Join the IRC as a Research Project Officer 2026

Apply now to Join the IRC as a Research Project Officer 2026 – Full-Time Opportunity. Full-time role focusing on sustainable agriculture, research, and community resilience.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) is offering an exciting full-time Research Project Officer position based in Diffa, Niger. This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful humanitarian and agricultural development work, supporting vulnerable communities to build resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

The IRC is a leading international humanitarian organization responding to some of the world’s most critical crises, working in over 40 countries to restore health, safety, education, and economic well-being to millions.

About the Role

Under the technical supervision of the Economic Recovery and Development Program Coordinator and the functional supervision of the Diffa Field Coordinator, the Research Project Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring field research activities.

The role focuses on sustainable agriculture, community engagement, agronomic experimentation, and program evaluation, with the goal of improving agricultural productivity and resilience to climate shocks in targeted communities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning and Implementation

Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of project activities in line with contractual obligations.
Guarantee the quality of beneficiary targeting and strengthen staff capacity in this area.
Provide technical support to field teams to ensure efficient and impactful project delivery.
Develop and adjust methodological tools and guidelines to ensure quality assurance.
Identify farmers and experimentation sites for the project.
Train agricultural producers on pilot and control site setup and biostimulant non-hormonal farming methods.
Organize farmer training sessions on agricultural technical itineraries.
Collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to select appropriate seed varieties for experiments.
Ensure effective contractual follow-up and achievement of project goals.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation

Develop a schedule for collecting agronomic data from experimental sites.
Participate in data analysis to inform programmatic decisions.
Present comparative results of improved agricultural methods and local practices.
Produce regular progress reports (monthly and mid-term).
Collect success stories, lessons learned, and project insights.
Monitor budgets to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of planned activities.
Conduct regular field supervision visits and provide technical guidance.

3. Coordination and Representation

Participate in periodic meetings with project partners and present progress.
Coordinate with local authorities, technical services, NGOs, and UN agencies.
Build and maintain strong partnerships at the local level.
Strengthen communication between IRC and local stakeholders.

4. Human Resource Management

Supervise the Extension Officer and Community Extension Agent.
Support staff development and performance evaluation.
Identify technical capacity gaps and implement staff training plans.
Manage timesheets, leave plans, and ensure effective team organization.

5. Program Development

Contribute to strategic planning and project scaling.
Participate in needs assessments and proposal development.
Provide input into food security and livelihoods program strategies.
Ensure thorough reporting of all project activities.

Required Qualifications and Skills for IRC as a Research Project Officer 2026

Bachelor’s degree (BAC+4) in Agronomy, Forestry, or related field.
At least 2 years of professional experience in agronomic research and agricultural extension.
Expertise in one or more of the following areas is a plus: natural resource management, agroecology, climate adaptation, biodiversity, RNA, agricultural value chains.
Experience working with international NGOs is an asset.
Strong skills in planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and GIS tools.
Experience in partnership management (operational and institutional).
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with communities, technical services, and NGOs.
Strong autonomy, organizational skills, and team spirit.

About the International Rescue Committee

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. It is committed to:

Supporting communities affected by crisis and disaster.
Promoting health, safety, education, and economic recovery.
Restoring dignity, power, and hope to people rebuilding their lives.

The IRC upholds its Code of Conduct — Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality — across all its programs and operations.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online through the IRC careers platform.

Location: Diffa, Niger
Type: Full-time, In-person
Application Deadline: Rolling (posted 30+ days ago)

For more information and to apply, visit: IRC Careers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this a remote position?

No. This is a full-time, in-person position based in Diffa, Niger.

2. What kind of background is required?

Candidates with degrees in Agronomy, Forestry, or similar fields and at least 2 years of experience in agricultural research and extension are encouraged to apply.

3. Is knowledge of French required?

Yes, fluency in French is essential given the project’s location and partners.

4. Does the IRC offer career development opportunities?

Yes. IRC provides staff development opportunities and values continuous learning.

5. Are local candidates eligible to apply?

Yes, IRC strongly encourages local professionals meeting the qualifications to apply.

Join the IRC as a Research Project Officer 2026 – Full-Time Opportunity

About the Role