Research Assistant (Agricultural Economist) at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

DUTIES:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on gender roles and dynamics in yam production in Nigeria.
• Analyze and synthesize findings from research papers, reports, and other relevant sources regarding the socio-cultural factors around staking and non-staking practices.
• Identify specific relevant areas of focus.
• Prepare literature reviews with colleagues, STS, and the supervising IITA gender expert and economist.
• Engage selected stakeholders, farmers, and participants, ensuring representation of diverse perspectives, including men and women yam farmers from different production systems.
• Organize and conduct FGDs, KIIs, and IIs in selected rural communities using appropriate methodologies and tools, collaborating with community mobilizers.
• Collect data covering key topics related to yam production, including socio-cultural challenges, opportunities, and gender-specific issues.
• Conduct workshop-FGDs using the citizen science approach.
• Perform data entry and analysis of qualitative data through coding to identify key themes and insights, and carry out economic calculations based on survey and field trial results.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on the findings from FGDs, KIIs, and experimental trials.
• Establish, monitor, and coordinate farmer-managed experimental trials from a socio-cultural perspective, comparing staked yam and non-staked yam cultivation.
• Collaborate with community members and stakeholders throughout the research process.
• Document the research process, including methodologies, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION:

• HND/Bsc in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Rural development or any other related course of study.
• The ideal candidate must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in conducting quantitative research, including FGDs and KIIs performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
• Fluency in English language and in one or more Nigerian languages as spoken in yam-growing areas is an added advantage.

COMPETENCIES:

The ideal candidate must:

• Have a transdisciplinary focus ready to learn and work outside and with people outside the candidate main discipline.
• Have strong understanding of gender issues in agriculture and basic knowledge of yam production.
• Have experience in agricultural research or related fieldwork.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Have successful engagement and participation of diverse stakeholders in FGDs, KIIs and IIs.
• Be well-organized and execute FGDs and KIIs, providing valuable insights into yam production and gender dynamics.
• Ensure Timely submission of research updates and final high-quality reports, documenting the research process and findings.