Research Associate

Reference Number: IITA-TZ-2025-R4D-003-NRS-DSM

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), on behalf of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), invites applications for the position of Research Associate. The main purpose of the job is to support the field implementation of the PAFIE-BSFL project, which focuses on evaluating innovations that could accelerate the production of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as an alternative feed protein ingredient for small-scale farmers in Kenya and Tanzania.

Duty Station:

This is a Nationally Recruited Position, and the incumbent will be based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the technical leads to assist in the design and implementation of field studies.
• Oversee the trials of BSFL technologies conducted by BSF Breeding and Chanzi Ltd in Dar es Salaam and/or Arusha and collect experimental data to evaluate the performance of BSF technologies.
• Collect data on the waste feedstock streams utilized by Chanzi Ltd for BSFL production, documenting the types, quantity, and its seasonality.
• Collect financial and economic data from the BSF breeding company (BSF Breeding) and Chanzi Ltd at baseline, midline, and endline, to assess the financial feasibility of the BSF businesses using BSFL technologies.
• Collect financial and economic data from feed companies that utilize BSFL as a protein ingredient in their feed rations.
• Supervise data collection for on-farm experimental trials to assess the impact of BSFL-based compound feeds and the effect of frass derived from BSFL on maize and legume forages.
• Support the preparation of research ethics applications, data-sharing agreements, and progress reports.
• Contribute to the analysis of research data, interpretation of results, and preparation of reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Organize and facilitate project activities and stakeholder engagement, including mobilizing farmers for BSFL technology interventions and conducting feedback sessions and workshops.
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A master’s degree in livestock sciences, agricultural economics, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience working on livestock value chains, including climate-smart productivity-enhancing innovations and waste management.
• Relevant professional certification.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Additional Skills:

• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative with excellent organizational and time management skills.

General Information:

The duration of the contract is two years, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds. This is a nationally recruited position, and IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Application Process:

The application pack should include an application letter, copies of certificates, and a curriculum vitae containing a telephone number, email address, and contact details of two referees. Applications should be sent by email to IITA-Tanzania@cgiar.org and addressed to: The Country Representative, IITA-Tanzania Plot No. 25, Mwenge-Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni Industrial Area, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Applicants must include the reference number for the position (IITA-TZ-2025-R4D-003-NRS-DSM) in the subject of their application letter and email. Applications without the reference number will be automatically disqualified.

Closing Date for Applications:

Sunday, 2nd March 2025. Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.