State Helpdesk Officer

AI summary

IITA is hiring a State Helpdesk Officer in Kaduna, Nigeria on a 1-year renewable contract. The role involves running a state-level program help desk, handling participant and community enquiries, supporting training and outreach events, and maintaining records and reports. The position focuses on youth agribusiness support and community engagement within an international development program.

• 1-year renewable contract with a leading international agricultural research organization
• Frontline community-facing role supporting youth agribusiness participants in Kaduna
• Requires Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of customer service or community engagement experience
• Involves handling sensitive feedback and safeguarding-related concerns professionally

Original source description

State Helpdesk Officer (Kaduna) at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) ⏲ Sep 11, 2026, 1:21 PM ⋕ View all Customer Service & Support jobs The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-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. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: State Helpdesk Officer Ref. No.: IITA/P&C/NRS2026-057 Location: Kaduna Contract: 1-year renewable contract Duties Support monitoring of relevant local policy, regulatory and market developments affecting youth agribusiness in the state, and flag emerging issues to the State Field Coordinator and PMO. Maintain an organized, up-to-date log/database of enquiries, referrals and resolutions for reporting and continuous improvement purposes. Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor Uphold IITA's safeguarding, confidentiality and code-of-conduct standards in all interactions with participants and the community. Prepare periodic summary reports on help desk activity, common enquiry themes, and feedback trends for the State Field Coordinator and PMO. Assist with registration, attendance tracking and basic support during training sessions, cohort enrolment and Youth Agribusiness Park events. Support outreach and community sensitization activities to raise awareness of the program, particularly among young women, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced youth. Receive, log and route participant and community feedback, questions and complaints (including safeguarding-sensitive concerns) to the appropriate focal point, in line with the program's complaints and feedback mechanism and safeguarding procedures. Operate the state-level program help desk (in person, by phone and/or through other designated channels), responding to enquiries from prospective and enrolled participants, community members and partners in a timely and courteous manner. Provide accurate information on program eligibility, application procedures, training schedules, Youth Agribusiness Park access, and available support services (finance linkage, starter kits, mentorship). Coordinate with the State Training Officer, State Admin and Logistics Officer, and other state team members to ensure participants receive consistent and accurate information. Requirements: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Sciences, Communications, Development Studies, Agriculture or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience: in customer service, community engagement, front desk operations or a similar public-facing role, preferably within an NGO or development program is required. Competencies: The ideal candidate must have: Patience, discretion and a strong customer-service orientation, with the ability to handle sensitive or difficult conversations professionally. High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office) for recording and reporting enquiries. Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills, with fluency in the local language(s) of the state/district and English (or French/Krio as applicable in Liberia/Sierra Leone). Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure. Good working knowledge of the local community, culture and context, including sensitivity to the needs of young women, persons with disabilities and displaced persons. Willingness to travel locally within the state/district, including to Youth Agribusiness Parks and community locations. Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital communication tools Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Strong organizational and record-keeping skills. Remuneration We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits: and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply online Note : IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women. While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Application Deadline: 21st September, 2026. View all Jobs in Nigeria Kaduna State