Research Assistant - Farm Operations at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA 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: Research Assistant - Farm Operations

Ref No: STS2025-14
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Employment Type: Contract
Contract: 6 months’ renewable

Duties
Farm Operations Support:

• Assist in daily farm activities including feeding, cleaning, and animal handling.
• Oversees ILRI’s collaborator’s fieldwork for research and development.
• Provide technical supports to out-station operations.
• Support crop and forage production activities including planting, harvesting, and maintenance.
• Assist in implementing experimental protocols under supervision.

Data Management Responsibilities:

• Collect and record field and farm data using standardized tools and templates.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of data through regular validation and cleaning.
• Maintain confidentiality and data security in line with ILRI policies.
• Collaborate with research and IT teams to improve data collection workflows.
• Contribute to MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) activities by providing timely and quality data.
• Enter data into ILRI-approved databases and spreadsheets.
• Support data analysis and visualization for internal reports and presentations.
• Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

• HND / Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science or related field with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience performing similar role in a well-structured environment.

Competencies
The ideal candidate must:

• Have strong organizational, communication and teamwork skills.
• Be familiar with digital data collection tools (e.g., Excel, Kobo Toolbox).
• Have the ability to work independently and follow instructions.
• Be experienced in farm operations and basic data handling.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office and data management tools.

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

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline  23rd October, 2025.