Program Operations and Administrative Assistant

About the role

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is looking for a proactive Program Operations and Administrative Assistant to support its Yam Breeding program in Abuja. You will coordinate meetings, manage logistics, and ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations across multiple states.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organize and coordinate program meetings, workshops and training sessions.
• Prepare agendas, minutes, presentations and reports for internal and partner meetings.
• Handle routine administrative tasks such as contract renewals, procurement, reimbursements and purchase requisitions.
• Manage travel arrangements for program staff and supervise sensory evaluation sessions.
• Track project milestones, research deliverables and reporting deadlines.
• Assist in field activities, including trial harvesting, sample handling and post‑harvest evaluations.
• Maintain databases, conduct inventory checks and ensure proper storage of harvested tubers.
• Support preparation of technical reports and assist in staff planning across all states.

Required profile

• BSc/HND in Business Administration, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Plant Breeding or related field.
• Minimum six years of experience in a similar administrative or operations role within a structured environment.
• Strong organizational, time‑management and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with a professional demeanor.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook

What we offer

• Highly competitive salary with attractive benefits.
• Excellent working conditions on a pleasant campus environment.