Overview

Job Title: Research Associate 

Work location: Dar es Salaam

Reference #: IITA-TZ-2025-R4D-003-NRS-DSM.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), on behalf of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is accepting applications for the position of Research Associate. The primary goal of the position is to assist with the field execution of the PAFIE-BSFL project, which focuses on evaluating innovations that could increase the production of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as an alternative feed protein source for small-scale farmers in Kenya and Tanzania.

The Duty Station: This is a nationally recruited position, with the incumbent headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 

The Roles and responsibilities:

  • To collaborate with technical leads to help plan and perform field investigations.
  • To oversee the BSFL technology trials undertaken by BSF Breeding and Chanzi Ltd in Dar es Salaam and/or Arusha, as well as the collection of experimental data to evaluate BSF technologies’ performance.
  • To collect data on the waste feedstock streams used by Chanzi Ltd for BSFL production, including their types, quantities, and seasonality.
  • To collect financial and economic data from the BSF breeding company (BSF Breeding) and Chanzi Ltd at baseline, midline, and endline to determine the financial viability of BSF businesses that use BSFL technologies.
  • To collect financial and economic data from feed manufacturers who use BSFL as a protein element in their feed rations.
  • To supervise data collection for on-farm experimental trials to determine the effectiveness of BSFL-based compound feeds and the effect of BSFL-derived frass on maize and legume forages.
  • Contribute to the development of research ethics applications, data-sharing agreements, and progress reports.
  • To contribute to the analysis of research data, interpretation of outcomes, and development of reports, papers, and presentations.
  • To organize and manage project activities and stakeholder involvement, such as mobilizing farmers for BSFL technological interventions and holding feedback sessions and workshops.
  • Carry out/ perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

 

The Qualifications & Experience:

  • A master’s degree in cattle sciences, agricultural economics, or a similar discipline.
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in cattle value chains, including climate-smart productivity-boosting innovations and waste management.
  • The relevant professional certification.
  • The excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.

 

 

Other (additional) skills:

  • Strong organisational skills.
  • Effective communication abilities.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative while maintaining great organizational and time management abilities.

 

The General Information:

  • The contract is for two years and may be renewed based on performance and funding availability.
  • This is a nationally recruited post, and IITA provides a competitive compensation plan.

 

 

The application Process:

The application package should include an application letter, copies of certifications, and a curriculum vitae with a phone number, email address, and contact information for two referees.

 

Applications should be submitted by email to IITA-Tanzania@cgiar.org and addressed to:

The country representative,

IITA-Tanzania,

Plot No. 25 on Mwenge-Coca-Cola Road

The Mikocheni Industrial Area

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 

The applicants must mention the position’s reference number (IITA-TZ-2025-R4D-003-NRS-DSM) in the subject line of their application letters and emails. Applications without a reference number will be automatically dismissed.

Applications close on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Note: Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.