Fresh Job Recruitment at HarvestPlus

HarvestPlus on behalf of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, seeks suitable Nigerian for the position below at its country office in Ibadan:






Job Title: Project Accounts Officer

Ref:IITA-HR-NRS2017-0040 
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Recruitment Type: National (1-year renewable contract)

Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

Financial Management and Reporting:

• Align IITA’s financial report system with HarvestPlus format and ensure timely submission of quarterly and annual reports to country manager and headquarters
• Periodically review strategy, key financial activities and performance reports and take appropriate action to ensure achievement of the institution’s financial objectives
• Identify risks and long-term financial implications of intended corporate projects/ initiatives, and advices management accordingly
• Manage all finance and accounting operations, including budgets forecasts, audit, payroll, accounts receivable & payable and strategic planning.
• Ensure compliance with internal control processes, adherence to donor financial regulations and ensure that all expenses are within approved project budget lines.
• Develop and prepare accurate and timely monthly financial reports and prepare ad hoc reports as needed for budgeting and planning purposes
• Ensure account receivables and payables activities are performed accurately and timely
• Provide quality control checks ensuring that all valid financial transactions are entered correctly into the relevant accounting systems including the QuickBooks
• Ensure financial records are kept in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and readily available for internal/external reviewers and follow-up on internal/external audit findings
• Oversee filing of electronic and hard copies of the financial documents and reports and maintenance of payment records of all invoices received
• Work with visiting scientists/experts to process transfer of funds and prepare reports of expenditure for special projects
• Provide support to contracted partners and state teams in financial management and reporting
• Interact with staff to provide support to planning initiatives through financial and management information analyses, reports, and recommendations
• Maintain confidentiality on project/staff/partner/vendor finances and observe financial protection guidelines

Budgeting and Budget Management:

• Design systems, procedures and reporting necessary to maintain on current basis accurate forecasts of cash requirements for meeting future spending
• Prepare and submit budget using past financial trends and forecast to Country manager for approval
• Lead the costing exercise of the annual work plan based on approved funding and previous years expenditure
• Track monthly expenditure against forecasts and work plan budget, informing management on substantial deviation from approved work plan.
• Support the development of partners contract and collate mid and year-end financial reports for performance assessment and record keeping
• Ensure that appropriate balances are maintained to facilitate smooth project implementation
• Prepare monthly budget controls and periodic progress reports to head office Perform other related tasks to be assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

• B.Sc/HND in Accounting or Financial Management with five (5) years relevant experience performing similar role in a well-structured organization. Possession of ACA or ACCA, CFA is highly essential.

Competencies:

• Good Understanding of accounting principles, practices and procedure
• Experience in finance and administration, budget development and management
• Good knowledge in the use of financial management tools /software including QuickBooks, use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications etc
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, social skills.

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



Method of Application 
Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. 

Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)




Job Title: Crop Delivery Officer
Ref No: IITA-HR-NRS2017-0040
Location: Abuja
Recruitment Type: National (1-year renewable contract)
Contract: 1-year renewable contract Location: Abuja

Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

Technical Oversight:

• Formulate strategic and technical direction for the delivery of biofortified seed in Northern Nigeria and other participating West African countries
• Establish, maintain and strengthen relationships for mainstreaming of biofortified crops in ongoing programmes with collaborating partners, which includes development partners/INGO’s, government officials and the private sector
• Provide programmatic and technical expertise to partner organisations including commercial companies in the development of viable biofort agribusiness clusters
• Develop intervention strategies and implementation procedures in a participatory manner with key stakeholders
• Formulate strategies to develop service markets in commodity chains/rural markets and seek opportunities to work as per sector strategy
• Lead the effort to conduct desk research of existing information and produce a detailed market and stakeholder analysis that broadly defines the impact, demand and feasibility for a range of possible interventions
• Define in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and potential partner organisations the scope of implementation activities and where applicable negotiates a formal agreement
• Take part in facilitating and managing the work of partners, facilitators and service providers ensuring value for money for the tasks given
• Undertake regular field visits to ensure proper implementation of activities in line with programme objectives and goals
• Represent the programme in events, meetings as assigned, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with partners, other members of the programme, and with the public

