About the Role
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is seeking a dynamic and customer-focused State Helpdesk Officer to join our team in Jigawa. In this role, you will serve as the primary point of contact for program participants, community members, and local partners, ensuring the smooth delivery of our agriculture and youth empowerment initiatives.
Key Responsibilities- Operate the state-level program help desk via in-person, phone, and digital channels, delivering timely and courteous support to participants and partners.
- Provide accurate guidance regarding program eligibility, application procedures, training schedules, and available support services such as finance linkages and starter kits.
- Log and route participant feedback, inquiries, and safeguarding-sensitive complaints according to established protocols and organizational standards.
- Support community sensitization and outreach activities, ensuring targeted engagement with young women, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced youth.
- Maintain an organized database of inquiries, referrals, and resolutions to facilitate periodic reporting and continuous operational improvement.
- Collaborate closely with state team members, including the Training Officer and Admin and Logistics Officer, to ensure consistent stakeholder communication.
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Communications, Development Studies, Agriculture, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in customer service, front desk operations, community engagement, or a similar public-facing role within an NGO or development program.
- Fluency in English and the local language(s) of Jigawa State, with a strong understanding of the local cultural context.
- Demonstrated computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital communication tools.
- Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills with a high degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Willingness to travel locally within the state to Youth Agribusiness Parks and community project sites.
- Highly competitive compensation package with attractive benefits.
- Opportunity to work in a reputable international research organization dedicated to sustainable agricultural development in Africa.
- Supportive professional environment fostering career growth and community impact.