Professional Capacity Advancement Program (PCAP)

The Professional Capacity Advancement Program (PCAP) targets professionals from partner national research institutions and universities. Young and bright researchers (BSc or MSc degree holders with several years of experience) and fresh PhD degree holders will conduct research in areas similar to those of IITA scientists. They will be known as Visiting Fellows (VF). The program offers the VF the opportunity for increased access to state-of-the-art information sources not readily available to most NARS. The VF will be principally responsible for designing and managing the learning process and will work as part of a team. The Training Unit, together with the IITA host scientist, will ensure quality management of the learning process.

Major objectives: The initiative aims to:

• enhance the ability of VFs to think strategically about research priorities, and improve their research management skills
• contribute to increased research capacity of NARES and thus help to replace an ageing workforce
• foster productive partnerships between IITA and NARES and enable them to share responsibility for agricultural development
• ensure increased flow of scholarly communication between IITA and NARES scientists, thereby reducing the professional isolation of NARES scientists.

Methodology: The IITA Training Program will solicit applications through NARES and through contacts with scientists. All applicants must route their applications through their employers. Appointments will be made on the recommendation of an IITA scientist and the approval of the IITA Director of Research 4 Development. Appointments will range from 6 to 18 months, depending on the availability of funds and the type of research project. It is expected that the VF will spend sufficient time on research to gain a deep understanding of the subject. Terms and conditions of engagement will (subject to availability of funds) cover accommodation, stipend (employers will be required to retain their salary while on the program), international travel, insurance, mandatory seminars, reports and Intellectual Property Rights.

Funding: The sources of funds will include but will not be limited to special research projects, networks, and independent grants to IITA. For application details please contact IITA Training via email here - iita-training@cgiar.org.