VACANCY No. 001/STABU-ADMIN/IITA/2026: Research Project Coordinator IAS/HR

Position: Research Project Coordinator IAS
Location: Bujumbura, Burundi
Grade Level: 12 Mid
Contract Type: National, Fixed Term (3 Years)
Employment Type: Full Time
Reports To: Country Representative
Position Category: National (NRS)

About IITA

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to address Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we strive to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity.

IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future. For more information, please visit www.iita.org.

Position Overview

On behalf of ILRI, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Burundi Station is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Research Project Coordinator to ensure the successful implementation of projects within the ILRI Impact at Scale program in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Job Summary
The Research Project Coordinator will provide high-level technical support on animal health, genetics, animal nutrition, and market access. The job holder will be responsible for executing project activities in close collaboration with the Project Principal Investigator, Country Representative, and other scientists from ILRI programs.

.Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level technical and field-based support for the sustainable and inclusive development of livestock value chains, working closely with national partners and project stakeholders
• Serve as the day-to-day technical lead and support project research officers and national counterparts in designing and implementing research and development interventions on genetics, nutrition, animal health, and farm management.
• In collaboration with the Project Principal Investigator, Country Representative, and M&E expert, oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities to ensure high-quality and timely deliverables.
• Design and implement animal health, veterinary public health, and food safety activities, including epidemiological surveillance, laboratory-based investigations, and sanitary control packages.
• Under technical supervision from ILRI Senior Scientists, lead the implementation and testing of locally based, cost-effective feed formulations and improved germplasm (breeds/lines) of priority value chains, including goats, pigs, and poultry. Support their multiplication and dissemination through parental farms, hatcheries, and nucleus breeding centers.
• Develop and coordinate a comprehensive capacity-building program for farmers, extension agents, veterinarians, technicians, and other value chain actors, including training, extension materials, and experience-sharing visits.
• Support data recording, management, analysis, and technical reporting, and lead or contribute to major scientific publications, technical reports, and policy briefs.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder partnerships and innovation platforms and support the dissemination of project results through stakeholder platforms, presentations, and reports.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree or PhD in veterinary science, animal science, animal production, animal breeding/genetics, animal nutrition, veterinary epidemiology, or a closely related field.
• Significant experience (with at least 10 years) in research and development on smallholder livestock systems in low-input tropical environments.
• Proven experience in integrated projects combining genetics, nutrition, animal health and farm management, including value chain work.
• Strong track record in capacity development, multi-stakeholder coordination, and production of technical reports, policy briefs, and scientific publications.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills with partners ranging from private service providers, public office experts, heads, and project staff (both national and international).
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French is required. Proficiency in standard office software is also required.

 Work Environment:

• Based in Bujumbura, Burundi, with travel to DRC.

How to Apply:

This is a National Staff (NS) position. The initial appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding.
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications, including a cover letter and CV, to  iita-burundi@cgiar.org   by 13 February 2026. The application must include the names and contact information (telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience. Clearly indicate the position and reference number in the subject line of your cover letter.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.