Research Associate-Gender

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is seeking applications for the position of Research Associate-Gender, based at I tables Mikocheni Office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. IITA is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to address Africa’s critical challenges, including hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. As a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership, IITA works with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity.

Position Overview

The primary purpose of this role is to support the field-based implementation of gender-responsive and transformative interventions for the Muhogo Bora Phase I project in Tanzania. The position is nationally recruited, offering a competitive remuneration package. The contract duration is two years, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of responsive and transformative tools/approaches for gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in the cassava seed entrepreneur (CSE) ecosystem in Tanzania.
• Participate in field research to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to enhance a GESI-responsive and transformative CSE ecosystem in Tanzania.
• Support implementation of capacity-strengthening activities on gender, youth, and social inclusion through stakeholder training workshops and facilitate stakeholder integration through co-design of research agendas using participatory action research methodologies.
• Develop and manage CSE profiles based on gender and social inclusion variables for tracking GESI outcomes, working closely with the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) specialist.
• Contribute to literature reviews, writing reports, publications, and communication products with a GESI lens, as well as knowledge dissemination.
• Assist in project coordination and provide technical assistance to the project team, including planning, budgeting, and proposal development.
• Carry out any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A Master of Arts (M.A) degree in Anthropology, Gender and Development Studies, Rural Sociology, Rural Development, or a closely related social science field with a specialization in gender is required.
• At least three years of relevant qualitative and quantitative gender research work experience in agriculture-related seed systems, value chains, or food systems within the Tanzanian context.
• Experience with conducting participatory action research and convening multi-stakeholder engagements in rural settings.
• Experience with designing or implementing gender-transformative approaches in rural settings.
• Proven facilitation skills for adult learning on GESI will be an advantage.
• Good writing skills and strong data collection and research skills, with the ability to analyze and interpret both quantitative data using software like R or STATA and qualitative data using NVIVO, Atlas Ti, or similar qualitative research analysis software.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Personal and Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment and passion for promoting gender-responsive and transformative approaches in research and development work.
• Good relationship management skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Good command of English and Kiswahili languages is a must.

Application Process

The application pack should include:

• An application letter.
• Copies of certificates.
• A curriculum vitae containing 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 must include the reference number (IITA-TZ-2025-DSM-011-NRS-DAR ES SALAAM) in the subject of their application letter and email. Applications without the reference number will be automatically disqualified.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is Monday, 29th September 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.