The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Agronomist/Soil Scientist.

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. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The purpose of the position is to represent IITA in the technical Team and to provide support during the implementation of activities under IITA’s responsibilities in the Soil Values project.

Position Responsibilities

· Act as contact point for Soil values team and local partners in Niger and Mali for the implementation of the activities which are under IITA responsibility under the Soil Value program to ensure that project objective are achieved.

· Work closely with the IITA Soil value focal point and get directly involved in the implement activities under the responsibility of IITA in all the intervention areas in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

· 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, Knowledge management and communication, and climate.

· Develop and implement soil management practices by providing technical support to farmers in Mali, and Niger, helping them adopt climate-smart technologies to enhance soil health.

· Contribute to building the capacity of project partners in Mali, and Niger Republic for effective project implementation, and represent IITA-Soil Values activities at conferences and workshops.

· Provide technical support to project teams and liaise with local partners for implementing soil values program to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives in Mali, and Niger.

· Collaborate with local communities, government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to improve soil health and agricultural productivity.

· Prepare comprehensive reports detailing activities and progress related to Soil Values, including data analysis, project outcomes, and recommendations for future actions.

· Contribute to the publication of at least three articles based on the results of field activities related to Soil Values.

· Work with local authorities, ICIRSIAT, INRAN and other partners to represent IITA in Niger

· Supervise all in country staff and activities

· Mobilise and collaborate local partners such as NGOs, seed companies, farmers’ organization e.t.c.

· Work with local authorities, ICIRSIAT, INRAN and other partners to represent IITA in Niger

· Supervise all in country staff and activities

· Mobilise and collaborate local partners such as NGOs, seed companies, farmers’ organization e.t.c.

· Interact with authorities, donors and others to get IITA better known and involved in research and development discussions in the country.

· Contribute to resource mobilization through responding to calls and initiating proposals for unsolicited request to donors.

· Contribute to the publication of at least three articles based on field activities related to Soil Values and climate change adaptation.

Requirements

The candidate should ideally have a PhD degree in Agronomy/Soil Science, crop or climate modelling, with strong computational skills. The candidate should have at least 3 years of 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

Duty Station: Niamey, Niger Republic

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.

Applications: Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head of People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs

Closing Date: 22nd October 2024

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.

While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.