Research Supervisor at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

DUTIES:

• Participate in designing, planning and management of agronomy experiments in the screen house and on-station field for seed yam production using minisetts, mini-tubers, and vine cuttings.
• Participate in the design, planning and management of demonstration trials on certified seed yam production in collaboration with PROSSIVAYam Partners in Nigeria and Ghana.
• Provide technical backstopping to certified seed entrepreneurs, ware yam farmers, extension workers and Community Research Technicians on implementing demonstration trials for demand creation.
• Collect and maintain data on certified seed yam production activities including seed preparation, planting, scoring for diseases and pests, application of agronomic measures, labelling, harvesting, sorting, treating, storage, etc.
• Participate in monitoring the activities of PROSSIVA-associated private seed companies and certified seed entrepreneurs working with IITA PROSSIVA team members.
• Supervise the activities of daily rated labour on-station.
• Report monthly on the progress of planned activities.
• Perform any other job-related task as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATION:

• BSc/HND in Crop Science/Soil Science, Seed Science, Botany or any other related field with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment with a valid driver’s license.

COMPETENCIES:

• The ideal candidate must:
• Be experienced in conducting agricultural research experiments.
• Be experienced in recording, handling, and processing data from research experiments and report writing.
• Have knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and some experience of using statistical software
• Have good interpersonal relationships, good documentation abilities, organizational skills and strong communication skills.
• Have ability to work independently and the use of any of SPSS, R, SAS or related statistical tools.
• Experience of using digital tools for data entry and knowledge of yam agronomy
• Have experience in working with partners in research and extension, as well as farmers.