The IITA institut is looking for a Research Assistant

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The IITA institut is looking for a Research Assistant
Call for Applications: Research Assistant in Plant-Animal Interactions for GEF 7 – Ebony Project (National Recruitment)
IITA Cameroon seeks a Research Assistant specializing in plant-animal interactions for the GEF 7-funded component of the Ebony Project. Candidates should possess outstanding customer service abilities, strong problem-solving skills, a capacity for effective teamwork with project partners and stakeholders, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the capability to work independently with minimal supervision. The position will be located at the IITA Station in Yaoundé and report directly to the Program Coordinator.
The Congo Basin Institute (CBI) is a collaborative program between IITA and UCLA, hosted by IITA, focused on advancing higher education and scientific research excellence in Central Africa. CBI produces research that informs policy decisions addressing environmental and development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. The Ebony Project is a joint effort involving businesses, communities, and researchers working to preserve a valuable timber species, restore degraded lands, improve food security locally, and enhance rural livelihoods. This initiative receives funding support from GEF 7.
A – Responsibilities

Design and execute research protocols to evaluate the effects of defaunation on tropical forest ecosystems.

Finalize a list of 10 to 15 native tree species, selected based on ecological and scientific criteria.

Establish new forest inventory plots to gather baseline ecological data for these species.

Develop a sampling method for forest ecological data collection (including species demographics and abundance).

Secure approvals from local communities and authorities for conducting forest inventories.

Lead field teams in carrying out forest inventories.

Supervise data collection concerning wildlife presence through field surveys, wildlife trade records, and Indigenous/local knowledge.

Combine multiple data sources to clarify long-term relationships between fauna and flora interactions.

Work closely with partners to ensure local viewpoints are integrated into project planning and execution.

Incorporate social safeguard measures and gender perspectives into project strategies.

Collaborate with both national and international research partners.

Provide training and mentorship to Cameroonian students.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

B – Qualifications

Education:
A PhD in Ecology, Botany, or Conservation Science.
Work Experience:

Demonstrated analytical and technical expertise, proven by at least two first-author publications in peer-reviewed ecology journals with impact factors above 1, plus at least five publications as first or co-author in journals with similar impact.

Skilled in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and R programming, including data visualization packages.

Significant fieldwork experience leading teams in remote forest settings for extended periods.

Willingness and ability to undertake lengthy field assignments in forest environments.

Expertise in conducting ecological surveys, including both forest-tree and faunal inventories (using observational methods or fecal sampling), with strong knowledge of standard protocols and tools.

Familiarity with quantitative ecological techniques, such as Distance sampling and species distribution modeling.

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to work successfully within interdisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Proven experience working collaboratively and respectfully with local and Indigenous communities.

Experience engaging Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and other stakeholders through participatory approaches is advantageous.

Research background in fauna-flora interactions is strongly preferred.

Experience in historical ecology is considered a plus.

Language:
Proficiency in both spoken and written English and French is required.
C – Location
The successful candidate will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and expected to spend at least 25% of their time conducting fieldwork in remote sites.
D – Contract Type and Duration
This is a fixed-term contract for twenty-four (24) months.
E – Working Hours
The position requires full-time availability with flexible working hours.
F – Eligibility
Only applicants who are Cameroonian citizens will be considered.
G – Equal Opportunity
IITA encourages applications from qualified women, men, and youth. All applications will be evaluated fairly and impartially.
H – Application Documents
Applications should include:

A completed online application form (please complete this in addition to submitting your application documents): .

A detailed CV no longer than three pages, including contact information, educational qualifications, research/work experience, grants, awards, and publications.

A motivation letter (maximum of one page), outlining past research experience, current interests, and future research goals, including full name, address, phone number, and email.

A copy of the national identity card.

A copy of the highest academic certificate.

Contact information for three professional referees, one of whom must be a current or former supervisor.

Applications must be sent as email attachments only, no later than August 6th, 2025, to:
The Resident Representative
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Cameroon
P.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa)
Tel: (+237) 696838958

Email:
Subject line: Application for GEF 7 Research Assistant in Plant-Animal Interactions

Alongside your emailed documents, please complete the following form:

The mandatory form linked in the call.

All attached files should be named using the candidate’s name.

Only applications submitted in French or English with a completed online form will be reviewed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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