Technical Field Supervisor at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) - Abuja & Ibadan

IITA is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach 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. IITA is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 in Nigeria and governed by a Board of Trustees. IITA works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize. It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Field Supervisor
 
Ref No: IITA-HR-NRS2016-044
Locations: Abuja and Ibadan
Recruitment Type: National (2-year renewable contract)

Responsibilities
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist in keeping records of date of planting, Aflasafe application and harvesting of maize during planting season;
• Assist in collecting maize and soil samples from the farmers’ fields and stores during sample aggregation;
• Supervise the activities of Field Officers during sporulation verification;
• Supervise the activities of Field of Officers during the taking of GPS coordinates of maize fields;
• Provide technical support to Implementers and farmers on best Maize agronomic practice;
• Assist in training of implementers and farmers under the Aflasafe AgResults project;
• Assist in field demonstration of Aflasafe application to farmers and Implementers under the AgResults Aflasafe project;
• Maintain accurate data records and field notebooks and computer records of the AgResults Aflasafe project that can be accessed on demand by supervisor;
• Lead AgResults Aflasafe Field Officers for sporulation verification and GPS coordinates;
• Assist in data entry and work schedule for AgResults Aflasafe project;
• Ensure compliance with laboratory and field safety regulations;
• Collect soil and maize samples at aggregation for AgResults Aflasafe project;
• Assist in report collation and writing for the AgResults Aflasafe Project;
• Assist in monitoring of activities of Implementers with the AgResults Aflasafe Project;
• Perform any their duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• HND/BSc in Biological Science or relative courses with at least Four (4) years of relevant work experience performing similar role.

Competencies
Ideal Candidate must:

• Be computer literate with a good working knowledge of computer based control systems and shared network drives.
• Have strong Excel skills.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Experience of supporting a project manager.
• Experience of supporting technology transfer to smallholder farmers or innovation commercialization in agricultural sector.
• Have experience of supporting staffs remotely.
• Experience of conducting or supporting training for agricultural enterprises.
• Have good knowledge of management of aflatoxin.
• Have understanding of the approach to adopt in supporting growth of agricultural enterprises.
• Have experience in data and sample collection; Experience in supporting stakeholders management activities

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

Application Closing Date
12th November, 2016.

Method of Application
Interested applicant should forward their applications including a covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, 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).

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