Program Operations and Administrative Assistant 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 candidaters to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Operations and Administrative Assistant

Job ID: IITA/P&C/NRS2026-025
Location: Abuja
Contract: 1-year renewable contract     

Duties

• Plan, organize, and coordinate Yam Breeding program meetings, including monthly meetings, team-building sessions, and weekly updates.
• Manage logistics for internal and external meetings, including trainings and workshops across implementing states.
• Prepare agendas, meeting minutes, presentations, and reports for program and project meetings.
• Support routine administrative activities, including contract renewals, procurement, reimbursement claims, and purchase requisitions.
• Manage travel logistics for program and project staff. Lead and supervise sensory evaluation sessions.
• Assist the program leader in planning scheduling, and responding to operational issues, tracking milestone including monitoring project timelines, tracking research deliverables and reporting deadlines with partners.
• Participate in harvesting trials and ensure proper handling of samples.
• Assist in post-harvest evaluations including dry matter content, oxidation level, and tuber quality.
• Ensure timely data capture, accurate formatting, and submission to the supervisor.
• Develop and maintain databases for easy information retrieval and improved project efficiency.
• Support preparation of technical reports and summaries for internal use.
• Manage procurement processes for program materials and office supplies.
• Conduct routine inventory checks, ensuring proper usage and accountability of project equipment.
• Ensure harvested tubers are stored under optimal conditions, maintain cleanliness of barns, and work areas.
• Supervise short-term to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Assist in staff planning and coordination for the program activities across all states.
• Perform any other duties as may be directed by the supervisor.

Requirements
Qualification:

• BSc/HND in Business Administration, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Plant Breeding, or a related field with a minimum of six (6) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must have:

• Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, and multitasking skills with a proactive, detail-oriented approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional and customer-focused demeanor.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software applications.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and work effectively both independently and collaboratively while adhering to organizational policies and procedures.

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

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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