About the opportunity
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit research-for-development institution generating agricultural innovations to address hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation in Africa. Operating across 28 countries through five regional hubs and 20 research stations, IITA conducts transdisciplinary research on staple crops, seed system technologies, digital agriculture, soil health, and gender-transformative social sciences.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to lead and participate in cutting-edge research for development (AR4D) across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, extensive trial networks, and curated agricultural datasets.
- Professional growth through interdisciplinary collaboration with international scientists, CGIAR initiatives, and development partners.
- Paid employment, fellowship stipends, or research project support depending on the specific vacancy or grant.
Who can apply?
- Open to researchers, social scientists, agronomists, gender specialists, and agricultural development professionals of various nationalities.
- Degree requirements depend on the specific position, ranging from Bachelor's and Master's degrees to PhDs and Postdoctoral qualifications.
- Demonstrated experience in agricultural research, seed systems, crop breeding, gender integration, or value chain development is typically required.
- Willingness to work in one of IITA's regional hubs or project locations across Africa.
Required documents
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
- Cover letter tailored to the specific position or research call.
- Copies of academic degrees and relevant certifications.
- Contact details of professional references.
When to apply
- Vacancies, postdoctoral fellowships, and project consultancies are announced periodically on the official IITA careers portal.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis or according to fixed deadlines listed on specific job postings.
How to apply
- Visit the official IITA website or careers platform at apply.workable.com/iita.
- Browse current open vacancies, fellowships, and consultancy notices.
- Select the relevant opportunity and review specific role requirements.
- Complete the online application form and submit all required documentation.
Additional information
- IITA operates regional hubs in Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Sahel Africa, Southern Africa, and Western Africa.
- Key active project locations include Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for agricultural researchers and social scientists seeking impactful work addressing food security and rural livelihoods in Africa.
- Strong fit for candidates with expertise in gender-transformative approaches, plant breeding, seed systems, or climate-smart agriculture.
- Well-suited for professionals looking to work within a prestigious CGIAR international research network.
What should you think carefully about?
- Role locations vary across multiple African host countries and may require field travel to remote agricultural trial sites.
- Applicants should regularly check the official jobs portal as specific openings and requirements change frequently.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity allows early-career and experienced researchers to gain valuable experience in agricultural research for development, build robust international research networks, and contribute directly to food system transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our take
Agricultural scientists, gender experts, and research professionals committed to African development should monitor IITA's career portal regularly for open positions matching their qualifications.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
