Research Technician 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: Research Technician

Ref No: IITA/P&C/NRS2026-003
Location: Ibadan, Oyo

Duties
Nursery and Propagation Support (25%):

• Support acclimatization, hardening, and vegetative multiplication of cassava planting materials, including SAH-derived materials.
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of nursery facilities for confined trials.

Field Establishment and Maintenance (35%):

• Execute field planting and plot maintenance activities for confined field trials.
• Carry out routine agronomic operations including weeding, spraying, fertilizer application, and general field upkeep.

Labour Coordination and Field Logistics (20%):

• Coordinate and supervise casual labour for routine and peak field operations (planting, weeding, harvesting).
• Support scheduling and timely execution of labour-intensive activities.

Harvest and Post-Harvest Support (10%):

• Participate in harvest operations under supervision.
• Support post-harvest handling and regulated disposal activities for confined field trials.

Compliance and Operational Support (10%):

• Support adherence to confined field trial and biosafety procedures during routine operations.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of trial sites, nurseries, and work areas.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other job-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• O’Level Certificate with a minimum of (6) years’ experience or National Diploma in Agriculture or any other related courses with a minimum of (2) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.

Competencies
The ideal candidate must:

• Have practical knowledge of field and nursery operations.
• Possess the ability to coordinate and supervise casual labour.
• Be familiar with routine agronomic practices (spraying, weeding).
• Have an understanding of compliance and safety procedures.
• Be detail-oriented, reliable, and physically capable.

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

Application Closing Date
23rd February, 2026.