Call for Expression of Interest - Join IITA Talent Pool

Background

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s 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 the One CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

Objective of the Assignment

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is seeking to expand its database of qualified Soil Microbiologist-Agronomists to support its diverse programs and initiatives across Africa and beyond. We are inviting qualified individuals who are experienced professionals and subject matter experts to express interest in joining our Talent Pool. This initiative aims to build a robust database of professionals who can be engaged by IITA at any given point across IITA’s diverse operational areas in Africa and beyond.

The Opportunity

This is a speculative talent pool position, created to identify and prequalify strong candidates for upcoming opportunities. As a Soil Agronomist within IITA, you will contribute to research and development activities that address soil fertility decline, climate change, land degradation, and sustainable crop productivity in tropical agroecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

As roles become available, shortlisted candidates may be involved in:

• Provide leadership for research on testing and validating bio-inputs, including quality assessment of such products.
• Establish and maintain an interdisciplinary research platform for bio-inputs research towards a better understanding of crop-soil/environment interactions for key crops.
• Lead the establishment of SOPs for screening the effectiveness of bio-inputs.
• Lead the establishment, management, and data collection schemes for on-station and large-scale, multi-locational on-farm trials.
• Facilitate the stage-gating processes for advancing promising bio-inputs, supported by statistical evidence and other relevant logic.
• Develop research protocols for advancing the inoculation processes of bio-input use.
• Pursue and extend effective partnerships and collaborative relationships with researchers from national systems, CGIAR advanced international research institutes.
• Provide a facilitatory environment for the mentorship and training of post-graduate students and staff in the area of bio-inputs and soil-microbiome-plant interactions.
• Publish results in peer reviewed IF journals and books or book chapters to promote the IITA work.
• Effectively manage financial and technical project aspects, in addition to managing and coordinating staff at multiple locations across sites.
• Contribute to resource mobilization through cooperative development project proposals.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements:
Eligibility Criteria

We’re seeking professionals who demonstrate:

· A Ph.D. in soil microbiology or a related area with working experience on field agronomy and on-farm experimentation.

· At least 10 years of experience in conducting research on bio-inputs.

· Proven skills and experience in soil microbiology research both in the field and the laboratory.

· Demonstrated a deep sense of knowledge of the mechanistic modes of action and biology of microbes, specifically at the soil-microbiome-plant interaction level.

· Experience in working closely with, or for, regulatory bodies, government agencies, and organizations on biological product testing, registration, and marketing, preferably in Africa.

· Experience with multi-locational on-farm trials, in terms of installation, management, and efficient data collection systems.

· Successful management of staff, finances, and technical aspects of sizeable projects.

· Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.

· Excellent interpersonal ,organizational and communication skills.

· Good scientific publication record.

How to express your interest

To express interest, interested applicants should complete the online application on IITA website: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs by attaching

· Updated CV highlighting relevant experience

· Cover letter indicating areas of expertise and interest

· Three professional references from the last previous organizations (which must include the applicant’s direct manager)

· Any relevant certifications or supporting documents

· Once you apply, your profile will be screened, and if suitable, we’ll reach out to schedule a conversation within a few days.

Deadline for Submission

Applications should be sent no later than 28th February 2026.

Why Join the Talent Pool?

By joining our Soil Agronomist Talent Pool, you will:

· You position yourself for early consideration when new roles open.

· Be prescreened and fast-tracked for future openings.

· Engage early with our recruitment team.

· Increase your chances of being matched to roles across IITA country programs and projects.

Important Notes

· IITA offers contracts for an initial period of three years on an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars with relocation support.

· Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted individuals will be included in IITA’s talent pool for consideration in future assignments. While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted

· Inclusion in the talent pool does not guarantee engagement and does not constitute an active vacancy. Instead, it gives you priority consideration once relevant opportunities arise. Qualified applicants will be contacted as opportunities arise that match their expertise.

Benefits:
What IITA Offers

· A collaborative and diverse work culture committed to scientific excellence.

· Opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and international exposure.

· Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

· A mission driven environment where your work directly impacts food security and livelihoods.