Seed Systems:

• Provide technical expertise for HarvestPlus Nigeria and other West African projects in promoting community based seed entrepreneurship in their respective countries
• Plan, organise and implement seed production and commercialization plans, including in-bred lines maintenance, production of breeders, pre-basic and basic seeds of parental lines for increased commercial seed production
• Facilitate the commercial production of biofortified seed by licensed seed companies
• Inspect fields under production by seed companies to ensure adherence to certification standards
• Liaise with seed companies licensed to produce and sell biofortified seeds. Collaborate with the Regional Seed System Specialist in the bulking of parent seeds/lines of leads entered for National Variety Trials
• Set up trials to monitor and ensure certified seed purity and viability
• Work with partners and technically support the laying out of demonstration plots and conduct field days to promote biofortified maize in Nigeria
• Build capacities of both private and public-sector partners in the seed system (including small/medium scale seed companies, CBOs and NGOs) through development of training modules for seed production, seed multiplication, seed business management and marketing
• Engage with private sector and community based seed producers in developing a sustainable market for seed and monitor the production of high quality seeds for production

Market creation/linkages, delivery and promotion:

• Define and analyse systems that are of major importance in developing the markets for biofortified seeds, crops and foods
• Identify the value chain and core transactions, key rules & supporting functions, and assess key constraints
• Monitor biofortified crops and food value chains to identify market failures and pressure points, and ways to make the chain more functional and efficient
• Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of seed sales outlets to ensure increased farmer access to biofortified seeds
• Create and strengthen market linkages for biofortified crops and foods; bridge the gap between demand and supply; promote the availability, accessibility and affordability of biofortified crops and foods
• Build capacities of partner companies and organisations on contract farming/out-grower management and aggregation/off-take of biofortified crops
• Provide technical content and support the development of training materials on Good Agronomic Practices including pest management, extension training delivery, post-harvest handling and processing, to support value chain actors
• Establish and manage model villages to become evidence based villages for biofortification

Value Chain monitoring and Data Collection:

• Carry out regular assessment of biofortified crops and foods value chain including market development opportunities, market prices, demand and supply interactions
• Work with the MELA Specialist to design and implement a robust data collection plan covering all value chain activities and actors including monitoring of market price, product quality, demand and supply linkages and differentials
• Work with the MELA Specialist to regularly review scope and targets for operational planning in alignment with the program Theory of Change (ToC), monitoring framework, results pathway and indicators
• Participate in results measurements including baseline studies, periodic evaluative studies and impact assessments
• Continually monitor and evaluate intervention activities – inputs and outputs, taking actions to correct course as necessary, and produce activity reports that supports decision making
• Perform other duties assigned by the Country Manager.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Agriculture, International Development or related discipline with at least Four (4) years’ work experience in activities related to agricultural commodities and rural development

Competencies
The ideal candidate must have:

• Proven knowledge of agricultural value chain players (especially cassava, maize, millet, sorghum, rice) and support service institutions in Nigeria
• Good understanding and interest in how markets and value chains work
• Strong project management expertise, exposure to implementing technical assistance projects, and ability to bring together sector stakeholders
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Strong commitment to gender sensitive, pro-poor development work and an ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team
• Strong interpersonal/people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent problem solving, analytical skills, networking and relationship-building skills
• Good working experience with DFID, BMGF and USAID funded programs
• Experience in working in Northern Nigeria and fluency in Hausa language are added advantage

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


Method of Application 
Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. 

Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Action (MELA) Officer


Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2017-0040
Location: Ibadan
Contract: 1-year renewable contract
Recruitment Type: National (1-year renewable contract)


Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Contribute to setting the overall programme direction by prioritising and organising actions and resources to achieve set objectives, in close coordination with the Country Manager
• Contribute to the development of annual business plans, strategic work-plans for the country programme
• Provide support functions in monitoring adherence to contractual agreement, HarvestPlus policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations
• Provide support functions in ensuring programme activities align with donor and HarvestPlus standard policies and procedures
• Support the finance teams to ensure proper financial management, procurement, administration, human resources and logistics for programme activities
• Provide support functions in coordinating information sharing with contractual and collaborating partners, and other implementers
• Represent HarvestPlus when required at meetings – government, donors, national and international workshops and other relevant events

