PROJECT OFFICER II AT IITA - INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE

About Company:

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is one of the world's leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Our award-winning research for development (R4D) addresses the development needs of tropical countries. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We are a nonprofit organization founded in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported by several countries. Our mission is to enhance food security and improve livelihoods in Africa through research for development (R4D).

Job Description:

Program Implementation Support:

• Support day-to-day implementation of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) and High-Quality Cassava Peel (HQCP) innovation pilots at the community level.
• Work with partner hubs and spokes to coordinate distribution of inputs and equipment to women and youth-led poultry enterprises.
• Ensure adherence to technical, environmental, and gender inclusion standards during implementation.

Community Engagement & Facilitation:

• Mobilize and engage local stakeholders, youth groups, and women's associations for participation in innovation pilots.
• Facilitate regular group meetings, dialogues, and information-sharing with beneficiaries and service providers.
• Support delivery of business coaching, mentoring, and peer learning activities for participants.

Capacity Building Support:

• Assist in the delivery and follow-up of technical training sessions on alternative feed production and poultry enterprise management.
• Monitor participant attendance and performance in training and apprenticeships in collaboration with TVETs and trainers.

Monitoring, Learning & Reporting:

• Collect and consolidate field-level data including participation records, enterprise outcomes, and feedback from youth and women entrepreneurs.
• Track inputs, pilot outputs, and enterprise performance using provided tools.
• Contribute to field reports, success stories, and updates for monthly or quarterly program.

Partnership & Coordination:

• Liaise with local government, private sector actors, and civil society organizations to support enabling conditions for enterprise growth.
• Coordinate logistics and scheduling for field visits, learning events, and innovation demonstration
• Perform any other job-related tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate must:

• Have strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and mobilize youth and women’s groups.
• Have basic understanding of poultry systems, feed innovations (BSF, HQCP), or agricultural input value chains.
• Have good written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office tools and data collection platforms (e.g., ODK, KoboToolbox).
• Ability to travel frequently within target communities and work independently under supervision.
• Be passionate about youth development, agribusiness, and inclusive market systems.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt and have problem solving dynamics in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Be familiar with gender and social inclusion principles in development programming.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s Degree in Agribusiness or Extension, Veterinary Medicine, Rural Development, Development Studies and other related courses.
• The ideal candidate must have a minimum of (4) years’ experience in agricultural development, youth livelihoods, community engagement, or enterprise development; Must be experienced working with small-holder poultry farmers, agribusinesses, or youth/women-led enterprises in Rural or Semi-urban contexts.
• Experience in supporting donor-funded development projects is also desirable.

Salary

Application Closing Date: Not specified

Application Instructions:

Click the link below to apply