2 Job Opportunities at The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) - Tanzania


Position: Research Assistant
IITA-TZ-19 – R4D-006 -NRS-DSM
IITA is seeking an experienced, highly talented and digitally savvy candidate to fill the position of Research Assistant.

Background: 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

Duty Station: The position will be based at the IITA Regional Hub for Eastern Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Criteria for Success / Qualifications
Minimum of a BSc in Agriculture with a major in agronomy, or a related field
At least 2 years’ experience in Cassava production
Good writing skills and ability to communicate in English.
Ability to communicate in one or more of local major languages.
Capacity to work effectively in a team
Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Highly effective in planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills with a positive attitude and strong administrative service orientation.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also display team attitude in accomplishment of duties.
Possession of excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good judgment and respect for confidentiality.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Proficient in the use of computers, database management software, statistical/econometrics analysis software, internet-based tools and other electronic communication tools.

Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will perform the following duties, among others:
Supervise the implementation of on-station, on-farm and demonstration cassava trials for weed management, following trial protocols and agreed work plans.
Plan field days and training for cassava farmers, extension agents and relevant stakeholders linked to the cassava agronomy trials, particularly the weed management.
Collaborate closely with Lead Systems Agronomist in determining and supervising of herbicide application protocols.
Collaborate closely with Lead Systems Agronomist in the correct and timely collection of all relevant research and project data as stipulated in trial protocols, also including contacts of farmers and extension agents (including location, quantities, and pictures).
Communicate progress and issues observed to the lead Systems Agronomist Tanzania.
Collate (on a monthly basis) reports of field trials, training, and other farmer participatory activities carried out, in close collaboration with the Tanzania lead Systems Agronomist.
Implement approved on-farm and demonstration of Cassava trials
Work with the IITA team, plan field days and training for Cassava farmers


General information:
The duration of contract for the position is one and half years. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Position: Assistant Scientist – Market Research
IITA-TZ-19 – R4D-007 -NRS-DSM
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on behalf of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) invites applications for the position of Assistant Scientist – Market Research

Background: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is a nonprofit independent research and training organization. IRRI is a member of the Consultative Group of International Agricultural research (CGIAR) Consortium. We develop new rice varieties and rice crop management techniques that help rice farmers improve the yield and quality of their rice in an environmentally sustainable way. We work with our public and private sector partners in national Agricultural research and extension systems in major rice growing countries to do research, training and knowledge transfer.
Duty Station: The position will be based at the IITA Regional Hub for Eastern Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Criteria for Success / Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics, marketing, agribusiness or related disciplines and 4 years of relevant work experience in implementing and analyzing market-oriented research and/or household surveys
Master of Science degree in agricultural economics, marketing, agribusiness or related disciplines and 1 year of relevant work experience in implementing and analyzing market-oriented research and/or household surveys
Has proven technical proficiency in conducting/analyzing market and/or value chain studies
Has strong oral and written communication skills
Has strong analytical skills
Has strong coordination and networking skills
Has some experience in scientific writing
Has good presentation skills
Has some experience in database management (both quantitative and qualitative documents

Responsibilities
Purpose
Consolidate, evaluate and analyze research data related to market research and value chain analysis
Assist in designing research studies based on the research outline provided, in the area of market research and value chain analysis
Contribute to design of research protocols and provide logistical support in implementation
Manage the implementation of research activities related to market research and value chain analysis
Assist in collection of primary and secondary data such as literature review and desktop research
Assist in development of data repository and assure maintenance of accurate data recording — Assist in the interpretation of results in relation to market research and value chain analysis
Summarize research findings and draft manuscripts for publication in refereed journals

Engagement
Coordinate with collaborating partners on their research requirements
Work in cross-functional interdisciplinary team within the institute and with national partners – Provide assistance and guidelines/information to internal/external research partner(s) considering the implementation of research activities including the logistics
Maintain smooth conduct of research activities by coordinating with partners and fostering a productive teamwork environment
Exchange conceptual ideas with collaborating partners (national/international) and seek feedback
Act as resource person for training courses and visitors Assist students and trainees

Delivery
Provide inputs to project reports
Verify suggested methodologies and establish parameters
Prepare posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences
Select adequate research tools and equipment
Draft training material using readily available published information (i.e. protocols, methodology)
Prepare necessary supply; identify resource persons; make sure that the logistics are appropriate for defined purpose 3

General information:
The duration of contract for the position is two years. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package

HOW TO APPLY
Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Country Representative, IITA-Tanzania, Plot No. 25, Mwenge – Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni Industrial Area P.O, Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or by email to IITA-Tanzania@cgiar.org

Applicants are requested to please indicate the reference number for the position as indicated on the heading of the announcement in your application as well as on the subject of your email if sending by email. If sending by post or hand delivery, please indicate the reference number on your application as well as on the left-hand side of your envelope, Please note that any applications without the reference number indicated will be automatically disqualified.

Closing date: 15/07/2019 . Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.