Positions Announcement

Research Associate

IITA-TZ-2024-NRS-003-NRS-ARUSHA

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degra­dation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

IITA is looking for a suitably qualified person to fill the positions of Research Associate to support the IITA banana project based at the IITA Office at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NMAIST) in Kijenge, Arusha.

Responsibilities:

• Work with representatives of the national programs of Tanzania and Uganda to design and implement consumer preference analysis of new banana hybrids.
• Conduct consumer preference panels, interacting with farmers to obtain relevant input to guide.
• Conduct phenotyping of banana colour and texture.
• Oversee collection of data related to quality of banana.
• Prepare reports and ensure timely delivery as required by supervisor.
• Describe banana varieties using characterization variables.
• Assist administration for import and export of plant material.
• Carry out any other responsibility as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications / Experience

• MSc in Plant Breeding, Food Science or related field.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also participate as a team member in accom plishment of duties.
• Experience in statistical analysis.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English.
• Have experience in conducting Agricultural surveys.
• Knowledge or experience related to gender, diversity and inclusion.
• Food quality evaluation skills

The initial contract for the position is for Six month: Renewable subject to performance and availability of funds. The duty station for the position will be IITA in Arusha. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a compet­itive remuneration package.