The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is inviting applications for the position of TAAT Country Engagement Officer – East Africa Regional Coordinator. This internationally recruited role is central to advancing large-scale agricultural transformation across East Africa through strategic country engagement, policy alignment, and the scaling of proven agricultural technologies. About the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) IITA is a not-for-profit research-for-development institution dedicated to addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation. Working in partnership across sub-Saharan Africa, IITA supports sustainable agricultural growth, improved livelihoods, enhanced food and nutrition security, job creation, and natural resource preservation. IITA is a member of One CGIAR, a global partnership committed to achieving a food-secure future. About the TAAT Programme The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is a flagship continental initiative designed to rapidly scale proven agricultural technologies to millions of smallholder farmers. TAAT aims to: Double crop, livestock, and fish productivity Reach over 40 million smallholder farmers across Africa Generate an additional 120 million metric tons of food Lift 130 million people out of poverty TAAT supports the AfDB’s Feed Africa Initiative by integrating validated agricultural technologies into large-scale national and regional investment programmes. IITA serves as the executing agency for TAAT, coordinating implementation through CGIAR centres, national research institutions, private sector partners, NGOs, and regional organisations. The TAAT Clearinghouse, co-funded by AfDB and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, plays a pivotal role in linking TAAT Compacts with country-level agricultural investment projects, positioning governments as primary scaling partners. Role Purpose The TAAT Country Engagement Officer – East Africa Regional Coordinator leads Clearinghouse engagement across East African Regional Member Countries (RMCs). The role focuses on embedding TAAT-vetted technologies into AfDB-funded agricultural investments, strengthening national seed systems, and catalysing sustainable technology adoption at scale. Key Responsibilities Strategic Country and Regional Engagement Lead Clearinghouse brokerage activities with governments and public-sector decision-makers across East Africa Support the integration of TAAT-vetted technologies into new, restructured, or underperforming agricultural investment projects Participate in AfDB project reviews, supervision missions, and mid-term evaluations Provide technical input to AfDB project appraisal reports and country missions Build strong engagement with ministries of agriculture and national authorities Partnerships and Coordination Collaborate closely with AfDB, CGIAR centres, NARES institutions, NGOs, private sector actors, and regional bodies Strengthen partnerships with organisations such as COMESA and ASARECA Draft memoranda of understanding with national and development partners Ensure coordinated engagement between TAAT Compacts, governments, and development partners Seed Systems and Technology Scaling Provide technical assistance to strengthen national seed systems in East African RMCs Support the production and delivery of certified seed and planting material for climate-resilient varieties Promote market-based seed delivery models Build capacity of NARES and private sector actors in early generation seed and certified seed production Facilitate large-scale adoption of TAAT-promoted technologies by farmers Programme Support and Reporting Contribute to Clearinghouse reporting and progress updates Support resource mobilisation efforts with donors and development partners Work closely with AfDB task managers, regional sector managers, and the TAAT Programme Management Unit Core Competencies Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills In-depth knowledge of African seed systems and regulatory frameworks Proven experience engaging high-level government officials Familiarity with multilateral and bilateral donor procedures Demonstrated leadership and team management experience Ability to operate effectively in multicultural and multi-country environments Fluency in English and French, written and spoken Qualifications and Experience Postgraduate degree in Agronomy, Seed Systems, or a related agricultural discipline Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in seed systems serving smallholder farmers in Africa Proven experience in seed sector development and agricultural policy engagement Experience with AfDB-supported projects is an advantage Background working with international or national agricultural research centres in Africa Contract and Benefits Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya Contract Duration: One year, renewable subject to performance and funding Compensation: Internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars IITA offers a dynamic, mission-driven work environment and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications from women are particularly encouraged. Application Process Applications must include: A cover letter addressing suitability for the role A detailed curriculum vitae Contact details for three professional referees, including a current or former supervisor Applications should be submitted through IITA’s online application system and addressed to the Head, People and Culture. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.