Position: Research Assistant
Contract: 2 years renewable contract Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar
The Research Assistant provides technical and research support for the implementation of IITA's research and development activities. The incumbent contributes to data management and analysis, research protocol development, regulatory coordination, and scientific reporting, while supporting the generation and dissemination of evidence to improve agricultural productivity, food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural development.
DUTIES
- Provide technical support for the implementation of research activities.
- Consolidate the database and provide expertise to assess needs for appropriate support and training.
- Obtain and provide import authorizations in collaboration with the NARS and regulatory bodies.
- Analyze and write up research results, and collaborate with project teams to publish them in various formats (reports, blogs, journal articles, etc.).
- Assist project teams and partners in providing the draft research protocols needed to implement activities (protocols, demonstration videos, etc.).
- Perform any other duties related to this position that may be assigned by the line supervisor.
Requirements
QUALIFICATION:
Bachelor's degree in administration, agronomic science, or another related field. Qualification in project management is desirable.
Possess management and coordination ability, acquired through progressive experience enabling the maintenance of services in the face of a wide range of operational challenges, preferably within an international organization. Understanding of and experience with CGIAR administrative systems is desirable.
COMPETENCIES:
- Bilingual, with excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken.
- Proficiency in relevant software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Flexibility and adaptability to work within tight deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with people of other nationalities and cultures.
- Well-developed personal organization, prioritization and problem-solving skills.
- Strong client orientation and service approach.
- Attention to detail, ability to take initiative.
- Ability to work with a high degree of independence in assigned areas.
Benefits
REMUNERATION:
We offer highly competitive salaries with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant working environment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in administration, agronomic science, or related field
- Qualification in project management
- Management and coordination ability gained through progressive experience
- Understanding of and experience with CGIAR administrative systems
- Bilingual with excellent command of English, written and spoken
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Flexibility and adaptability to work within tight deadlines
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work with diverse nationalities and cultures
- Well-developed organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
- Strong client orientation and service approach
- Attention to detail, initiative, and ability to work with high degree of independence
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.
