Position: Research Supervisor
Contract: 2-year renewable contract Location: Njala and Magbosi, Sierra Leone
The research supervisor shall oversee field campaigns to collect soil information across Sierra Leone, design and supervise nutrient omission trials and other field experiments for site‑specific nutrient management (SSNM), and contribute to the capacity building of extension agents.
Closing Date:- 23 March 2026
DUTIES
- Support the establishment and management of nutrient omission trials for development of site-specific nutrients management tools.
- Contribute to soil sampling to obtain data for digital soil mapping in Sierra Leone.
- Contribute to lime incubation calibration experiment.
- Contribute to training of extension agents and farmers in field crop management and field crop techniques
- Design, establish and maintain field experiments.
- Manage, analyze and prepare data tables, and assist in the writing of research reports.
- Ensure accurate data recording and maintain trial documentation for research validation.
- Gather farmer feedback to refine research approaches and ensure adoption of recommended practices.
- Supervise field staff.
- Perform any other job-related task as may be assigned by the Supervisor.
Requirements
QUALIFICATION:
HND/ BSc in Agronomy, Agricultural Science and other related courses. The ideal candidate must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
COMPETENCIES:
The ideal candidate must:
- Be computer literate and proficient in the use of ICT packages, including Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OCS, ODK, etc.
- Be trustworthy and discreet when handling confidential information.
- Have excellent communication skills (writing, reading, and oral).
- Possess a strong analytical mind.
- Be able to work with minimum supervision.
Benefits
REMUNERATION:
We offer highly competitive salaries with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
Skills Required
- HND or BSc in Agronomy, Agricultural Science or related field
- Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a similar role
- Proficiency with ICT packages including Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OCS, ODK
- Ability to design, establish and maintain field experiments and nutrient omission trials
- Experience with soil sampling and digital soil mapping data collection
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Trustworthy and discreet handling of confidential information
- Strong analytical skills and ability to manage and analyze data
- Ability to work with minimum supervision and supervise field staff
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.
