Research Supervisor (2 Positions)

About the role

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is hiring two Research Supervisors for a 2-year renewable contract, based at Njala and Magbosi in Sierra Leone. The supervisor oversees field campaigns to collect soil information, designs and supervises nutrient omission trials and other field experiments for site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), and contributes to the capacity building of extension agents.

Key responsibilities

• Support the establishment and management of nutrient omission trials for developing site-specific nutrient management tools.
• Contribute to soil sampling for digital soil mapping and to the lime incubation calibration experiment.
• Contribute to training extension agents and farmers in field crop management and techniques.
• Design, establish and maintain field experiments.
• Manage, analyze and prepare data tables, and help write research reports.
• Ensure accurate data recording and maintain trial documentation for research validation.
• Gather farmer feedback to refine research approaches and promote adoption of recommended practices.
• Supervise field staff and perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required profile

• HND or BSc in Agronomy, Agricultural Science or a related course.
• At least two years' experience in a similar role in a well-structured environment.
• Trustworthy and discreet with confidential information, with excellent written, reading and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical mind, able to work with minimum supervision.

Required skills

• Computer literacy and proficiency with ICT packages such as Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OCS and ODK.

What we offer

• Highly competitive salary with attractive benefits and excellent working conditions.
• A pleasant campus environment.