Biomarker and Anthropometry Lead 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: Biomarker and Anthropometry Lead for the Nigerian National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey

Ref. No: DDG-R4D/BAL/NFC/MS/02/20
Loaction: Ibadan, Oyo

Position Responsibilities
The Biomarker and Anthropometry Lead will be based at IITA, the NFCMS coordinating office in Ibadan, Oyo State and will:

• Lead, plan, coordinate and supervise all activities related to biomarker and anthropometry for the survey.
• Report to the overall survey coordinator.
• Lead and coordinate with eHealthAfrica and participate in identifying and evaluating capacities of local laboratories to effectively carry out all assigned lab analysis.
• Work closely with eHealthAfrica and OPM in the identification of appropriate laboratory supplies and equipment and storage space as required by the survey.
• Coordinate with eHealthAfrica and assist with cold-chain storage space as required by the survey.
• Supervise and work closely with the sub-awardee (eHealthAfrica and Oxford Policy Management (OPM)) in planning and implementing the sample movement process.
• Lead the development of training manuals and the delivery of training to field teams.
• Lead and coordinate with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eHealthAfrica and OPM training and piloting for the biomarker and anthropometry field teams.
• Lead and oversee coordination of field operations, provide support in the management of the sub-awardees.
• Communicate progress on important aspects of the survey prior to survey training, during training, piloting, implementation, and post survey activities.
• Lead in the development of a data analysis plan for the biomarker and anthropometry component of the survey, data-cleaning and drafting of reports.
• Perform any duties assigned by the supervisor.

Educational Qualifications

• The candidate should have a finalised PhD degree in Nutrition or Public Health or related fields.

Core Competencies:

• At least five years of field-based work and experience in large scale surveys involved in bio-sample data collection in developing countries.
• Demonstrated ability to be collaborative across activities while utilizing strong communications and interpersonal skills, with evidence of the ability to productively interact with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage complex teams, including problem solving skills, and capacity to meet deadlines and deliver quality deliverables to meet objectives.
• Very strong written and verbal communication skills (proficiency in English).
• 10 years of significant related international experience to successfully achieve meaningful and sustainable results.
• Ability to translate technical material into practical tools and guidance materials
• Previous working experience in an international organization and/or in a complex or multi-faceted environment
• Competence in quantitative analysis, with the ability to present patterns in data with both statistical rigor and simplicity to non-specialist audiences
• Visual creativity, including design of slides and diagrams and excellent presentation skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Reliable, timely, delivery-oriented working style.
• Capacity to foster effective, trusting, collaborative relationships, within the coordinating office, but also with external stakeholders.
• Fast learner with curiosity and appetite to take on challenging tasks personally.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision on specific tasks.

General Information

• The contract will be for an initial period of two years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.

Application Closing Date
1st April, 2020.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should complete the online application attaching detailed Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package.

Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)

Note: IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from female candidates. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.