Current Job Vacancies at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

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

    Job Title: Communication Officer Ref:IITA-HR-NRS2017-0040 Location: Ibadan Recruitment Type: National (1-year renewable contract) Duties Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties: Internal Communications and Knowledge Management:

• Develop and direct the implementation of the communications strategy for HarvestPlus, ensuring integration and alignment with the country office strategy, and targeting key audiences to build profile and support for HarvestPlus work
• Provide technical, editorial, documentation and communication support during project events such as Nutritious Food Fair, farmers' days etc
• Develop compelling stories - features, photo and video stories, and events that reinforce HarvestPlus brand, while managing regular and efficient sharing and exchange of information through effective internal communications to bring to life HarvestPlus work
• Manage delivery of core communications resources and assets, including reports, briefings, factsheets, profiles and coordinate production (design and printing) in line with HarvestPlus brand guidelines, and manage distribution
• Develop relevant documents, including strategies, proposals, donor reports and other technical documents, to ensure proper reporting with well written and clear communication messages.
• Work with relevant staff to develop communication materials including press releases, newsletters, articles, website pages, brochures, banners, posters, guidelines etc, to support partners and investors.
• Provide technical advice and support to unit leaders and other staff in planning and developing relevant information and communications products and organise inhouse media training for staff as necessary.
• Develop and evaluate feasibility, efficiency and quality of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials

External and Media Engagement:

• Maintain positive profile through impactful media and outreach campaigns across key external online and offline communications channels.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with targeted online, print and broadcast journalists, editorial writers, bloggers and columnists, as well as other media influencers, and mobilize them for HarvestPlus events
• Monitor the media landscape with special focus on brand and image attacks and work with appropriate internal stakeholders to formulate responses as required.
• Limit and prevent crisis communications by providing frequent updates and critical messaging on FAQs
• Oversee and manage the program’s digital media strategy, ensuring that website and social media channels content are updated and engaging
• Contribute to communication capacity-building for partners and stakeholders, including developing training programmes and guidelines to support and ensure partners can detect, shape and tell their stories of social change and ensure these stories are further incorporated to wider HarvestPlus communications
• Proactively identify media opportunities and, in close liaison with HarvestPlus partners, plan and implement media events including press conferences
• Oversee monitoring of the current and future news agenda to identify and exploit communications opportunities, manage press enquires and pursue opportunities for promoting HarvestPlus
• Oversee management of media contact and communications database and execute and monitor media strategies and activities, including press conferences, one-to-one briefings, press releases, and other written materials
• Link HarvestPlus Nigeria advocacy campaigns to other regional and international campaigns, and keep stakeholders and partners informed on various HarvestPlus activities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Agricultural extension or related field with minimum of 3 years work experience in Communications, Branding Media and Public Relations

Competencies The ideal candidate must have:

• Deep understanding of marketing and communications principles – strategy & execution
• Good Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications, Cloud data storage tools like Google drive, DropBox, OneDrive etc
• Social media knowledge and experience - adept at using major social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
• Proven skills in writing, editing and proofreading, concept and brand creation
• The ability to effectively convey programme goals, enlist partnerships, and work with a range of programme and external stakeholders
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Strong command of English – possess excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, client management, social skills
• Experience working with diverse team including web developers, journalists, graphic artists.
• Working experience with DFID, BMGF and USAID funded programmes

    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.

    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.     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 Click here for more information (PDF)     Application Deadline  3rd January, 2018.

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