Research Assistant (Agricultural Economist) at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Assistant (Agricultural Economist)

Job Ref.: IITA/P&C/NRS2025-015
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Job type: Contract (On-site)
Duration: 6-months renewable contract 

Duties

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on gender roles and dynamics in yam production in Nigeria.
• Analyze and synthesize findings from research papers, reports, and other relevant sources regarding the socio-cultural factors around staking and non-staking practices.
• Identify specific relevant areas of focus.
• Prepare literature reviews with colleagues, STS, and the supervising IITA gender expert and economist.
• Engage selected stakeholders, farmers, and participants, ensuring representation of diverse perspectives, including men and women yam farmers from different production systems.
• Organize and conduct FGDs, KIIs, and IIs in selected rural communities using appropriate methodologies and tools, collaborating with community mobilizers.
• Collect data covering key topics related to yam production, including socio-cultural challenges, opportunities, and gender-specific issues.
• Conduct workshop-FGDs using the citizen science approach.
• Perform data entry and analysis of qualitative data through coding to identify key themes and insights, and carry out economic calculations based on survey and field trial results.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on the findings from FGDs, KIIs, and experimental trials.
• Establish, monitor, and coordinate farmer-managed experimental trials from a socio-cultural perspective, comparing staked yam and non-staked yam cultivation.
• Collaborate with community members and stakeholders throughout the research process.
• Document the research process, including methodologies, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements
Qualification and Experience:

• HND / B.Sc in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Rural development or any other related course of study. 
• The ideal candidate must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in conducting quantitative research, including FGDs and KIIs performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
• Fluency in English language and in one or more Nigerian languages as spoken in yam-growing areas is an added advantage.

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must:

• Have a transdisciplinary focus ready to learn and work outside and with people outside the candidate main discipline.
• Have strong understanding of gender issues in agriculture and basic knowledge of yam production.
• Have experience in agricultural research or related fieldwork.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Have successful engagement and participation of diverse stakeholders in FGDs, KIIs and IIs.
• Be well-organized and execute FGDs and KIIs, providing valuable insights into yam production and gender dynamics.
• Ensure Timely submission of research updates and final high-quality reports, documenting the research process and findings.

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

Application Closing Date
28th May, 2025.