Climate Change Adaptation Scientist / Agronomist 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: Climate Change Adaptation Scientist / Agronomist

Ref:  DDG-R4D/CC/AS/A/09/24
Location: Kano

Job Summary

• The position will be under the Soil Values project where IITA will lead the aspect of climate change adaptation.
• The scientist will lead IITA’s contribution on climate change and adaptation in the Soil Values project in close cooperation with the lead scientist on climate change and adaptation of the Excellence in Agronomy Initiative (EiA) ensuring that learnings from EiA benefit the Soil Values project.

Responsibilities 

• Contribute to the design and implementation of strategies aimed at improving soil health and agricultural productivity in response to climate change.
• Develop and promote soil management techniques that mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture in Northern Nigeria. 
• Provide technical support to farmers in adopting climate-smart technologies and practices that enhance soil health and resilience.
• Work closely with the IITA Soil Values focal person and actively participate in the implementation of IITA's responsibilities in Northern Nigeria.
• Backstop the Ex ante analysis and other activities where IITA is contributing in the intervention areas of Soil values i.e. Soil data and Mapping, ISFM and climate change in Northern Nigeria.
• Collaborate with local communities, government bodies, IFDC, and SNV to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices and improve soil health.
• Contribute to building the capacity of project partners in Northern Nigeria for effective project implementation.
• Represent Soil Values activities at conferences, workshops, and other relevant forums to share knowledge and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing activities, progress, and outcomes related to Soil Values, including data analysis and recommendations for future actions.
• Provide technical support to project teams and local partners to ensure successful implementation of soil values programs.
• Engage with authorities, donors, and other stakeholders to enhance IITA's visibility and involvement in climate change and soil management discussions.
• Contribute to the publication of at least three articles based on field activities related to Soil Values and climate change adaptation.
• Contribute to fundraising activities.

Requirements

• The candidate should ideally have a PhD degree in Agronomy/Soil Science, crop or climate modelling; with strong computational skills and at least 3 years demonstrated experience in Agronomy/Soil Science, crop or climate modelling and Soil data analysis and Mapping.

Core Competencies:

• Experience in the design and implementation of strategies aimed at improving soil health and agricultural productivity in response to climate change.
• Experience working with farmers to enhance adoption of climate-smart technologies and practices that enhance soil health and resilience. 
• Experience in Soil data analysis and Mapping, ISFM and climate change in Northern Nigeria. 
• Strong evidence of collaboration with multi-stakeholders including policy makers in mainstreaming soil health and crop production issues in northern Nigeria.
• Evidence in compiling reports and sharing with donors. 
• Strong publication records in scientific journals.

Benefits
Internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.

Application Closing Date
22nd October, 2024.