Hub Director-Western Africa Hub & Sahel and Agricultural Policy Expert

Requirements

· The candidate should possess an advanced degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Agricultural Science or a related field from a reputable institution

· Minimum of at least 20 years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of five years in a senior leadership role.

· Extensive experience working in multicultural and international environments, with a strong understanding of Africa's agricultural, rural, and economic development landscape.

· Proven ability in resource mobilization and engagement with key agricultural sector financiers and partners.

· Strong Project Management experience including managing donor-funded programs and compliance processes.

· Extensive experience in multicultural and international environments, with strong understanding of Africa’s agricultural, rural, and economic development landscape.

Hub Director

· Management Oversight: Provide overall strategic, operational, and compliance oversight for Hub activities, including expansion into new countries.

· Internal Collaboration: Facilitate coordination with IITA HQ and Service Units, strengthen internal communication among scientists and specialists, support strategy implementation (including Impact Bundles and country programs), and oversee operational alignment across Hub, country, and station levels.

· Resource Mobilization: Lead and coordinate regional resource mobilization efforts aligned with country initiatives, with a focus on technical assistance programs. Support engagement with regional and national donors, facilitate investment programs and proposal development, and identify partnership opportunities to advance IITA and CGIAR objectives.

Country Representative

· Management Oversight: Coordinate IITA’s engagement and partnerships with external stakeholders at the country level.

· IITA Strategy Implementation: Support the execution of IITA strategy through investment planning and operationalization of Impact Bundles within the country.

· Research for Development (R4D) & Partnership for Development (P4D Partnership: Facilitate and formalize collaborative partnerships and agreements between IITA and R4D and P4D/S stakeholders. (NARS and universities, national development agencies, private sector, NGOs, and community-based organizations)

Officer in Charge

· Management Oversight: Provide overall oversight of station administration, financial operations, infrastructure, and support services, including coordination with relevant stakeholders and approval of staff handovers.

· Research for Development (R4D) & Partnership for Development Leadership & Capacity: Provide oversight R4D support services at the stations (e.g., farms, lab maintenance).

· Station & CGIAR Support: Provide operational and administrative support to CGIAR centres at station level and lead local outreach and promotional activities.

Policy and Advocacy

· Provide strategic leadership for CGIAR policy engagement, advocacy, and partnerships in Nigeria, ensuring alignment with national development and agrifood priorities.

· Serve as the primary CGIAR policy focal point, leading the design and implementation of country-level policy engagement strategies.

· Drive the development and dissemination of evidence-based policy products (briefs, papers, technical notes) to influence decision-making.

· Promote the uptake of CGIAR research and identify emerging policy opportunities for engagement and advocacy.