Job Openings at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2020-006

Duties

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

Value Chain Engineering:

• Work with investors in the biofortified food value chain to set-up small, micro and medium scale processing factories and guide construction sites, technical designs and drawings for effectiveness
• Work with value chain operators to understand and implement guidelines for the set of processing centers as required by government regulatory agencies (NAFDAC, SON, etc.) to ensure compliance with environmental and public health, food hygiene and safety standards, etc.
• Prepare reports, sketches, work drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets to support investors on different scales, sites, and systems
• Work with investors to monitor construction activities and provide reports on observations made relating to environmental problems identified at construction sites etc.
• Materials Support the design and establishment of factory structures to facilitate easy flow and safety of and persons
• Provide advice and guidance for design interpretation and make modifications as necessary during the construction phase for complex structures at processing sites
• Design guidelines for machinery and equipment component, using computer-aided design technology
• Liaise with fabricators to ensure standards for agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Work with communication team to publish investors guide for equipment sourcing and set-up
• Develop and share catalog on standards for SMEs in gari, fufu, flour processing
• Carry out periodic visits to SMEs to monitor progress and ensure standards for food and health safety are adhered to

Value Chain Linkage and Information Technology:

• Develop and deploy data collection app (s) to improve market intelligence and linkage with emphasis on digital marketing using the BiofortStat
• Regularly source and upload market prices, products, services on BiofortStat to drive/stimulate demand and supply of biofortified crops and foods
• Design user-friendly testable websites from layout to function with clear navigation and an option to expand and scale when required
• Identify and deploy web services that would improve efficiency, data submission, support research and facilitate innovation across SMEs
• Provide a comprehensive system design to streamline work processes, address information deficiencies and gaps, and facilitate knowledge exchange and management for SMEs
• Support M&E and other units with ICT tools for field surveys and researches
• Review service-related reports (database backups, maintenance, monitoring) regularly to ensure service-related issues are identified and resolved
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Manager.'

Qualification

• B.Sc / HND in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science or related field with minimum of three (3) years’ experience performing similar role.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies (COREN, NSE) and possession of relevant professional certificates in Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Structural engineering will be an added advantage.

Competencies:

• Expert use of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, etc. Microsoft Office Applications - Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications; Cloud data storage tools - GoogleDrive, DropBox, OneDrive.
• Good skills in reading and interpreting engineering drawings
• Good skills in writing, editing, and proofreading, concept and construction/equipment designs
• Excellent quantitative skills, including advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel, and at least one statistical data analysis software
• Ability to effectively convey program goals, enlist partnerships, and work with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Highly developed conceptual, analytical, and innovative problem-solving ability
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Remuneration

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

Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2020-006

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

• Supply and demand stimulation for biofortified seeds and processed foods  
• Identify and engage promising SMEs with high willingness to invest in the biofortified seed sector, with focus on credible farmer associations / groups and aggregators
• Identify and strengthen capacities of SMEs in processing and value addition to become primary off-takers of vitamin A cassava and maize  
• Work with breeders and seed producers to identify and deploy best seed varieties for multiplication and production by location  
• Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of seed sales outlets to ensure increased farmer access to biofortified seeds  
• Work with relevant regulatory agencies to ensure quality control of processed products to engender consumer trust and ensure repeated purchased by consumers
• Work with relevant teams to map existing and new product distribution outlets and link information to aggregator and distributor networks
• Define and analyze systems that are of major importance in developing the markets for biofortified seeds, crops and foods
• Identify and engage already tested and committed extension agents / systems to address capacity gaps among seed producers and aggregator networks
• Evaluate in detail all existing assessments and literature on consumer demand for gari and fufu in the chosen geography to determine more context-specific opportunities to strengthen demand
• Support the identification and hiring of a mix of creative agencies to design and implement campaigns building on opportunities already identified and if necessary, from new insight generation activities
• Support the development of a strategy / plan for managing communications to counter public (and government) perceptions of linkages to GM crops   
• Convene / attend events to announce and publicize the partnership and the project and host focus group discussions to review and understand consumers’ perceptions of campaigns
• Strengthen the Nutritious Food Platform as a Biofortification Alliance to further develop and refine an approach to consumer engagement and awareness-raising
• Monitor biofortified crops and food value chains to identify market failures and pressure points, and ways to make the chain more functional and efficient
• Carry out regular assessment of biofortified crops and foods value chain including market development opportunities, market prices, demand and supply interactions
• Work with the MELA Specialist to design and implement a robust data collection plan covering all value chain activities and actors including monitoring of market price, product quality, demand and supply linkages and differentials   
• Work with the MELA Officer to regularly review scope and targets for operational planning in alignment with the program Theory of Change (ToC), monitoring framework, results from pathway and indicators
• Participate in results measurements including baseline studies, periodic evaluative studies and impact assessments  

Advocacy and policy engagement:

