The Program Operations and Administrative Assistant will plan, organise, and coordinate Yam Breeding program meetings, manage logistics for trainings and workshops, support administrative activities, and assist with post-harvest evaluations and data management.

• Job Location: Abuja
• Employment Type: Contract (1-year renewable)
• Salary: Highly competitive with attractive benefits and excellent working conditions

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a leading research-for-development organisation focused on tackling hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. The institute is dedicated to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability through innovative research and capacity building.

• Plan, organize, and coordinate Yam Breeding program meetings, including monthly meetings, team-building sessions, and weekly updates.
• Manage logistics for internal and external meetings, including trainings and workshops across implementing states.
• Prepare agendas, meeting minutes, presentations, and reports for program and project meetings.
• Support routine administrative activities, including contract renewals, procurement, reimbursement claims, and purchase requisitions.
• Manage travel logistics for program and project staff. Lead and supervise sensory evaluation sessions.
• Assist the program leader in planning scheduling, and responding to operational issues, tracking milestones including monitoring project timelines, tracking research deliverables, and reporting deadlines with partners.
• Participate in harvesting trials and ensure proper handling of samples.
• Assist in post-harvest evaluations including dry matter content, oxidation level, and tuber quality.
• Ensure timely data capture, accurate formatting, and submission to the supervisor.
• Develop and maintain databases for easy information retrieval and improved project efficiency.
• Support preparation of technical reports and summaries for internal use.
• Manage procurement processes for program materials and office supplies.
• Conduct routine inventory checks, ensuring proper usage and accountability of project equipment.
• Ensure harvested tubers are stored under optimal conditions, maintain cleanliness of barns, and work areas.
• Supervise short-term staff to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Assist in staff planning and coordination for the program activities across all states.
• Perform any other duties as may be directed by the supervisor.

• BSc/HND in Business Administration, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Plant Breeding, or a related field with a minimum of six (6) years' experience performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, and multitasking skills with a proactive, detail-oriented approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional and customer-focused demeanor.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software applications.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and work effectively both independently and collaboratively while adhering to organizational policies and procedures.

How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should Apply here.

Why this job might be a good fit:
This role is suitable for an experienced administrative professional with six or more years of experience in a similar role, strong organisational and communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, looking to contribute to agricultural research and program operations in a leading international institute.

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