Assistant Field Technician - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Assistant Field Technician
IITA-TZ16-R4D-007-NRS-SONGEA
Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for a nationally recruited position of Assistant Field Technician. The successful candidate will work with the project .
Putting Nitrogen to work for smallholder farmers in Africa (N2 Africa) in Songea with fieldwork travels to project sites in Namtumbo and Njombe district.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a member of a world-wide network of International Agricultural Research Centers. IITA's research focuses on smallholder cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa. IITA has a regional hub in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania which co-ordinates the work of the institute in East Africa.


Duty Station: This is a Nationally Recruited Position and the incumbent will be based in
Songea Tanzania

Responsibilities:
Demonstrations, organize farmer meetings, and foresee proper data c011ection from the established demonstrations. The Research Technician will report to the project leader. He or she will:
• Establish strategic relationships with Namtumbo, Njombe and Songea district Agriculture Office.
• Identify sites for the establishment of demonstration plots.
• Assist farmers and extension staff to administer the field books and other data collection forms.
• Identify existing partnerships and Initiatives in the agricultural input business sector in the district.
• Write summary reports from the data outputs and contribute to writing of technical reports and manuscripts
• Inform IITA and other project partners about the progress achieved and ensure timely output and feedback.
• Any other duty as assigned by the supervisor

Requirements:
• A diploma in general agriculture
• At least 2 year’s experience in provision of extension services

Core competences:
• Must have both an extensive conceptual understanding of and demonstrated practical skills in agriculture in the context of input-output markets
• Must be a results orientated leader who can manage and satisfy multiple and at times conflicting organizational, partner and other stakeholder demands
• Must have solid public relations skills and a strong team player
• Has good interpersonal and networking skills
• Demonstrated success at developing strategic plans, partnerships and effective partnerships in the development and agricultural sectors.
• Computer literacy
Good communication skills

General information:
The contract for the position is for 18 months (1 1/2 yrs.) subject to performance and availability of funds. The duty station for the position will be IITA in Songea. This is a nationally recruited position and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are requested to please indicate the reference number for the position as indicated on the heading of the announcement in your application as well as on the subject of your email if sending by email. If sending by post or hand delivery, please indicate the reference number on your application as well as on the left hand side of your envelope.

Please note that any applications without the reference indicated will be automatically disqualified. Closing date: Two weeks from the date of advertisement appearing in the newspaper.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Country Representative, IITA-Tanzania, Plot No. 25, Mwenge - Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni Industrial Area P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania .