Research Associate at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate 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.

We invite applications for the internationally recruited position of:

Job Title: Research Associate

Ref No: IITA-HR-NRS2015-035
Location: Kano
Recruitment Type: National (2-year renewable contract)

Job Summary

• These positions are under TAMASA Nigeria Project. TAMASA (Taking Maize Agronomy to Scale in Africa) is a project that seeks to close attainable maize yield gaps in Nigeria through adoption of predictive Agronomic tools and improved inputs

Duties
Successful candidate will perform the following duties:

• Backstop and help in maintaining maize agronomy research in conjunction with partners, supervising field staff, and CBOs for TAMASA project.
• Conduct data management and analyses, and contribute to reporting of research outputs.
• Support project staff to meet reporting, monitoring, and evaluation requirements of project activities.
• Facilitate aspects of TAMASA project operations and management of logistics.
• Be involved in field evaluation and validation of decision support tools.
• Assist in scaling up tools developed by the TAMASA project, and support in training of CBOs on the use of TAMASA tools.
• Support the training of students and visiting trainees.
• Carry out any other tasks related to TAMASA project as the need arise

Qualification, Experience and Skills

• M.Sc. in Agronomy or Crop Production with at least 2 years of relevant experience in a similar position

The ideal candidate must:

• Have proven skills in the accurate implementation and conduct of field trials, with demonstrated experience in collection and analysis of agronomic data as well as socioeconomic data.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills and good communication skills
• Be proficient in Computer applications and be able to use statistical analysis systems such as SAS, Genstat and Excel.
• Possess a valid Driver's License

Remuneration
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant team-based environment.

Application Closing Date
11th August, 2015.

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications which must include 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, Human Resources Service.

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