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 works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach, addresses the developmental needs of tropical countries. Founded in 1967, IITA is a non-profit organisation with Headquarters at Ibadan, Nigeria. The Institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize. IITA is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural research (CGIAR), a global agriculture research partnership for a secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information.

Job Description

IITA is recruiting for a Post-Harvest Technology position for an on-going donor-funded project in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the IITA Post Harvest Scientist and Chief Scientist of the Africa RISING West Africa Project S/he will be a member of a team of research and development partners working with community-based organisations and groups of farmers, women and youth to test, adapt and disseminate, monitor and evaluate the potential of various post-harvest technologies and practices (e.g.threshing, drying, cleaning, storage, value addition, packaging, etc. etc.) to maintain quality, protect food safety, and reduce losses of crop and livestock products, especially stored cereal and legume grains between harvest and consumption.

Main Duties

•   Work with teams of research and development partners, community-based organisations and farmers to:
•   Document indigenous knowledge on post-harvest management practices.
•   Study storage losses, especially in cereal and legume grains in the project area.
•   Compare improved post-harvest management technologies with farmers' practices.
•   Demonstrate and/or disseminate improved post-harvest management technologies and practices to reduce storage losses in cereal and legume grains.
•   Assist with research on improving existing and new value-added products, and promote them widely for adoption.
•   Collect, analyse and summarise data.
•   Assist with the development of training and extension programmes in postharvest technology
•   Prepare technical reports and research articles for publication.
•   Supervise and train research technicians and partners on improved post-harvest management technologies.
•   Assist with organising workshops, meetings and monitoring tours.
•   Establish and maintain contacts with farmers and relevant stakeholders.
•   Perform any other official duties assigned by supervisor.

Duty Station: Bolgatanga, with field work travels to project sites in Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions.

Terms of appointment: This is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position. Initial appointment is fixed term for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Post-graduate degree (MSc or Post-graduate Diploma) in Post-Harvest Technology or related field from a recognised University.
•   At least 4-5 years relevant experience in post-harvest research and development.

Skills

•   Demonstrated skills in undertaking research-for-development activities on post-harvest management.
•   Good writing and verbal communication skills in English and other local languages in northern Ghana.
•   Excellent computer skills and knowledge of statistical packages for post-harvest research.
•   Good team player and adaptable to working in multi-cultural team.
•   Ability to work under pressure, and with minimum supervision.
•   Excellent interpersonal and networking skills in an international environment.
•   Good knowledge of the agricultural development scene, key actors etc, in Ghana is an advantage.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV (4 pages maximum) explaining their interest in the position, relevant documents and testimonials and the names and addresses (telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate's professional qualifications and work experience.

Applications should be addressed to the

Country Representative,
IITA-Ghana,
P.O. Box TL 6,
Tamale

and submitted by email to:

iitaghana@gmail.com

Closing Date: 31 December, 2016

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. IITA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply