Urgent Recruitment at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Nigeria – 5 Positions

Project ID No: DDG-R4D/H/GRC/06/21
Duty Station: Ibadan, IITA Headquarters, Oyo

Position Responsibilities

• Provide essential oversight, leadership and management of genetic resources conservation and research, at the Genetic Resources Centre, Ibadan, in the context of One CGIAR.
• Secure maintenance and preservation of the international collections maintained at IITA and update standard international operational procedures as appropriate.
• Maintain a strong research program on secure conservation methods for clonally propagated crops.
• Develop a strong research program on germplasm characterization, combining   agro-morphological and molecular data with the objective of a) evaluating the diversity of the collections and b) developing decision support tools for optimization of germplasm management.
• Develop germplasm evaluation programs in collaboration with respective breeding programs.
• Work closely with the Germplasm Health Unit on germplasm indexing and sanitation.
• Supervise all germplasm exchanges and ensure harmony with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
• Contribute to capacity building in the conservation and use of plant genetic resources worldwide.
• Liaise with Global Crop Diversity Trust and other work within the Genetic Innovation Science Area of One CGIAR particularly in terms of use of germplasm in breeding programme and market intelligence.
• Lead a programme of work on enhancing germplasm use both directly and through breeding with a focus on climate change and nutrition.
• Establish or strengthen collaboration with national partners and Advanced Research Institutes.
• Communicate research results through peer-reviewed high-impact journals and other media.
• Participate in mobilization of resources to support research activities.
• Collaborate with breeding programs to enhance germplasm use.
• Take part in the development of global conservation strategies.
• Perform any other job-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Education Qualifications

• The candidate should possess a Ph.D.in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Conservation Biology or related fields from a highly recognized university.

Core Competencies:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in genetic resource conservation and use of seed and clonally propagated collections.
• Familiarity with in situconservation.
• Experience in management of Genebank operations with multiple species.
• Publication in high ranking scientific journals on ex situconservation of plant genetic resources, genetic resource diversity assessment or evaluation, or conservation of clonally propagated species.
• Experience with database management and application of genomic tools in germplasm management.
• Ability to create strong and sustainable links with diverse partners.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent leadership,interpersonal, and team building skills.
• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa and good contacts with NARS scientists in the region is an added advantage.
• Proficiency with written and spoken English; knowledge of French is an asset.

Remuneration
IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Application Closing Date
The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click Here For More Information

Important Information

• The initial appointment is for three years.
• Applications must include a Covering Letter which should address how the candidate’s background / experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor / Superior at his/her present or former place of work).
• The application should be addressed to "The Head of Human Resources".
• IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
• While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Project ID No: PJ-002860
Locations: Benue, Ogun, and Ebonyi
Sector: Research
Financing Agreement Reference: Ifad Grant Number  - 2000002865

Background

• This request for expression of interest follows the general procurement procedures for this project issued under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) as part of her contributions to Agricultural transformation in Nigerian federal states and Togolese regions towards achieving Zero Hunger.
• The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is collaborating with AfricaRice to implement the Agricultural transformation in Nigerian federal states and Togolese regions towards achieving Zero Hunger Project, to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Benue, Ogun and Ebonyi States in Nigeria and Kara and Plateaux regions in Togo.
• The goal of the Project is to contribute to the zero hunger initiatives within rice and cassava value chains in Nigeria and Togo. In terms of objectives, there are two focuses given the two-fold nature of the Project that leverages on two pillars: ‘technology and innovation’, and ‘policy analysis and policy engagement for technology uptake’.

Description
The Consultancy Study will involve six principal activities for Benue and Ogun States with focus on the cassava value chain:

• Undertake an identification of country/states’ policy goals and targets for agricultural transformation and government intervention plans for realizing the goals.
• Undertake institutional and programs mapping to address the fundamental question of “What’s going on where, and by who” on cassava value chain within Benue and Ogun States.
• Assess policy challenges to identify opportunities and recommend policy options to drive technology uptakein cassava value chain.
• Assess progress in achieving Zero Hunger in Benue and Ogun States with focus on Cassava.
• Characterise and map size of production inputs on cassava:
• Develop a strategy document for cassava where not available and a policy brief to influence the existing seed, processing, market and, mechanization policies and finally enhance the participation of farmers in seeds production, processing, mechanization, and market linkages.

The Consultant will also conduct the following activities:

• Present the findings of analysis and knowledge materials in suitable formats to multiple stakeholders. Interpret results of data analysis in the light of current knowledge.
• Produce written documents for multiple audience and stakeholders, such as analytical papers, reports, reviews and policy briefs.
• Support the disseminate of findings and new evidence to policymakers and programme planners at various levels especially sub-national level as per visibility and communication plan.
• Support Project implementation unit in preparing reader-friendly materials that could be disseminated using multiple channels.
• This could involve web and media communications; publications; policy briefs; organizing local events; and participation in conferences, meetings.

