The international institute of Tropical Agriculture (ITA) invites applications for the position below: these positions are funded by African development bank (ADB) under the support to agricultural research for development of strategic crops in African (SARD-SC).

ITA is an international non-profit research for development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a board of trustees, and supported primarily by the consultative group of the international agricultural research (CGIAR). Our RAD is anchored on the development needs of sub saharah African. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to eliminate hunger and poverty and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture, we have more than 100 international recruited scientists from about 35 counties and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa,

Jobs description:

This position is for staff seconded by government. The country program coordinator for Nigeria reports directly to the SARD-SC maize specialist in consultation with the budget officer for guidance in major work plan and day to day operations.

Ensure the effective development of innovation platforms (ips)

Coordinate and backstops the national partners of the maize value chain stakeholders (procedures, processors, traders, financial institutions, extension workers and researchers) within each IP to sustain the maize competitiveness.

Coordinate in country execution of SARD-SC maize components activities to ensure visibility and effectiveness of the project.

Participate in training workshops as well as project review and planning meetings.

Write scientific papers for submission in high quality peer-reviewed journals etc.

Minimum of M.Sc degree in agricultural science or related science.

Minimum experience in five (5) years in a similar position.

Knowledge of socio-economics or extension agronomy will be an advantage.

Experience with participatory extension approaches, working with farmers or farmer groups and commodity associations and the private sector.

Be proficient in the use of computers, database management software, statistical analysis software, internet-based tools and other electronic communications tools.

Good verbal and written communications skills in English required.