RESEARCH ASSISTANT

IITA CAMEROON

Yaoundé, Centre
CDD
Temps-plein

Il y a 1 mois
Postuler facilement

Call for Applications for the position of RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN PLANT-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS FOR GEF 7 - EBONY PROJECT (NATIONALLY RECRUITED STAFF)IITA Cameroon is looking for a Research Assistant in plant-animal interactions for GEF 7 supported portion of the Ebony Project with exceptional customer service skills, solid problem-solving skills, ability to work well in collaboration with the project partners and stakeholders, excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to work under minimal supervision. The position will be based at IITA Station, Yaoundé and will report directly to the Program Coordinator.The Congo Basin Institute is joint program between IITA and UCLA hosted by IITA for higher learning and scientific excellence in Central Africa. We generate research that decision makers can use to address sub-Saharan Africa’s environmental and development challenges. CBI is driven by dedicated researchers and donors that support research and training in the Congo Basin. The Ebony Project is a partnership where business, communities, and researchers work together to protect a valuable timber species, reforest degraded land, address local food security issues, and improve rural livelihoods, and is funded in part by GEF 7.A – Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and implement research protocols to assess the impact of defaunation on tropical forest function
Finalize a list of 10–15 native tree species based on scientific and ecological criteria.
create new forest inventory plots to characterize baseline ecological information about the species
Develop a forest sampling protocol for ecological data (e.g., species demography and abundance).
Coordinate approval with local communities and authorities to conduct forest inventories
Lead a field team to conduct forest inventories
Oversee data collection related to faunal presence using field surveys, wildlife trade data, and Indigenous/local knowledge.
Integrate these different data sources to elucidate the long-term connections between faunal and floral patterns and interactions
Collaborate closely with partners to ensure that local perspectives are incorporated in project design and implementation
Integrate social safeguards and gender considerations into the strategies
Collaborate with international and national research partners
Train and mentor Cameroonian students
Perform other activities as directed by supervisor

B – QualificationEducation: A PhD in ecology, botany or conservation scienceWork Experience: * Proven analytical and technical expertise, evidenced by at least two first-author articles in peer-reviewed ecology journals with impact factors1, and a minimum of five publications as first or co-author with impact factors
1. * Proficiency in geographical information systems and R, including data-visualization packages.

Extensive field experience leading teams during prolonged stays in remote forest environments.
Willingness to do prolonged field work in a forest environment.
Expertise in ecological surveys—both forest-tree inventories and faunal inventories (observational methods or fecal sampling)—with thorough knowledge of standard protocols and tools.
Familiarity with quantitative ecological methods, such as Distance sampling and species-distribution modeling.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to thrive in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams.
Demonstrated commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully with local and indigenous communities
Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and other stakeholders in a participatory manner is an advantage
Research experience in fauna and flora interaction will be considered a strong asset.
Experience in historical ecology is a plus.

Language: The candidate must be proficiency in English and French both written and spokeC - WorkplaceThe incumbent of the position will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon with at least 25% of time spent in remote field sites for data collection.D – Contract type and durationThis will be a twenty-four (24) month fixed term position.E – Working hoursThe incumbent must be available to work full time with flexible hours.F – RestrictionThe position is limited to Cameroonian citizens;G - Equity in employmentIITA encourages applications from women, men, young people who believe they meet the requirements of the position. All applications will be assessed in a fair and objective manner.H – Application folderThe application file shall include the following documents:

a completed online application form; kindly fill the form in addition to sending your application file available on
a detailed Curriculum Vitae including contact details, diploma, research and work experience, grants and awards, and scientific publications but NOT exceeding three pages;
a letter of motivation (MAXIMUM of one page; where the candidate summarizes his/her past research experience, discusses current interests, and outlines how he/she envisions their future research direction including his/her full names, full address, phone number and email address)
a copy of the national identity card;
a copy of the highest academic credential (certificate) and;
a list of three professional referees including their contacts (one of them must be a current or former supervisor of the candidate).

Applications shall be addressed by e-mail attachments ONLY, latest by August 06th, 2025 to:The Resident RepresentativeInternational Institute of Tropical Agriculture in CameroonP.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa)Tel : (+237) 696838958Email: IITACA-HRS@cgiar.org
Application to the position of: GEF 7 Research Assistant in plant-animal interactions

In addition to your application folder sent by email, kindly fill the mandatory form available on
Names of all files attached to the application should be named after the candidate.

Only applications received in French or English with a completed online form will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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