Required Qualifications and Expertise

• At least PhD Degree or equivalent in one or more of the following disciplines: agriculture science; development economics, strategic planning/management, social sciences, or other related fields with proven and demonstrated experience on similar consultancy.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum 8 years of International development experience, including work in developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience in formulating social policies, designing and implementing analytical activities.
• Proven ability to write policy briefs, research papers, articles, technical reports and documents in English.
• Demonstrated professional and interpersonal communications skills suited for donor clients, government and other stakeholders (including data visualization, report writing and presentations).
• Track record of successful delivery of high-level expert advice to governments and international organizations;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and have the initiative to work independently to meet deadlines.
• Experience in using statistical software and relevant analytical tools for both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Competencies:

• Good communication skills
• Excellent Analytical skills
• Ability to work with a multi-cultural environment and team.

Timing and Duration of Assignment:

• The Consultant is expected to undertake the assignment effective immediately and will work very closely with the Zero Hunger Project Implementation Team and IITA Social Science Team.
• The duration of the assignment will be 20 working days spread over a 40-day period.

Application Closing Date
8th July, 2021.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidate should send their Applications to: IITA-ZeroHunger@cgiar.org  with the subject mail clearly specifying the subject matter you are bidding for. e.g "Policy Assessment Consultancy Nigeria (Benue and Ogun States)"
And
Click here to apply online

Click here for more information

Application Requirements
Interested consultants should submit detailed technical and financial proposals (not more than 5 pages) covering:

• Capacity statement
• Demonstrated understanding of the terms of reference
• Proposed methodology
• A detailed workplan
• A detailed financial proposal

The proposal should be accompanied by the below as annexes:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Two reference letters from recent clients with contact details of the referees.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Ref: DDG-R4D/AS/AME/06/21
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Recruitment Type: The Initial appointment is for three (3) years

Background

• IITA seeks to recruit an Associate Scientist, Agricultural Markets Economist.
• The overall objective of the position is to lead strategic and applied research on market economics on IITA mandate crops and related activities.
• The successful candidate will work in collaboration with other social scientists and biophysical scientists as needed, such as agronomists, crop breeders, soil scientists, and IPM scientists.
• He/She will be a member of the IITA Social Science and Agri business Core Competency.
  He/She will report to the Senior Agricultural Economist and Director of Western Africa Hub.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct market economic studies of commodities along the value chain.
• Monitor economic changes in agriculture in relation to the markets and vice versa.
• Devise methods and procedures to conduct different types of market surveys and value chain aassessments.
• Create, as well as use various econometric modeling techniques to develop forecasts.
• Apply models of economic behavior to agricultural markets changes and developments.
• Promote market development using experimental economic methods.
• Develop business plans for project and activities in commodity value chains.
• Establish and foster relationships and linkages with partners in national agricultural research and extension systems, the private sector,and Advanced Research Institutes.
• Provide technical backstopping and assistance in building the capacity of national programsin research on market economics.
• Mentor and backstop graduate students involved in related research.
• Publish scientific outputs in peerreviewed IF journals and others (e.g.,technical reports, IITA bulletins, or social media and books or book chapters).
• Contributionte to resource mobilization through the development of concept notes and proposalsin collaboration with others.
• Perform any other job-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Education Qualifications

• The candidate should possess a Ph.D.in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, or other relevant fields from a highly recognized university.
• He/she will demonstrate experience of at least three (3) years in markets economic studies relating to agricultural issues, preferably in Africa.

Core Competencies:

• Good knowledge of market studies.
• Competence in the development of socio-economic andmarket surveys.
• Ability to perform a thoughtful, critical analysis of market economics-related data.
• Conversant with tools and approaches applied in market studies.
• Knowledge and experience with economic evaluation of agricultural technologies.
• Familiarity with statistical software used in market studies.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publicationsin market-related journals.
• Experience with resource mobilization.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent lleadership, mentoring, management, interpersonal,and team-building skills.
• Fluency in oral and written English.
• Working knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa is an added advantage.

Remuneration

• IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified. (The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found )

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidate should complete the online application attaching detailed Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format to IITA.

Click here to apply online

Click here for more information

Important Information

• Applications must include a Covering Letter which should address how the candidate’s background / experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for,
• Curriculum Vitae (CV),
• Names and Addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor / Superior at his / her present or former place of work).
• The application should be addressed to "The Head of Human Resources"
• IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
• While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Recent Posts:

[recent_post_slider design="design-4" category="" dots="false"]