INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IITA)
JOB OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the positions of Project Administrator, Communication Officer, Procurement Specialist and Project Accountant to be based in Abuja Nigeria.

These positions are under the Nigeria Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program-Phase I Outreach (ATASP-I Outreach) funded by African Development Bank (AfDB). The ATASP-I Outreach will contribute to the objectives of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government by addressing the constraints of Rice. Sorghum and Cassava value chains in four staple crop processing zones of Adani-Omor, Bida-Badeggi. Kano-Jigawa and Kebbi-Sokoto. The Programme comprises three complementary and mutually reinforcing components via; Infrastructure Development; Commodity Value Chain Development; and Programme Management. The specific objective of the programme is to: contribute to food and nutrition security, employment generation, and wealth creation along the priority commodity value chains.

IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

Position Position/Responsibilities Qualification, Experience and Skills

Project Administrator

2 year renewable contract

(Abuja)

Successful candidate will among other things perform the following:


● Assist the Project Manager with day-to-day project administration.
● Monitor timely completion and reporting of the project’s product delivery and annual milestones.
● Follow up with IITA scientists, Project Administration Office, and project partners to ensure high quality reports are submitted in a timely manner.
● Assist in the implementation of evaluations/ impact assessments.
● Assist with monitoring the project’s burn rate.
● Review and crosscheck partner agreements and similar documents.
● Be responsible for stock keeping of project’s assets.
• Such other duties, properly assigned, as may be occasioned by the exigencies of the service.

Education:

MSc in business administration, project management, or other related fields

Experience:

Minimum of four years’ experience in project administration

The ideal candidate must:

• have the capacity to work effectively in a team;
• have good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Key Competencies:

• good understanding of budgeting and financial management procedures;
• excellent computer skills with good grasp of spreadsheets, word processing, and other MS office applications, and the ability to learn new applications quickly; excellent English reporting, writing, and oral communication skills;
• strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritise, and organize workload;
• readiness to take the initiative and work under pressure;
• a good team spirit and also participate as a team member in the accomplishment of duties
Language:
The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English language.


Communication Officer

2 year renewable contract

(Abuja)
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement a detailed communication and knowledge exchange plan for the ATASP-1 Project outreach program in close collaboration with project partners and the IITA Communication Office.
• Lead and support the capitalization of research findings in the project through regular reports and specific documentation (case studies, best practices, lessons learnt, etc.).
• Manage and ensure effective stakeholder relationships and knowledge exchange approaches by engaging in dialogue and using feedback mechanisms with project partners, ADPs, and beneficiaries in the SCPZs.
• Manage project events, including press conferences, promotional events, and exhibitions.
• Manage in close collaboration with the Head of Communication and the key partners (AfDB and FMARD) the PR aspect of any possible crisis situation and advise management on possible crisis communication strategies.
• Set up, design, and coordinate an online media platform on project results in close collaboration with a social media expert.
• Design, manage, and disseminate an educational video documentation on the project.
• Oversee the Training of Trainers component of the project in close relationship with the FMARD, the youth (Agripreneurs), and an extension expert.
• Produce training and educational materials for extension services and rural populations.
• Oversee results based rural communication approaches and monitor them via qualitative studies (KAP studies) with beneficiaries.
• Produce efficient communication materials (print and audio) adapted to the needs of cassava, rice, and sorghum farmers.
• Develop, produce, and disseminate guidebooks on cassava, rice, and sorghum-based technologies to farmers.
• Contribute to the competence building of staff related to communication, extension, and monitoring.
• Participate and contribute to the yearly reporting, evaluation, and planning processes and elaboration of corresponding plans.
• Work as part of the IITA communication team to develop and implement IITA PR activities.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Education:

The candidate should have MSc in public relations, development support communication, rural development, tropical agriculture or a similar discipline.

Work Experience:

At least five years of working experience in rural development, preferably with some experience in Nigeria.

Language:

The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in the English language.

