Program Operations and Administrative Assistant
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian nationals for the position below at the Institute’s Station in Abuja.
Position: Program Operations and Administrative Assistant
Contract: 1-year renewable contract Location: Abuja
DUTIES:
- Plan, organize, and coordinate Yam Breeding program meetings, including monthly meetings, team-building sessions, and weekly updates.
- Manage logistics for internal and external meetings, including trainings and workshops across implementing states.
- Prepare agendas, meeting minutes, presentations, and reports for program and project meetings.
- Support routine administrative activities, including contract renewals, procurement, reimbursement claims, and purchase requisitions.
- Manage travel logistics for program and project staff. Lead and supervise sensory evaluation sessions.
- Assist the program leader in planning scheduling, and responding to operational issues, tracking milestone including monitoring project timelines, tracking research deliverables and reporting deadlines with partners.
- Participate in harvesting trials and ensure proper handling of samples.
- Assist in post-harvest evaluations including dry matter content, oxidation level, and tuber quality.
- Ensure timely data capture, accurate formatting, and submission to the supervisor.
- Develop and maintain databases for easy information retrieval and improved project efficiency.
- Support preparation of technical reports and summaries for internal use.
- Manage procurement processes for program materials and office supplies.
- Conduct routine inventory checks, ensuring proper usage and accountability of project equipment.
- Ensure harvested tubers are stored under optimal conditions, maintain cleanliness of barns, and work areas.
- Supervise short-term to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
- Assist in staff planning and coordination for the program activities across all states.
- Perform any other duties as may be directed by the supervisor.
Requirements
QUALIFICATION:
BSc/HND in Business Administration, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Plant Breeding, or a related field with a minimum of six (6) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
COMPETENCIES:
The ideal candidate must have:
- Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, and multitasking skills with a proactive, detail-oriented approach.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional and customer-focused demeanor.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software applications.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and work effectively both independently and collaboratively while adhering to organizational policies and procedures.
Benefits
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
Skills Required
- BSc or HND in Business Administration, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Plant Breeding, or related field
- Minimum of six (6) years' experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experience managing procurement processes, contract renewals, reimbursement claims, and purchase requisitions
- Experience with post-harvest evaluations, sensory evaluations, sample handling, and harvesting trials
- Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, multitasking, and attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, supervise short-term staff, and support cross-state program coordination
What We Do
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. IITA is dedicated to transforming African agriculture through innovative science and sustainable solutions. Its mission focuses on food security, poverty reduction, and climate resilience by developing high-yielding, climate-smart crops, improving soil health, and enhancing agricultural value chains to empower farmers and communities across the continent.
