Call for Applications for the position of ANALYTICAL LABORATORY MANAGER (Nationally Recruited Staff)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Cameroon is looking for an Analytical Laboratory Manager with solid customer service skills, a high level of integrity, a team player, the ability to work under pressure, and the ability to work under minimal supervision. The position will be based at the IITA Station, Yaoundé, and will report directly to the Country Representative.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity.

A - Duties

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deploy marketing strategies to maintain and expand the client base.
• Participate in proposal development for fundraising on ISFM.
• Handle customer requests for analysis, and cross-check samples submitted;
• Facilitate sample submission and payment from clients.
• Participate in sampling upon clients' request;
• Establish proforma invoices and final invoices, and follow up on payments.
• Perform sample analysis;
• Result interpretation and recommendation for clients;
• Participate in external quality control programs for analytical laboratories to ensure international quality control standards.
• Assure strict quality control measures within every batch of samples analysed;
• Data processing/handling;
• Work allocation/work plan for staff and overall supervision of lab activities and staff;
• Methods development/optimization;
• Source lab supplies, follow up on lab purchases, and maintain inventory;
• Liaise with manufacturers as need arises for equipment repair.
• Monthly checks on CC erroneous postings;
• Occasionally review the pricelist to cater for inflation.
• Other duties as assigned

B – Qualification

Education:

1. Must be a holder of an MSc/PhD (Agronomist, Soil Fertility Expert, or Chemist)
2. A strong background in laboratory analysis and field sampling, result interpretation, and formulation of actionable recommendations would be an asset.
3. Other relevant trainings and certifications are an advantage.

Work Experience: 

1. Must have at least five (05) years’ work experience for an MSc holder, or one (01) year of work experience for a PhD holder.
2. The candidate must have proven work experience: leading a team of 2 to 5 staff in a work setting; contribution to fundraising and scientific publications.

Language:

1. The candidate must communicate fluently in both English and French languages

C - Key Competences

• Knowledge of soil and plant chemistry, with an understanding of agronomy, soil fertility, and crop nutrition.
• Good experience in soil sampling under varying field conditions
• Excellent understanding of nutrient dynamics and strong experience in the formulation of recommendations
• Strong skills in quality control, quality assurance, and compliance.
• Good knowledge and experience in Laboratory Operations
• Leadership and team management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills, troubleshooting, and communication capability with the equipment service & support team.
• Excellent customer service, strong client orientation, and laboratory stewardship to keep it always ready to discharge its key function within the IITA Cameroon Station research programs

D - Workplace

The incumbent of the position will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

E - Restriction

The position is limited to Cameroonian citizens.

F - Remuneration

A nationally competitive remuneration package will be offered.

G - Equity in employment

IITA encourages applications from women, men, and young people who believe they meet the requirements of the position. All applications will be assessed fairly and objectively.

H – Application folder

• a detailed Curriculum Vitae, ONLY your shared LINKEDIN CV is considered;
• a cover letter (maximum of one page; including the full names of the candidate, his full address, phone number, and email address);
• a scanned copy of the national identity card;
• a scanned copy of all relevant academic diplomas and professional certificates;
• a list of three referees, including their contacts.

a completed online application form; kindly fill the form in addition to sending your application file available on https://forms.gle/pZLTQVUaxfmWoyAU6   

Applications shall be addressed (e-mail attachments/online ONLY), at the latest by February 28, 2026, or 21 calendar days after the publication of the announcement to: 

The Resident Representative

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Cameroon

P.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa) Tél. : (+237) 696 838 958

Email: IITACA-HRS@cgiar.org
Application to the position of: Analytical Laboratory Manager

Only applications received in French or English will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.