The ideal candidate must:

• have the capacity to work effectively in a team
• be competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Key Competencies:

• good understanding of poverty, gender, and sustainability issues;
• good understanding of these same issues in rural areas in Africa;
• proven track record in analysis, writing up, and dissemination of scientific findings;
• Experience in implementing Monitoring & Evaluation systems and capitalising on outcome mappings;
• excellent team worker and facilitator with communication and networking skills;
• ability to integrate in an existing complex programme set-up;
• excellent spoken and written English; knowledge of local languages in Nigeria is an additional asset.




Procurement Specialist


2 year renewable contract

(Abuja)

Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Prepare the annual procurement plans of the project using inputs from project experts;
• Undertake preparation of bidding documents under the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) procurement rules;
• Undertake the tendering and monitoring of a portfolio of contracts in accordance with AfDB procedures;
• Support the bid evaluation process as may be required by the project management;
• Prepare and process purchase orders and documents in accordance with policies and procedures;
• Source, select, and negotiate with suppliers for the best purchase package in terms of quality, price, terms, deliveries, and services;
• Assist in the selection of appropriate suppliers and contractors;
• Promote good procurement practices with due regard to sustainability, ethical purchasing standards, and whole life costing;
• Participate in negotiation of contract terms on a range of central contracts and monitor performance against these contracts;
• Maintain complete updated purchasing records/data and pricing in the system;
• Execute and monitor all regular purchasing duties;
• Coordinate with end-users and suppliers in the purchasing scope of work for projects assigned;
• Assist in managing and following up overseas orders;
• Handle and monitor claims with vendors for shortages or defective/ missing parts;
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery;
• Monitor and co-ordinate deliveries of items between suppliers to ensure that all items are delivered on time;
• Plan and manage inventory levels of materials or products;
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.


A Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. engineering, architecture, procurement, law, management, commerce, agriculture, and finance)

Working Experience:

A minimum of six years of project procurement experience, with a minimum of four years in Africa. Procurement experience in an international/multinational financial organization is an advantage.

The ideal candidate must have:

• the capacity to work effectively in a team
• be competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Business Operating Systems.

Key Competencies:

• Capacity to pay attention to details and accuracy;
• Planning and organizing capacity;
• Information and task monitoring;
• Problem analysis; Strong customer-service orientation; and
• Judgment and problem solving ability.


Project Accountant

2 year renewable contract

(Abuja)
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Compile and analyze financial information to prepare financial statements including monthly and annual accounts.
• Ensure financial records are maintained in compliance with accepted policies and procedures.
• Ensure all financial reporting deadlines are met.
• Prepare financial management reports.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year end/close reports.
• Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures.
• Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities.
• Prepare continuous management and support of budget and forecast activities.
• Monitor and support tax issues.
• Develop and maintain financial data bases.
• Participate in financial audit preparation and follow up the audit process.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate recording and analysis of revenues and expenses.
• Analyze and advise on financial operations including revenue and expenditure trends, financial commitments, and future revenues.
• Analyze financial information
• Recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures, provide strategic recommendations and solutions to problems.
• Maintain solutions to operational and financial delays.
• Monitor project funds and the amounts transferred by donor to the Center Account.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Education

BSc in accounting. Possession of other recognized professional qualifications like ICAN, ACCA, CPA, MBA, etc. is an added advantage

Work experience:

A minimum of five years experience.
The ideal candidate must:
• have ability to display high energy level, work under pressure, and willingness to work at irregular hours;
• have the capacity to work effectively in a team; and
• be competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Business Operating Systems.
Language:

The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in the English language.

Competencies:

• Strong communication skills—oral and written;
• general accounting skill;
• attention to detail
• accuracy-oriented;
• good research result reporting skills;
• time management; and confidentiality


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 saved with their names in Microsoft word format to IITA website: http://www.iita.org/careers no later than Two Weeks from the date of this publication. The application must include 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.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from female candidates.