• Define policy constraints that hinder the commercialization of VAC and VAM building on assessment reports
• Map and engage key influencers within government (executive and legislative, national ad state) and key government officials in the key ministries (FMARD, FMITI, Health, and Finance)
• Convene / attend events to announce the partnership and the project to key stakeholders and set out the policy influencing agenda
• Create and implement the plan for engagement with influencers including key messages to help build a coherent narrative around VAC and VAM across all of government policy areas

Catalytic financing for seed and processed food SMEs:

• Identify companies (input supply and processing) in the growth phase and carry out indepth financing needs assessment to understand and characterize their key constraints  
• Develop a tailored business support / accelerator package to support a priority set of these businesses for investor readiness
• Connect promising companies to facilitate B2B linkages for the supply of inputs, processing, and offtake to build the case for repayable finance (through the Biofortification Alliance engine)
• Support suitable companies to pitch to the Nutritious Foods Financing Facility or similar blended options focused on nutritious and safe foods
• Perform other duties assigned by the Country Manager

Qualification

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Procurement and Supply Shain Management, Marketing, Agriculture or related discipline with minimum of four (4) years’ work experience in activities related to agricultural commodities and rural development

Competencies:

• Proven knowledge of agricultural value chain players (especially cassava and maize) and support service institutions in Nigeria
• Understanding and interest in how markets and value chains work
• Strong project management expertise, exposure to implementing technical assistance projects, and ability to bring together sector stakeholders
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Strong commitment to gender-sensitive, pro-poor development work and an ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team
• Strong interpersona l /people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent problem solving, analytical skills, networking, and relationship-building skills
• Working experience with DFID, BMGF, and USAID funded programs
• Experience in working in Northern Nigeria and fluency in the Hausa language is added advantage.

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

Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2020-006

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

Demand Creation:

• Support the identification and hiring of a mix of creative agencies to design and implement campaigns building on opportunities already identified and if necessary, from new insight generation activities
• Support the development of a strategy / plan for managing communications to counter public (and government) perceptions of linkages to GM crops
• Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of sales outlets to ensure increased farmer and consumer access to bio-fortified seeds and foods
• Work with relevant regulatory agencies to ensure quality control of processed products to engender consumer trust and ensure repeated purchased by consumers
• Work with relevant teams to map existing and new product distribution outlets and link information to aggregator and distributor networks
• Work closely with the project marketing team to develop and implement demand creation strategies for bio-fortified crops and foods
• Develop innovative communication tools with captivating messages to spur demand for bio-fortified crops and foods
• Work with investors to plan and implement demand creation activities including advertisement and promotions using awareness creation platforms like roadshows, fairs, community events, media and outreach programs etc.
• Oversee and provide close support to project implementing partners in the implementation of demand creation activities
• Promote appropriate and effective use of social and behavior change methodologies and research techniques to build demand creation and support SMEs on the execution of marketing / demand creation activities
• Contribute to quarterly lessons identification and learning documentation and dissemination on-demand creation

Internal Communications and Knowledge Management:

• Develop and direct the implementation of the communications strategy for HarvestPlus, ensuring integration and alignment with the country office strategy, and targeting key audiences to build profile and support for HarvestPlus work
• Provide technical, editorial, documentation and communication support during project events such as Nutritious Food Fair, farmers' days, etc
• Develop compelling stories - features, photo and video stories, and events that reinforce HarvestPlus brand, while managing regular and efficient sharing and exchange of information through effective internal communications to bring to life HarvestPlus work
• Manage the delivery of core communications resources and assets, including reports, briefings, factsheets, profiles and coordinate production (design and printing) in line with HarvestPlus brand guidelines, and manage the distribution
• Develop relevant documents, including strategies, proposals, donor reports, and other technical documents, to ensure proper reporting with well written and clear communication messages
• Work with relevant staff to develop communication materials including press releases, newsletters, articles, website pages, brochures, banners, posters, guidelines, etc, to support partners and investors
• Develop and evaluate feasibility, efficiency, and quality of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials

External and Media Engagement:

• Maintain positive profile through impactful media and outreach campaigns across key external online and offline communications channels
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with targeted online, print and broadcast journalists, editorial writers, bloggers, and columnists, as well as other media influencers, and mobilize them for HarvestPlus events
• Monitor the media landscape with a special focus on brand and image attacks and work with appropriate internal stakeholders to formulate responses as required.
• Limit and prevent crisis communications by providing frequent updates and critical messaging on FAQs
• Oversee and manage the program’s digital media strategy, ensuring that website and social media channels content are updated and engaging
• Contribute to communication capacity-building for partners and stakeholders, including developing training programs and guidelines to support and ensure partners can detect, shape and tell their stories of social change and ensure these stories are further incorporated to wider HarvestPlus communications
• Proactively identify media opportunities and, in close liaison with HarvestPlus partners, plan and implement media events including press conferences
• Oversee monitoring of the current and future news agenda to identify and exploit communications opportunities, manage press enquires and pursue opportunities for promoting HarvestPlus
• Oversee management of media contact and communications database and execute and monitor media strategies and activities, including press conferences, one-to-one briefings, press releases, and other written materials
• Link HarvestPlus Nigeria advocacy campaigns to other regional and international campaigns, and keep stakeholders and partners informed on various HarvestPlus activities
• Prepare and submit project demand creation activity reports to management
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor

Qualification

• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Agricultural Extension or related field with a Minimum of three (3) years’ work experience in communications, branding media, and public relations.

Competencies:

• Deep understanding of marketing and communications principles – strategy & execution
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications, Cloud data storage tools like Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive, etc
• Social media knowledge and experience - adept at using major social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• Proven skills in writing, editing and proofreading, concept and brand creation
• Ability to effectively convey program goals, enlist partnerships, and work with a range of program and external stakeholders
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Strong command of English – possess excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, client management, social skills
• Experience working with a diverse team including web developers, journalists, graphic artists
• Working experience with DFID, BMGF, and USAID funded programs

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

Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2020-006

Duties

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

Technical management:

• Set the overall program direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve set objectives, in close coordination with the Country Manager.
• Facilitate the development of annual business plans, strategic work-plans for the country program.
• Monitor adherence to contractual agreement, HarvestPlus policies and procedures, and relevant external rules and regulations.
• Ensure program activities align with donor and HarvestPlus standard policies and procedures.
• Support the finance teams to ensure proper financial management, procurement, administration, human resources and logistics for program activities.
• Ensure close coordination and information sharing with contractual and collaborating partners, and other implementers.
• Represent HarvestPlus at government, donor meetings, national and international workshops, and other relevant events.

M&E System design and calibration:

• Design and implement a gender-sensitive and results based MELA system and strategy
• Develop and regularly review country programme’s Theory of Change (ToC) to ensure alignment with programme delivery strategy and changing realities
• Develop country specific MELA system instruments including MELA operational manual, MELA plan, monitoring survey protocol, data quality assessment guidelines, reporting templates, technical data collection tools
• Work with program specialists and unit Heads to align M&E with program objectives, develop monitoring tools and integrate M&E in work plans and across all program components
• Develop guidance materials that clearly indicate staff responsible for specific M&E products, orienting programme staff to their M&E roles and responsibilities as necessary
• Lead the design, development and operationalisation of the country programme databases and mobile data collection applications.

Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning:

• Coordinate the implementation of M&E activities across the program life cycle and ensure minimum standards are adhered to
• Conduct baseline studies to establish baseline values for selected indicators
• Lead in the design and implementation of outcome monitoring sample surveys
• Facilitate the execution of impact assessments and evaluations; oversee the scope of work, deliverables and overall quality of work of other external led operational research and studies
• Coordinate data collection activities across the various functions and implementing partners, analyze and share results within the country program to increase learning and for global reporting
• Organize quarterly M&E technical meetings to ensure regular program planning across consortium partners, review progress, and document lessons/address challenges encountered
• Undertake regular field visits to all project sites to support the implementation of M&E and to identify where adaptations might be needed
• Document processes and achievements to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated, this will include the continual re-evaluation of program activities and information, with resulting activity adjustments in keeping with new insights
• Adapt and implement global M&E data quality guidelines to ensure that data generated in-country meets the required data quality criteria
• Ensure program data and analysis is used for learning by facilitating progress review and lesson learning reflection platforms with program partners

Management Information Systems and Reporting:

• Advance the use of innovative ICT tools to simplify data collection and transmission to HARVEST and global program database
• Create a program beneficiary tracking database, allowing for monitoring of stakeholders
• Prepare consolidated progress and periodic reports to meet management and donor reporting requirements by approved reporting formats and timing
• Document achievements/impact of innovative program components produce written reports on activities, capturing the impacts of activities
• Ensure that team members collectively focus on assisting the program to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing analysis and decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level

Capacity and Team Building:

• Strengthen staff and partners capacity in the use of data collection and office/work tools through comprehensive and continuous training and coaching
• Provide on-going guidance to team members and partners in the implementation and review of their reports and statistics
• Adapt and implement global M&E capacity-building strategy at country staff and implementing partner level
• Promote a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence
• Lead country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes
• Support the recruitment, orientation, professional development and ongoing training of staff to ensure the successful implementation of activities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Manager.

Qualification

• Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics or Social Sciences with a minimum of eight (8) years’ working experience in monitoring and evaluation.

Competencies:

• Technical expertise in managing and developing M&E systems; theoretical and practical background in M&E
• Knowledge of biofortification value chains, programming and results chains
• Experience in the use of mobile data collection platforms including CSPro and CAPI tools
• Excellent quantitative skills, including advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel, and at least one statistical data analysis software
• Ability to effectively convey program goals, enlist partnerships, and work with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Highly developed conceptual, analytical, and innovative problem-solving ability
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to mentor colleagues
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Working experience with DFID, BMGF, and USAID funded programs.

Remuneration

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