M&E System Design and Calibration:

• Design and implement a gender sensitive and results based MELA system and strategy
• Develop and regularly review country programme’s Theory of Change (ToC) to ensure alignment with programme delivery strategy and changing realities
• Develop country specific MELA system instruments including MELA operational manual, MELA plan, monitoring survey protocol, data quality assessment guidelines, reporting templates, technical data collection tools
• Work with programme specialists and unit Heads to align M&E with programme objectives, develop monitoring tools and integrate M&E in work plans and across all programme components
• Develop guidance materials that clearly indicate staff responsible for specific M&E
• products, orienting programme staff to their M&E roles and responsibilities as
• necessary
• Coordinate the design, development and operationalisation of the country programme databases and mobile data collection applications

Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning:

• Coordinate the implementation of M&E activities across programme life cycle and ensure minimum standards are adhered to
• Conduct baseline studies to establish baseline values for selected indicators
• Coordinate the design and implementation of outcome monitoring sample surveys
• Facilitate the execution of impact assessments and evaluations; oversee the scope of work, deliverables and overall quality of work of other external led operational research and studies
• Coordinate data collection activities across the various functions and implementing partners, analyse and share results within the country programme to increase learning and for global reporting
• Organize M&E technical meetings to ensure regular programme planning across consortium partners, review progress, and document lessons/address challenges encountered
• Undertake regular field visits to all project sites to support implementation of M&E and to identify where adaptations might be needed
• Document processes and achievements to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated; this will contribute to continual re-evaluation of programme activities and information, with resulting activity adjustments in keeping with new insights
• Adapt and implement global M&E data quality guidelines to ensure that data generated in-country meets the required data quality criteria
• Ensure programme data and analysis is used for learning by facilitating progress review and lesson learning reflection platforms with programme partners

Management Information Systems and Reporting:

• Advance the use of innovative ICT tools to simplify data collection and transmission to HARVESTAT and global programme database;
• Create a programme beneficiary tracking database, allowing for monitoring of stakeholders;
• Prepare consolidated progress and periodic reports to meet management and donor reporting requirements in accordance with approved reporting formats and timelines;
• Document achievements/impact of innovative programme components, produce written reports on activities, capturing the impacts of activities;
• Work with team members to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing analysis and decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.

Capacity and Team Building:

• Strengthen staff and partners capacity in the use of data collection and office/work tools through comprehensive and continuous training and coaching;
• Provide on-going guidance to team members and partners in the implementation and review of their reports and statistics
• Adapt and implement global M&E capacity building strategy at country staff and implementing partner level
• Promote a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence;
• Support the recruitment, orientation, professional development and ongoing training of staff to ensure the successful implementation of activities;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Manager.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics or Social Sciences with minimum of 4 years working experience in monitoring and evaluation.

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must have:

• The ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks effectively;
• Good knowledge of Agronomy and/or Farm Management
• The ability to work with little or no supervision under pressure in agricultural
• working environment;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Have strong computer skills;
• Have ability to drive IITA’s earthmoving equipment and vehicles with a valid Driver’s license.

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






How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. 


Click here to apply online


Click here for more information (PDF)

Job Title: Communication Assistant 


Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2017-0040
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Contract: 1-year renewable contract Location: Ibadan 


Duties 
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties: 


Communication and Event Support:

• Participate producing various communication materials including brochures, flyers, posters, articles, news stories and technical reports on HarvestPlus activities in Nigeria
• Support the development and packaging, print/web/audiovisual/multimedia materials in a variety of formats for donors, and policy makers as well as farmers, processors and marketers
• Monitor stories in the print and news media that cite HarvestPlus activities
• Provide communication support and documentation for all project activities
• Co-facilitate the dissemination of farmer- friendly information on HarvestPlus project activities through features writing, press releases, field days, radio programs and television
• Assist in producing unique photography and video coverage for HarvestPlus events/occasion
• Support the production of training videos, conducting informative interviews and testimonials aim at promoting HarvestPlus Interventions in Nigeria.

