABLE: Mwimba College of Agriculture in Kasungu.
CORE FUNCTION
Working collaboratively with academic and research colleagues, the incumbent will deliver high quality teaching, learning and student guidance and support in the field of agronomy as well as set up and carry out research activities that lead to relevant scientific outputs and contribute to the wider goal of improving agricultural sustainability.
DUTIES
Reporting to the Head of Academics, the incumbent will,bamong other duties, perform the following:-
>Develop agronomy curriculums, and prepare and deliver lectures to MWICA students on such topics as crop production and soil chemistry.
>Initiate and moderate classroom discussions to enhance innovative, inquiry based, dynamic and active learning methods into courses.
>Engage with a diversity of stakeholders, including academic collaborators, funding agencies and thenindustry to gain research funding through carefully prepared grant applications.
>Identify potential income generating programmes and collaborative partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
>A Bachelor’s Degree (with credit) in Agronomy from a recognized and accredited University Institution.
>Candidates with Master’s Degree in Crop Production or closely related field will have an added advantage.
>At least 5 years of relevant experience of teaching or research field.
2. LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
(1 POST): RE-ADVERTISEMENT
Tenable at: Mwimba College of Agriculture in Kasungu
KEY FUNCTION
The ideal candidate will be undertaking a variety of technical support to academic staff and ensuring that laboratory equipment is functioning properly and is ready for use.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate shall be responsible for the following activities
• Prepare and set undergraduate practical sessions in biology and chemistry courses and related fields.
>Prepare materials and assemble, disassemble, clean and store equipment needed for individual and group laboratory experiments.
>Schedule preparation of lab experiments.
>Store and dispose of hazardous wastes using safety procedures.
>Sampling of tests
• Assist in informing faculty and staff of proper hazardous waste disposal procedures.
• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets in an organized and accessible fashion.
>Enforce lab safety codes in all science lab areas to assure student and employee safety.
>Communicate with science faculty regarding special needs and maintenance of laboratory facilities.
>Maintain inventory system of all science supplies and special equipment
>Coordinate purchasing of all science supplies and special equipment with college administrator.
>Coordinate maintenance of laboratory equipment (service or replace)
• Maintain a reference library of scientific catalogues, instruction manuals, keys, troubleshooting guides, and operation and parts manuals for laboratory equipment and models as requested.
> Communicate effectively in a professional, tactful and courteous manner with students, employees, faculty and the general public.
>Ensure that all activities are conducted within the established College policies, and other applicable laws pertaining to employment and education.
>He/she will also be expected to participate in departmental research programmes from time to time as may be assigned by the department.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
> Diploma in laboratory technology, Applied Sciences or any related field from a recognized institution of higher education
• Experience working in academic and research settings will have an added advantage.
>Two years of relevant work experience.
3. TECHNICAL OFFICER (1 POST)
KEY FUNCTION
Assist Scientists and other professional officers implement a broad range of scientific research experiments including
agricultural research projects and activities in controlled and open environments to generate new technologies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate shall be responsible for the following activities
• Assist Scientists in different disciplines conduct field trials to evaluate and validate new agricultural technologies including crop varieties and production practices.
• Assist in designing and implementing scientific experiments to address specific agricultural research questions and objectives relating to tobacco and other high value crops.
>Collaborate with Scientists and other professional officers to plan and execute agricultural research projects.
>Train and motivate subordinates including technical assistants and field attendants.
• Assist in collecting and recording data from various research experiments and projects as prescribed in the protocols.
>Maintain accurate records of all experimental data, data collection procedures and results.
• Ensure compliance with international standards for ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all employees.
>Assist scientists and other professional officers in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual technical reports and budgets.
>Assist to develop and implement crop production plans in line with the company’s mission and strategic
direction.
>Assist in preparing and managing crop production budgets, including expenses for inputs, Labour and equipment.
• Assist in implementing any other duties as may be required by the immediate supervisor from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
> Diploma in Agriculture or any relevant field.
> Five years relevant work experience
4. RECEPTIONIST AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT (1 POST)
Tenable at:ARET Head Office in Lilongwe
KEY FUNCTION
The ideal candidate will be serving as a business’ front-desk associate, responsible for several administrative support duties that keep the office running efficiently and customer service to clients and internal members of staff. Manage and maintain telephone system, documentation and record management systems
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate shall be responsible for the following activities:
> Welcome all visitors to the office and ensure that they are promptly and correctly referred as well as attended to by a member of staff.
• Manage the Switch Board, forwarding calls or taking messages as necessary.
• Ensure that all deliveries and messages at the reception are delivered timely
>Manage old files in accordance with the established retention schedule.
• Maintain archives and ensure files are properly stored and accessible.
• Develop a registry and records management manual outlining correct procedures for handling of incoming
and outgoing correspondence
>Report all telephone faults to supervisor and service providers and follow up to ensure that the problems are rectified quickly.
>Process and circulate Call Management Register every fortnight for monitoring on calls.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
> Malawi Schools Certificate of Education
>Advanced certificates in typewriting, shorthand and word processing.
>Three years of progressively responsible administrative work experience.
Method Of Application
If you meet the above criteria and are looking for a role in a productive team where you can make a real difference, please submit your application together with copies of academic and professional certificates and detailed curriculum vitae not later than Friday, 24th May, 2024.
Clearly mark on the envelope the post you are applying and address the same to the following address:
The Chief Executive Officer
ARET
Private Bag 9
LILONGWE
Or Email to: [email protected]
ARET is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving workforce diversity and inclusion. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business needs.