Background: The
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invite applications for
the regionally recruited position of Integrated Soil Management Advisor.
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invite applications for
the regionally recruited position of Integrated Soil Management Advisor.
IITA 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
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the
development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with
our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer
risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from
agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from
about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations
across Africa. Please visit for more information on IITA.
research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a
Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the
development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with
our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer
risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from
agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from
about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations
across Africa. Please visit for more information on IITA.
Position/Responsibilities:
We are seeking an Integrated Soil Management Advisor for an upcoming 5-year
USAID-funded project in Ghana that aims to increase the availability of
appropriate and affordable technologies to sustainably improve short and
long-term agricultural productivity in maize, rice, and soya for women and men
smallholders in northern Ghana. The project is composed of three components
(seeds, soil fertility, and capacity for agricultural research) and will
operate primarily by improving the capacity of both the public and private
sector actors in their respective roles in technology development and
dissemination. The Project is closely integrated with other Ghana Feed the
Future (FtF), Government of Ghana’s (GOG) Medium Term Agricultural Sector
Investment Plan (METASIP), and development partner projects and is the main
effort of the Ghana FTF strategy to address issues within the seed and soil
fertility sectors. The position is contingent upon IITA being awarded the
project.
We are seeking an Integrated Soil Management Advisor for an upcoming 5-year
USAID-funded project in Ghana that aims to increase the availability of
appropriate and affordable technologies to sustainably improve short and
long-term agricultural productivity in maize, rice, and soya for women and men
smallholders in northern Ghana. The project is composed of three components
(seeds, soil fertility, and capacity for agricultural research) and will
operate primarily by improving the capacity of both the public and private
sector actors in their respective roles in technology development and
dissemination. The Project is closely integrated with other Ghana Feed the
Future (FtF), Government of Ghana’s (GOG) Medium Term Agricultural Sector
Investment Plan (METASIP), and development partner projects and is the main
effort of the Ghana FTF strategy to address issues within the seed and soil
fertility sectors. The position is contingent upon IITA being awarded the
project.
The Integrated Soil Management Advisor will:
- Identify, test and disseminate proven and new
ISFM technologies, - Monitor the performance of ISFM technologies
under farmer conditions, including compilation of databases, in the
context of a participatory M&E framework - Undertake activities that strengthen private
sector participating in development and dissemination of ISFM technologies - provide technical advice in the development,
implementation, and adaption of ISFM systems - Engage in planning, budgeting, financial
management, reporting, supervision, training, oversight, and M&E
Qualifications/Experience:
- S/he must have a minimum of MSc degree in
agriculture related fields. - Minimum of 7 years’ professional experience in
developing countries, some of which should be in Africa, in increasing the
availability of soil fertility management technologies for smallholder
agriculture. Soil fertility management experience should include several
of the following: soil nutrient management, conservation agriculture,
minimum tillage, cropping systems and rotations, agro-forestry, chemical
fertilizer, including tailored blends, and soil amendments (e.g., lime). - Experience with value chain approaches in
developing fertilizer sectors, including fostering vertical and horizontal
relationships in the industry to increase quality of services and
products, especially for smallholder farmers, and promote competitiveness
of the industry. - Experience in building capacity of both public
and private sector actors in the fertilizer sector in carrying out
regulatory requirements for the fertilizer industry including quality
assurance, establishment and use of grades/standards, packaging and
labeling, and inspection/testing. - Technology transfer or agricultural work
experience in Ghana or SSA is required. - Willingness to travel.
- USAID experience is preferable.
Duty Station: Tamale or
Accra, Ghana
Accra, Ghana
General Information: Initial appointment is for three years (renewable) starting as soon as
possible. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
possible. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
The position will remain open until a suitable
candidate is found
candidate is found
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and
particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will
be contacted.
be contacted.
Closing Date: Friday, 08 February 2013