Creative Design:

• Develop and design concepts, graphics and layouts for HarvestPlus communication materials (Brochures, pamphlets, flyers, banners, etc)
• Maintain brand consistency throughout all HarvestPlus communication materials
• Generate creative ideas and develop new design concepts, graphics and layouts
• Review all publications and designs materials for errors before printing
• Work with all HarvestPlus investors and partners to achieve product branding and packaging standards

Social Media and Website management:

• Create and upload engaging social media content using graphics and illustrations to increase awareness and sensitization of stakeholders
• Manage all exclusive photographs and video content for HarvestPlus social media platforms
• Monitor all social media conversations, mentions, and other activities and provide feedback to questions and comments
• Collect and share feedback from social media channels with relevant unit
• Assist in updating information on HarvestPlus website
• Perform all other related duties that may be assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Extension, Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field with minimum of three (3) years’ experience performing same role.

Competencies:

• Expert use of graphic design software – Adobe Suite, CorelDraw etc; Microsoft Office Applications – Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications; Cloud data storage tools – Google drive, DropBox, OneDrive.
• Adept at using major social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Good skills in writing, editing and proofreading, concept and brand creation
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity.
• Good command of English – possess excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, client management, social skills.

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




Method of Application 
Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. 


Click here to apply online


Click here for more information (PDF)

Job Title: Advocacy and Events Assistant


Ref:IITA-HR-NRS2017-0040
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Recruitment Type: National (1-year renewable contract)


Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:


Advocacy Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Plan, develop and monitor implementation of advocacy strategy and plans in line with HarvestPlus vision, mission, core values and objectives
• Develop and deliver policy products – talking points, policy papers, briefings, letters etc, and ensure that policy messages are in line with HarvestPlus global positions and strategic priorities and grounded in programme realities
• Support the establishment of research and/or data collection for evidence based advocacy
• Advise and brief colleagues ahead of external meetings or in decision-making fora
• Define key advocacy messages to be shared on behalf of HarvestPlus with key decision makers in Nigeria; Identify and lead research into relevant development and government policy, write policy reports and briefings as strategic direction

Partnerships, Alliance and Communication:

• Participate in developing a strong network of trusted relationships among federal and state authorities and institutions in the nutritious food sector
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with potential partners and stakeholders by establishing strategic contacts from external events and professional networks
• Work closely with the communications specialist to support policy analysis and information into media and social media products
• Advocate, integrate, improve communication experience exchange and partnership with public and private sector organisations at national and state levels, development networks, key decision and policy makers, and media Identify, engage and strengthen relationships with advocates across all sectors
• Secure participation in relevant technical working groups at national and state levels
• Secure the inclusion of biofortification in relevant national policy documents, budgets of federal and state governments, mainstreaming into livelihood programs of development organisations
• Represent HarvestPlus at meetings, conferences, workshops, briefings, coalitions and other platforms and build relationships with key contacts in the development sub-sector and government bodies
• Engage with programme staff to identify high priority needs requiring advocacy focus and intervention
• Regularly visit partner organisations to ensure a direct link between programme and advocacy works, identify and generate high quality advocacy pieces
• Provide hands-on technical assistance to partners to support them in refining their advocacy strategies in response to political developments, that directly affect their advocacy campaigns

Event Organisation and Management:

• Participate in the planning and execution of all programme and advocacy events ensuring adherence to standards and event objectives
• Assist with post event evaluation analysis against targets and objectives.
• Innovate means of improving on successful execution of events
• Provide support to partners in planning, execution of advocacy or programme events in their various locations
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• OND in Mass Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related discipline with minimum of four years relevant experience performing similar role.

Competencies:

• Solid experience in running advocacy campaigns, strategic and advocacy planning, advocacy message development, civil society/coalition organisation and management
• Strong leadership skills and ability to achieve results through influencing others
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, policy makers, local and international partners including donor organisations
• Proven stakeholder and partnership engagement track record – ability to establish and maintain good relationships both internally and externally.
• Experience of successfully planning and delivering corporate events.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications.
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, social skills.

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


Application Closing Date
3rd January, 2018.   


Method of Application 
Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. 


Click here to apply online


Click here for more information (PDF)

Deadline: 3rd January, 2018.