Research Assistant (Agri Skills 4 You Project) at International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

  Agriculture Jobs in Uganda, NGO - Non-Government Organisations Jobs in Uganda, Uncategorized
Organisation:  International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Duty Station: ZOA Uganda Arua, Uganda
Reports to: IITA senior researcher
About IITA:
International Institute for Tropical Agriculture is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. ZOA Uganda is an international development agency focusing on rehabilitation of displaced communities with main focus on livelihoods support. IITA will support ZOA Uganda to perform a practically oriented research during 39 months to benefit the Agri Skills For You development project in West-Nile sub region. The AS4Y project targets 3,300 subsistence farmers by promoting adoption of improved agronomic, business and marketing skills. The research will be performed during the full project period and will allow to identify the most constraining factors in the current agricultural production system, tailor-fit the farming recommendations to the Vocal situation and monitor its effectiveness to improve the position of the benefiting households.
Job Summary: The research assistant will be seconded to ZOA Uganda. He/she will be responsible for a diagnostic farming system survey for a number of selected crops in the West-Nile region. The survey focuses on nutrient cycles, land management, crop pests and diseases, integration of crop farming and livestock livelihood strategies. Out of the survey appropriately adapted training materials will be developed for use in the project. Secondly the research assistant will perform a Practical Action Research to assess the effectiveness of the developed training materials and the agricultural extension approach of the project. Lastly input will be given to the baseline and stakeholder survey in support of ZOA Uganda staff. The research assistant will be supported by 5 Junior trainees and receive logistical support from ZOA Uganda
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop survey tools for different research components
  • Support household survey, key informant interviews and focus groups discussions
  • Analyze data, interpret results and develop scientific-based intervention recommendations to the project
  • Develop demo-packages, evaluate in field-trials and translate into understandable training materials
  • Link with national research organisations to assess current knowledge gaps and training materials
  • Coach 5 graduate trainees in field data collection
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
  • The applicant should possess a Master’s of Science in Agriculture or related fields
  • At least two years of practical scientific research experience
  • Understanding of challenges by subsistence farmers in Northern Uganda.
  • Creative and enthusiastic person
  • Good communication and report writing skills
  • Good analytical skills and proven knowledge  of relevant computer packages for statistical data analysis
  • Pro active attitude, self motivator, having the ability to work with limited supervision
  • Able to ride a motorcycle with a valid driving and riding license  
How to Apply:
All candidates who suitably qualify for the position should send their application letters together with curriculum vita, names and contacts of three referees to: HR@zoa.ug  in subject header
“Application Research Assistant AS4Y.”
NB: Please apply by e-mail and send ONLY application letter and CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be on 4th and 5th July, 2013.
Deadline: 2nd of July 2013

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