INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IITA)

JOB OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
ADVERTISEMENT

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian Nationals for the following positions at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.
15th January, 2013

Position Duties Qualification and Experience

Program Administrator
- Cassava Project

(2-year renewable
Contract)


Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assisting project scientists to effectively carry out project management functions

• Following up with IITA scientists and project partners to ensure reports are submitted in timely manner

• Following up with Lead Institutions and partners in the project to ensure smooth flow of project activities

• Assisting in compiling donor reports

• Developing and maintaining an efficient filing system and databases for print and electronic files/documents on Cassava and CRP-RTB activities and projects.

• Developing project portfolios with clear project operational guidelines.

• Monitoring closely project execution and providing feedback to the cassava leader/CRP leader on the status of projects advising on action to be taken with regard to project extensions, budget reallocations and any other action

• Providing quarterly graphic representation of project expenditures against approved budgets in order to provide Cassava Leader/CRP leader with a clear status of project resources

• Tracking and monitoring of project expenditures and preparation of monthly project reports to the Cassava Leader/CRP-RTB leader to ensure expenditures are a reflection of approved project budget line items

• Assuming responsibility for other program functions such as hosting of visitors, responding to inquiries, planning meetings, drafting letters/reports, scheduling appointments and coordinating travel arrangements

• Liaising with other IITA units on issues relating to project grants management and ensuring compliance by program staff

• Assist with project proposal preparation including interactions with other relevant IITA units

• Any other duties related to project management and program development as may be determined by the supervisor

• Masters degree in Business Administration, Project Management and other related fields. Minimum of Six (6) years’ experience in Project
Management/Administration.
Experience working in agriculture research organization and good knowledge of French language will be an added advantage.

The ideal candidate must possess:
• Good understanding of budgeting and financial management procedures

• Excellent computer skills with good grasp of spreadsheets, word processing and other MS office applications, and ability to learn new applications quickly

• Excellent English reporting, writing and oral communication skills

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point)
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and organize workload; take initiative and work under pressure

• Good team spirit and also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties.


Research Associate

(2-year renewable
Contract)


Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist in scientific support/backstopping to national programs on product development, processing and utilization of IITA mandate crops (cassava, maize, soybean, yam and cowpea).
• Provide technical support to small and medium scale processors on processing and utilization of IITA mandate crops (Cassava, Maize, Soybean, Yam and Cowpea)
• Assist in conducting Training of Trainers workshops and demonstrates on product development, processing and utilization of IITA mandate crops (Cassava, Maize, Soybean, Yam and Cowpea)
• Develop new products using Cassava, Maize, Soybean, Yam and Cowpea.
• Work with non- government organization and community-based organizations to disseminate technologies on IITA Mandate crops
• Ensure day-to-day operation of the food processing and postharvest engineering laboratories, general supervision of staff, and related matters.
• Provide links with other projects involved in commercialization of IITA mandate crops
• Maintain correspondence and linkages with collaborators
• Work in collaboration with the private sector in product development and testing
• Assist in planning, implementing and monitoring of pilot processing plants
• Provide expertise in quality control/assurance of food products, analytical data and food production plants.
• Perform any duties assigned by the supervisor
• Masters degree in Food Science and Technology and other related fields. Minimum of three (5) years’ working experience in agriculture research organization will be an added advantage. The ideal candidate must be willing to travel extensively within Africa.

The ideal candidate must possess:
• Good Knowledge of Human Nutrition

• Excellent English reporting, writing and oral communication skills

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point)
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and organize workload; take initiative and work under pressure

• Good team spirit and also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties


Research Supervisor

Pathology

(2-year renewable
Contract)


Successful candidate will:

• Conduct laboratory, screen house and field experiments;
• Carry out microbiology work involving sample preparation, organism isolations, isolate storage, media preparation;
• Ensure proper sampling labeling, organization of work area;
• Keep proper records and ensure proper data entry into field and laboratory books;
• Conduct sampling with guidance from Research Associate/Manager;
• Maintain a sterile work environment in preparation for and during laboratory work;
• Ensure proper organization of isolates in cold storage and work areas;

• Conduct other assignment as assigned by supervisors.


BSc/ HND Microbiology plus at least 5 years relevant working experience conducting microbiology task.

Applicant must be:

• Able to work effectively in teams and independently

• Able to follow instructions

• Able to communicate fluently

• Able to work under pressure and willing to work longer hours where necessary



REMUNERATION:
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

METHOD OF APPLICATION:
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work and evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials to IITA website: http://www.iita.org/careers

Not later than two weeks from the date of this publication.