The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Project Coordinator (Associate Scientist).
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa\u2019s 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. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in Sierra Leone to implement the project, \"Enhancing Site-Specific Nutrient Recommendation for Diverse Crops in Sierra Leone.\" This project is a key component of the government's Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) and aligns with the national \"Feed Salone\" strategy. The initiative aims to address critical soil health challenges, such as soil acidity and low fertility, which constrain agricultural productivity in the country. By leveraging the findings of the recently concluded National Comprehensive Soil Survey (NCSS), the project will develop and promote site-specific fertilizer and lime recommendations to boost crop yields, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The project will be implemented through the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and Sahel at IITA.
The Project Coordinator (Associate Scientist) will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of all project activities. The incumbent will ensure that the project is implemented in a timely and efficient manner, meeting all its objectives and deliverables as outlined in the project documents and contract agreement. The Coordinator will serve as the primary liaison between IITA, MAFS, and other key partners, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve the project's goals.
Position Responsibilities
The Project Coordinator will undertake the following duties:
\u00b7 Work with the Hubs team to develop and manage the project's detailed work plan, budget, and overall implementation strategy in collaboration with partners.
\u00b7 Coordinate and oversee the execution of all project activities with support from Hubs team (especially Hubs Senior Agronomist and Senior Data Scientist), ensuring alignment with the five main outputs: (1) digital soil mapping, (2) site-specific recommendation development, (3) Soil acidity management, (4) capacity building, and (5) laboratory strengthening.
\u00b7 Monitor project progress against milestones and deliverables, proactively identifying and addressing implementation challenges to ensure timely completion.
\u00b7 Work with the Hub team, IITA MELIA team and relevant project partners on project\u2019s KPI\u2019s and quality assurance of priority processes and solutions
\u00b7 Provide technical oversight for all field and laboratory activities, including soil inventories, sample analysis, and the establishment of on-station and on-farm trials.
\u00b7 Lead the development and dissemination of decision support tools for farmers and extension agents, and oversee the establishment of the national soil information system.
\u00b7 Lead the generation of information products for land and soil health and the co-design of application of soil fertility decision support framework along with the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa and the Sahel
\u00b7 Develop, coordinate and co-facilitate capacity building programmes and mentorship for staff, partners and graduate students on land evaluation and soil science methodologies, data analysis and scientific communication.
\u00b7 Manage project partner agreements, establish and manage service agreements with third parties, and manage procurement.
\u00b7 Contribute to or lead the development of research proposals and other fundraising activities
\u00b7 Serve as the primary liaison for all project partners, including MAFS, SLARI, Njala University, and NaFRA, fostering strong collaborative relationships.
\u00b7 Organize and facilitate all project-related meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
\u00b7 Lead the design and implementation of all capacity-building activities, including training programs for partners and the supervision of graduate students.
\u00b7 Prepare and submit all required technical and financial reports to Hub and MAFS, and communicate project findings to a wider audience through publications and presentations.
\u00b7 Contribute to the publication of reports and research articles using data obtained from field activities
Requirements
Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a Ph.D. in a Soil Science or any related field.
A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in managing or coordinating agricultural research for development projects, preferably in West Africa.
Core Competencies
\u00b7 Demonstrated technical expertise in soil fertility management, agronomy, and farming systems research.
\u00b7 Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, including working with government ministries, national research institutes, universities, and farmer organizations.
\u00b7 Experience with digital soil mapping, GIS, and the development of decision support tools is highly desirable.
\u00b7 Familiarity with the agricultural sector and rural development context of Sierra Leone is a significant advantage.
\u00b7 Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
\u00b7 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
\u00b7 Proficiency in data analysis, project management software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
\u00b7 Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
\u00b7 Ability to work independently, with a high level of initiative and problem-solving skills.
\u00b7 Willingness to travel extensively to project locations within Sierra Leone.
Benefits
Duty Station: Sierra Leone
General information: The contract will be for an initial period of twenty months. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.
Applications: Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate\u2019s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant\u2019s current or previous organization or applicant\u2019s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Director of People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs
Closing Date: 5th March, 2026
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.