Program Assistant wanted at IFPRI & IFDC

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) seeks qualified candidate(s) to fill the following post(s) within the Nigeria Strategy Support Program of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). To apply for these post(s), kindly observe the following requirement(s) :

Job Title: Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant

Level: National
Within the framework of the NSSP, IFOC/IFPRI seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Research Assistant (RA)/ Senior Research Assistant (SRA) to provide research, capacity strengthening, and communications support to its activities. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Program Leader. Specific duties include but are not limited to:
- Perform various tasks involving data collection, data maintenance, and data ‘analysis using statistical software and other computer programs.
- Conduct literature review and synthesis analysis.
- Assist in the preparation of NSSP background papers, discussion papers, project research reports, donors reports, policy briefs and briefing notes for dissemination.
- Assist senior researchers in managing IFPRI research programs or projects.
- Ensure the integration of gender and environmental issues in the research and datasets.
- Assist in internal and external communication of NSSP activities and outputs.
- Assist with implementation of capacity strengthening activities and workshopsl seminars/and conference.
- Perform some administrative activities related to IFPRI research programs or projects.

REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelors/Masters degree or equivalent in economics, agricultural economics, natural resource economics, environmental economics or related fields.
- Experience of working on agricultural development, poverty reduction, rural development, natural resource management related research and policy issues.
- Strong English writing skills and experience in preparing research reports and books for a research team.
- Familiarity with development policy issues in Nigeria.
- Familiarity with statistical software packages and internet-based systems such as SPSS andStata.
- Working knowledge of communications and policy research dissemination skills.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and produce completed products on time.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and knowledge of Access.
- Self motivated, innovative spirit and excellent interpersonal and team skills and the ability to work with colleagues from diverse cultures.

The location for the above position is Abuja and the duration is 1 year subject to renewal. The candidate will report to the Project Leaderl Program Coordinator.

Method of Application:
Qualified applicants are invited to send an application consisting of a letter of introduction that outlines the applicant’s educational background, relevant work experience, and major areas of professional interest, and an up-to-date curriculum vitae including the name, address, telephone, fax and e-mail contact addresses of three referees to the following contacts ert,ail addresses:
For national positions: Administrator IFOC-Nigeria, e-mail [email protected].
All submissions must state which position(s) the applicant is applying for;

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview. No phone calls are accepted.
Deadline: 5:00 pm 31 December 2010.
The location for the above position is Abuja and the duration is 1 year subject to renewal.
The candidate will report to the Project Leader.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae to [email protected]