Job Description
GENERAL
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.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) seeks to engage a RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS on behalf of The Alliance of Bioversity International, also a part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.
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THE POSITION
The Alliance is seeking a motivated, self-starting, flexible and qualified professional with the technical skills required for social research and implementation in the growing portfolio of Data Driven Sustainability projects.
The Data Driven Sustainability team is leading a multi-year forest conservation project through community-level payment for ecosystem services (PES), using remote-sensing data as deforestation alert and monitoring tool. The project, funded by sustainability-minded cocoa companies buying primarily in West Africa regions, aims to move towards zero-deforestation production, and improve the living condition of cocoa growing communities.
The Qualitative researcher will coordinate with local stakeholders, assist in mixed methods monitoring and reporting of the project. The researcher will also assist in creating protocols and secure fundings to replicate the current conservation PES project, as well as leading the implementation of the replication site.
The ideal candidate is passionate about social and environmental sustainability issues. They will be conducting mixed-method field work, coordinating with local stakeholders, writing reports, publications, and proposals, all the while maintaining the highest level of ethical standards.
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KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research Protocol Development
- Support the development of protocols to replicate the conservation PES model in Ashanti, Ghana to new sites.
- Assist in securing funding for the replication site, including proposal writing, presentations, and other tasks as allocated.
- Support the development of mixed-methods research protocols, including sampling strategies and interview guides/questionnaire for qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, as well as quantitative household surveys.
- Project Implementation Coordination
- Coordinate the implementation of the replicated project at the replication site, including recruitment of field team, building relationship with local stakeholders, coordinating with team members, adjustment of the replication protocols to match the conditions of the replication site, as well as other tasks necessary to ensure the smooth running of the replicated project.
- Field Mixed-Methods Research and Supervision
- Conduct mixed-methods research activities, including qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, quantitative household surveys, as well as other research methods as allocated.
- During quantitative household survey data collection, the researcher is responsible for training enumerators, overseeing data collection process of enumerators, and regularly reviewing data collected and addressing inconsistencies in real time to ensure data quality.
- Data Analysis
- Implement good practice documentation and note-taking of the day’s observations on a daily basis to facilitate learning and reflection
- Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods for data analysis.
- Publication and Dissemination
- Contribute substantial portions of research reports and articles for national and international publications.
- Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and other relevant forums, when opportunities arise.
- Remote collaboration and Teamwork
- Collaborate (using mostly remote communication tools) with a diverse team consisting of members from different cultures, backgrounds, and time zones, to ensure seamless communication and workflow.
- Cultivate new and strengthen existing relationships with local, national and international partners, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange.
- Continuous Learning and Updating
- Stay updated with the latest developments in social science research methodologies and tools.
- Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance research capabilities.
Required Skills or Experience
- Degrees in Social Sciences or a related field and hands-on fieldwork experience in the cocoa/coffee sector (Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of work experience, or Master’s degree with at least 3 years of work experience).
- Experience in qualitative research and stakeholder engagement is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoints is required.
- Demonstrated ability for both independent work as well as collaboration with a team, including with colleagues from different cultures, backgrounds, and time zones.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate challenges, analyze situations, and take initiatives to devise solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, especially demonstrated writing skills for reports, publications, and proposals.
- Ability to present complex ideas and data in a clear, succinct, and comprehensible manner.
- Understanding and adherence to research ethics and principles.
- Commitment to ensuring the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of research participants.
- Flexibility and willingness to constantly learn and adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
- Willingness to travel domestically or internationally.
- Ability to speak and write in French and another West African language is highly preferred.
- Candidates with proficiency in research software (e.g., R, Python, NVivo, Kobo collect…), as well as candidates with strong statistical analysis skills are preferred.
How To Apply: New Career Opening at The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position is Nationally recruited and based in Accra, Ghana. The initial contract will be for 1 (one) year subject to a probation period of 6 (six) months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted via email and include the subject “Research Associate – Sustainability Projects”. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the format “LAST NAME_first name” for ease of sorting. The application document should also include the names and email addresses of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s academic and/or professional qualifications. Applications should be submitted by EMAIL ONLY to:
The Station Administrator, IITA-Ghana,
CLOSING DATE: May 26, 2024.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
