IITA Vacancies For Research Associate

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. IITA’s award-winning research for development (R4D) addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable candidate for the position of Research Associate at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.
 
Position:Research Associate (2-year renewable contract)
 
Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following:
Establish and manage field and screen house experiments on yam breeding and genetics both on and out-station.
Manage technicians and other support staff in yam breeding unit.
In coordination with Yam Breeder prepare weekly plan for all field workers and Technicians.
Collect, organise and manage data entry from yam breeding experiments for statistical processing
In coordination with Yam Breeder and Biometrician, process and analyse data from yam breeding experiments and prepare technical reports
Organise, monitor and report on national (Nigeria) and regional (West and Central Africa) collaborative yam trials with partners
Manage the propagation, characterization and dissemination of improved yam germplasm in response to requests.
Maintain regular communication with clients and partners of the unit
In coordination with Communication Unit and Yam Breeder, prepare training material on Yam.
Train students and relevant staff of partner agencies in yam breeding methodologies
 
Qualification and Experience
Master’s degree in Crop/Plant Breeding, plus at least five years of certified experience in on farm research activities with any crop.
The ideal candidate must
Possess working experience/ exposure in international organisations and interdisciplinary agricultural research.
Be familiar with agricultural and farming systems in West and Central Africa.
Have working experience with participatory approaches. Yam experience will be an asset.
Have administrative experience and be able to demonstrate team management skills.
Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Be proficient in the use of computers, database management software, statistical analysis software, internet-based tools and other electronic communication tools.
Be fluent in oral and written English; with some working knowledge of French.
This position is based in IITA Ibadan, Nigeria, and involves substantial domestic and international travel outside duty station.
 
Remuneration:
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
 
Method of Application:
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work. Evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA website.
 
Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/nrs-online-application.
An application should be made not later than two weeks (closing date: 19/04/12) from the date of this publication.