IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organisation created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 international recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa.

Job Summary

IITA seeks to recruit a Research Assistant (Maize Trial Preparations and Management) for the African Development Bank (AfDB) funded project on ‘Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC). The incumbent will be based at Tamale in the Northern Region.

Responsibilities:

•   Assist with planning and implementing research on the agronomy of cereal and legume crops and integrated crop-livestock production in the savannahs of northern Ghana;
•   Supervise establishment and management of demonstration plots to disseminate improved cereal and legume crops, cropping systems, integrated soil fertility and pest management, and integrated crop-livestock production with diverse stakeholders;
•   Conduct regular field visits to supervise data collection and follow-up with partners;
•   Assist with analysis of agronomic data;
•   Assists in preparing progress reports;
•   Support information collation for and preparation of reports and minutes of Research-for-Development platform meetings at different levels, field trips and field days;
•   Assist in capacity building of research technicians, and farmers;.
•   Organize workshops, and field days;
•   Assist with out- and up-scaling of project outputs;
•   Perform any other official duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualification Required & Experience

•   BSc or M.Sc. in agricultural sciences (agronomy,crop, soil) from a recognised university.
•   At least 2 years working experience in agricultural re search-for-development projects , preferably in northern Ghana;
•   Experience with participatory research approaches;.
•   Experience of working with different stakeholders and partners;
•   Practical experience in field agronomic and/or livestock research and data analysis;
•   Good understanding of the small-holder mixed farming systems in northern Ghana;
•   Ability to take initiative and work under minimal supervision;
•   Excellent spoken and written English and local languages relevant to the location.
•   Good computer literacy of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
•   Good team player and adaptable to working in a multi-cultural team;

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
Applications should be submitted by email to:

iita.ghana@gmail.com

Closing Date: 21 July, 2014

Suitable qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. IITA provides an attractive salary package.