Research Officer

Reference Number: IITA-TZ-2025-R4D-005-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 Officer. The main purpose of this job is to support participatory land use planning in Tanzania, particularly in pastoral areas, in collaboration with local government and communities. The position will be based in Kabaya town, Kiteto district, Manyara region, with occasional travel to other pastoral areas.

Reporting Structure

The successful applicant will join the Livestock, Climate, and Environment Program of ILRI and will contribute to the CGIAR Science Program on Multifunctional Landscapes, which may include travel to other countries where the Program is working.

Duty Station

This is a nationally recruited position, and the incumbent will be based in Kabaya town, Kiteto district, Manyara region in Tanzania.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, agriculture, or related subject.
• At least two years working as a participatory land use planner in pastoral areas.
• Proven training and community facilitation skills.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of multifunctionality in landscapes is an advantage.
• Knowledge of remote sensing is an advantage.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Swahili; knowledge of Maa is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, demonstrating good organizational and time management skills.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Supporting the coordination, facilitation, and strengthening of ILRI-supported participatory land use planning (PLUP) activities in Kiteto district and elsewhere in Tanzania, working with local government and NGOs as appropriate.
• Support the undertaking of a study on village PLUP in pastoral areas and a feedback meeting to consider results.
• Strengthening the integration of gender and social inclusion into the PLUP approach, including within decision-making institutions.
• Integrating the concept of multifunctionality into the PLUP process and supporting a team multistakeholder planning of multifunctional landscapes.
• Developing appropriate tools and processes for Tanzania’s context.
• Supporting the application of multifunctional landscape PLUP tools and processes in other countries/landscapes.
• Liaising with the National Land Use Planning Commission to ensure communication of activities and results and sharing information from the Commission to the ILRI team.
• Trainings of stakeholders as required, and liaison with government, NGOs, and other researchers.
• Facilitating visits and research being undertaken by ILRI scientists and partners.

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.
• The application pack should include an application letter, copies of certificates, and a curriculum vitae that contains 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 are requested to include the reference number for the position (as indicated on the heading of the announcement) in the subject of their application letter and in the subject of their email. Please note that any applications without the reference number indicated will be automatically disqualified.
• Closing date for applications: Tuesday, 7th May 2025. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.