Research Assistant (Rural Extension/ Social Anthropologist)

Conduct research on gender roles in yam production.

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IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

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Overview

Conduct research on gender roles in yam production.

You have:

  • HND/Bsc in Anthropology, Agricultural Extension, Social Gender Sciences, or any other related course of study.
  • A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in conducting quantitative research, including FGDs and KIIs.
  • Fluency in English language and in one or more Nigerian languages as spoken in yam-growing areas is an added advantage.
  • Strong understanding of gender issues in agriculture and basic knowledge of yam production.
  • Experience in agricultural research or related fieldwork.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
  • Timely submission of research updates and final high-quality reports.

Position: Research Assistant (Rural Extension/ Social Anthropologist)

Contract: 6-months renewable contract Location: Ibadan

Closing Date:- 28 May 2025

DUTIES:

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on gender roles and dynamics in yam production in Nigeria.
  • Analyze and synthesize findings from research papers, reports, and other relevant sources regarding the socio-cultural factors around staking and non-staking practices.
  • Identify specific relevant areas of focus.
  • Prepare literature reviews with colleagues, STS, and the supervising IITA gender expert and economist.
  • Engage selected stakeholders, farmers, and participants, ensuring representation of diverse perspectives, including men and women yam farmers from different production systems.
  • Organize and conduct FGDs, KIIs, and IIs in selected rural communities using appropriate methodologies and tools, collaborating with community mobilizers.
  • Collect data covering key topics related to yam production, including socio-cultural challenges, opportunities, and gender-specific issues.
  • Conduct workshop-FGDs using the citizen science approach.
  • Perform data entry and analysis of qualitative data through coding to identify key themes and insights, and carry out economic calculations based on survey and field trial results.
  • Prepare and present detailed reports on the findings from FGDs, KIIs, and experimental trials.
  • Establish, monitor, and coordinate farmer-managed experimental trials from a socio-cultural perspective, comparing staked yam and non-staked yam cultivation.
  • Collaborate with community members and stakeholders throughout the research process.
  • Document the research process, including methodologies, challenges, and lessons learned.
  • Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION:

HND/Bsc in Anthropology, Agricultural Extension, Social Gender Sciences, or any other related course of study. The ideal candidate must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in conducting quantitative research, including FGDs and KIIs performing a similar role in a well-structured environment.

Fluency in English language and in one or more Nigerian languages as spoken in yam-growing areas is an added advantage.

COMPETENCIES:

The ideal candidate must:

  • Have a transdisciplinary focus ready to learn and work outside and with people outside the candidate main discipline.
  • Have strong understanding of gender issues in agriculture and basic knowledge of yam production.
  • Have experience in agricultural research or related fieldwork.
  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Have ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
  • Have successful engagement and participation of diverse stakeholders in FGDs, KIIs and IIs.
  • Be well-organized and execute FGDs and KIIs, providing valuable insights into yam production and gender dynamics.
  • Ensure Timely submission of research updates and final high-quality reports, documenting the research process and findings.

Benefits

REMUNERATION:

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

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Potential interview questions

Describe your experience with conducting focus group discussions. This question assesses your practical experience in facilitating group discussions. Provide specific examples of focus groups you have led, including the objectives and outcomes.
What strategies do you use to engage diverse stakeholders in your research? This tests your approach to stakeholder engagement and inclusivity. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain a challenge you faced while conducting field research and how you overcame it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your data collection? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Share an example of a report you prepared and the impact it had. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach learning about cultural dynamics in agricultural settings? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you think are the key gender-related issues in agriculture today? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with data analysis in qualitative research. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 25 days ago - Source: cgiar.org