Individual Consultant - Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus (CYMV) at 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: Individual Consultant - Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus (CYMV)

Ref No: NRS2025-05
Location: Ibadan, Oyo

Description

• The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is seeking to engage the services of an Individual Consultant to support the production and characterization of polyclonal antibodies for the detection of Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus (CYMV).
• The purpose of this assignment is to support the effort to strengthen virus diagnostics and plant health management.
•  The consultant will contribute to the development of high-quality diagnostic tools, enhance the capacity of laboratory staff, and support the standardization of ELISA-based methods for virus detection.
• The Consultant will also be involved in comparative analysis of diagnostic sensitivity using DAC-ELISA and RT-PCR, ensuring robust and reliable detection protocols for CYMV in cowpea production systems in alignment with the project’s overall goals and donor requirements.
• In line with this, we invite suitably qualified and experienced individuals to express their interest in providing the required services.

Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Conduct the purification of Cowpea Yellow Mosaic Virus (CYMV) to obtain high-quality antigen for booster immunization of rabbits.
• Perform weekly bleeds from CYMV-immunized rabbits to extract polyclonal antiserum.
• Evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the extracted polyclonal antiserum using Direct Antigen Coating ELISA (DAC-ELISA).
• Conduct comparative analysis of virus detection sensitivity between DAC-ELISA and RT-PCR methods.
• Prepare antiserum stocks in glycerol for safe and long-term preservation.
• Provide continuous training to Virology and Molecular Diagnostics (VMD) Unit staff on polyclonal antibody production techniques.
• Prepare and submit progress reports detailing activities, results, and recommendations.
• Perform any other job-related tasks as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements
Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced Degree in relevant field – e.g., Plant Virology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• Minimum of Seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in isolating plant viruses and preparing antigens for immunization with expertise in extracting and purifying antiserum in Agricultural Research.
• Demonstrated expertise & proficiency in Direct Antigen Coating ELISA (DAC-ELISA) and RT-PCR. 
• Ability to compare and validate diagnostic methods for virus detection.
• Previous experience working with international organizations, donor-funded projects, or research institutions will be an added advantage.

Duration and Location of the Assignment:

• The consultancy is expected to last for a period of Two (2) months.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Application Procedure
Interested individuals are invited to submit the following documents in response to this EOI:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
• A brief technical statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining understanding of the assignment and proposed approach to achieving the deliverables.
• Financial proposal indicating the consultant’s expected professional fees.