Research Auxiliary (Greenhouse and field support), Nairobi

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit one (01) motivated and detail-oriented Research Auxiliary to support hybrid breeding activities at the PQS- Muguga station. The selected candidate will work closely with CIP staff, providing hands-on assistance with greenhouse operations and field-based breeding trials under the Genetic Innovation - Public - Private Partnership (GI-PPP) project.

About CIP

CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 15 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations, and the private sector.

About the role

The Research Auxiliary will provide day-to-day operational support to CIP's hybrid breeding activities at the PQS- Muguga station. The role involves hands-on support with routine greenhouse and field tasks under the direction of technical staff, contributing to CIP's potato hybrid breeding program .

The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya , and reports to the Potato Breeding Team Lead.

Key responsibilities

Greenhouse Operations

• Carry out routine day-to-day greenhouse tasks as directed by the supervisor.
• Support plant maintenance routines, including watering, fertilization , and pest monitoring.
• Provide manual assistance with crossing activities under the guidance of technical staff.
• Conduct seed extraction and berry harvest as directed by the supervising scientist.

Field Support

• Assist with planting, weeding, watering, and general maintenance of field plots.
• Support harvesting and collection of plant samples as directed by technical staff.
• Assist with cleaning, sorting, and labeling of harvested material under supervision.
• Help keep work areas, tools, and equipment clean and in good order.

Requirements

What are we looking for?

Education

• Complete high school education .
• Additional training in basic field or greenhouse practices is an advantage

Experience

• At least one (1) year of experience in a similar field or greenhouse support role is preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Precise and methodical approach to work, with strong attention to detail.
• Responsible, proactive, and able to identify and resolve problems in the field or greenhouse.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Fluent in the official language(s) of the duty location (Swahili and English).
• Core competencies: innovation, accountability, teamwork, and integrity.

Benefits

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background, a recent World Food Prize Winner, and was awarded the Al- Sumait Award for its Orange Flesh Sweetpotato work in Africa
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in developing countries and supported by more than 50 donor members

What are we offering?

• Compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed-term contract for one year with possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply?

Visit the following link: ( http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/) to apply. The deadline for the receipt of applications is June 19th 2026 . Please note that while all applications are reviewed by our team, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Kenyan nationals and permanent residents only.

This position will have contact with children or vulnerable adults

Learn more about CIP by accessing our website at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals are particularly encouraged to apply.