Program Operations and Administrative Assistant

Description

• The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian nationals for the position below at the Institute’s Station in Abuja.

Duties

• 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 milestone 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 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Competencies:

The ideal candidate must have:

• 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.

Benefits

• We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.