Research Support Officer At International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kano Nigeria (Closing: 21 July 2023)
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a renowned research institution that focuses on agricultural development in tropical regions. It was established in 1967 and has since played a significant role in transforming agriculture and improving livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical regions around the world.
The IITA was founded as a nonprofit organization in Nigeria, with a mission to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve natural resource management in tropical areas. It was established through a partnership between the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Nigerian government.
In its early years, the IITA concentrated on research related to staple crops like maize, cassava, cowpea, soybean, and yam, which are crucial for food security and economic development in the tropics. Through its research, the institute aimed to develop improved crop varieties, innovative farming techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices suitable for the challenging conditions of tropical regions.
Over time, the IITA expanded its research activities and diversified its focus to include other important aspects of tropical agriculture, such as plant pathology, entomology, soil science, and natural resource management. The institute has also been actively involved in capacity building, training farmers, extension workers, and scientists to enhance their knowledge and skills in agricultural research and development.
The IITA has established numerous partnerships and collaborations with national and international organizations, universities, and governments to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaborative research. It has played a key role in developing and disseminating agricultural innovations, including improved crop varieties, integrated pest management strategies, sustainable farming practices, and post-harvest technologies.
Through its research efforts and collaborations, the IITA has made significant contributions to agricultural development in tropical regions. Its work has helped increase agricultural productivity, enhance farmers’ incomes, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable farming systems. The institute has also been actively involved in addressing challenges related to climate change, pests, and diseases that impact tropical agriculture.
Today, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture continues to be a leading research institution in tropical agriculture. It remains committed to its mission of addressing the challenges faced by farmers and rural communities in tropical regions, with a focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural development for a better future.
About Job
Initiate and facilitate the use relevant and local indicators for the monitoring of ICRISAT mandate cereals/legume value chains.
- Manage project database retrievable by all staff and partners.
- Conduct economic and statistical data analysis to generate information on project implementation on the commodity value chain.
- Participate in writing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
- Organize meetings and for a for dialogue.
- Prepare monitoring schedule, action plans to track and follow-up all input data/information as well as integrate all possible data.
- Supervise as may be required in conjunction with consultants from SAA/KSADP /IsDB project task force officer, field surveys and project outcomes.
- Draw important lessons from project implementation and organize annual M&E review meetings.
- Oversee farmer’s participatory demonstration trials.
- Provide technical support to women groups, lead farmers and farmers in the communities.
- Provide feedback and manage information to/from stakeholders.
- Perform any other job-related tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualification:
BSc/HND in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Crop Production or other related field with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
Competencies:
The ideal candidate must:
- Have excellent written and spoken communication skills, including presentations.
- Be computer literate with proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications.
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Show commitment to teamwork with minimal supervision by working positively and cooperatively with others.
Benefits:
We offer highly competitive salaries with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment
