Vacancy at IITA for a Hospitality and Travel Services Head

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Head, Hospitality and Travel Services.

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.


Position:  Head, Hospitality and Travel Services
(Ref No: DDG-R4D/H/HTS/07/16)

Duty station: Ibadan, Nigeria

Position Responsibilities: 
This position reports to the Deputy Director General-Corporate Services.
The tasks are as follows:

 Manage I-House, Ikeja Guest House, Abuja Guest House to international standards and oversee Travel Services and Sports centre.
 Manage bookings and the use of the IITA Ibadan Conference Centre
 Continue to enhance revenue generation through effective use of Hospitality and Travel Service facilities.
 Ensure effective cost recovery of all operations, and meet the set zero budget targets.
 Provide continuous staff training and good customer care.
 Lead, recruit, develop and retain staff to deliver services in the most efficient and effective manner.  Plan and manage new acquisitions, maintenance and upgrade of facilities of all IITA guest houses as required.
 Initiate energy saving methods.
 Ensure delivery of effective client focused services.
 Give professional support to leisure activities on the Ibadan compound and organize social events to enhance the quality of social life on IITA campus.
 Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by management.


Educational Qualifications 
The candidate should have a BSc/BA degree in Business Administration, Hotel/Hospitality Management or other relevant field. Any related advanced degree will be an added advantage. .

Core Competencies: 
 Minimum of 10years proven experience with five at a Senior Management level in the hospitality business/corporate travel unit of an international organization.
 Working knowledge of MS Office and relevant software (e-g. ERP); knowledge of hotel management software (PMS) is an advantage.
 Understanding of all hotel management best practices and relevant laws and guidelines.
 Knowledge of international travel regulations, customs and currencies.
 Solid understanding of hospitality procedure and best practices.
 Excellent analytical mind with strong business acumen
 Ability to balance customer and business priorities.
 Knowledge of quality standards (e.g. ISO).
 Demonstrable aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
 Reliable with ability to multi-task and work well under pressure.
 Outstanding communication (oral and written) and good negotiation skills.
 Excellent hands-on experience in customer service or sales management skills.
 Good interpersonal, excellent leadership and organizational skills.
 Numeracy and logistical planning skills. Great attention to details.
 Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural environment.
 Fluency in English; knowledge of other languages is a plus


General information:
The contract will be for an initial period of three years with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.

How to Apply
Applications must include 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).
The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service.

Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers

Application Deadline: 1 st August 2016

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted