VACANCY: RESEARCHER
SCOPE OF WORK
About The Project
Background: The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is implementing research projects in the horticulture sector in four different regions – East Africa, West Africa, South/Southeast Asia, and Central America. The research which started in January 2023 will end in September 2026. Projects will be market-oriented, with an additional focus on gender equity, youth engagement, and nutrition. The projects will be led by local experts and organizations, with support from the Horticulture Innovation Lab’s Management Entity and its Consortium – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Michigan State University, Texas A&M University, and the World Vegetable Center – and Specialists in gender, youth, and nutrition.
The West Africa Regional Horticulture Innovation Lab
The West Africa Regional Hub is hosted by the School of Agriculture in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at the University of Ghana and managed by a Hub Manager (HM). The Hub will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating regional activities across the participating countries (Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and Niger). The Hub will also organize stakeholder meetings and programs for the region.
Objectives of the Regional Hub
In line with the objectives of the Horticulture Innovation Lab, the objectives of the West Africa Regional Horticulture Innovation Lab are:
· Objective 1: Develop the capacity of local networks to equitably respond to regional needs
· Objective 2: Support the development of resilient horticultural management practices
· Objective 3: Support inclusive, sustainable horticultural enterprise development and commercialization within smallholder systems
· Objective 4: Promote a well-nourished population through the availability, access and consumption of safe, nutritious horticultural crops
· Objective 5: Facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and technologies to contribute to practical and academic horticultural pursuits.
Role and Tasks of the Researcher
The Researcher position is a full-time position and one is required to give 100% of his/her time to the hub and its activities.
The Researcher will perform the following tasks:
· Data collection and analyses
· Support the Hub Manager in the drafting of manuscripts and reports
· Conduct research and literature searches
· Identify funding opportunities that the Horticulture Innovation Lab can pursue
· Communicate conferences, workshops and funding opportunities to key stakeholders in the sub-region.
Qualifications and Competencies
· MPhil in horticulture or a closely related field.
· At least 3 years of experience working in the horticulture sector – multi-stakeholder initiatives, outreach programs and other horticultural value chain/sector initiatives.
· Strong technical knowledge of approaches and best practices, preferably within the horticulture landscape of West Africa.
· Familiarity with and specific experience in market-based approaches and/or value chains with additional lens on gender equity, youth engagement, and nutrition.
· Quality-focused approach including excellent analytical and writing skills
· Experience in utilizing and training innovative digital information-sharing tools and platforms.
· Strong communication skills.
· Team player, with strong interpersonal skills, used to working in multi-cultural environments but also able to work independently.
- Excellent English language proficiency.
Other Desirable skills include:
· Knowledge of international processes
· Experience in working in the West Africa Sub-Region
· Working knowledge of French is a plus
Applications should be written in English and include:
· Letter of application, detailing motivation, competence and past experience, addressing the expected qualifications listed above
· Curriculum vitae
· A one-page Refree’s note
· Transcripts of academic degrees
· Relevant academic writing, such as publication or abstract from the applicant's thesis.
· Names and contact details of three references
Additional Information
Terms of Appointment
This is a full-time position offering a competitive contract salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position which ends in September 2026 is renewable yearly based on performance.
How to Apply
If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply for this position by submitting a cover letter, a detailed CV and a one-page Refree’s note to jnamissah@ug.edu.gh and copy fasem@ug.edu.gh, with the Subject “Application: Researcher Horticulture Innovation Hub” on or before May 1, 2023.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should we wish to proceed with your application, two interviews with the Selection Committee will take place.
