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: Senior Welder
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Duties
Weld and repair farm machinery and implements, including tractors, irrigation equipment, and heavy-duty tools.
Fabricate metal structures for research facilities (screen houses, greenhouses, irrigation frames, trial plot fencing, etc.).
Measure, cut, and prepare metal materials according to design specifications.
Employ appropriate welding techniques (MIG, TIG, stick welding, arc welding, gas welding, etc.) to deliver strong, precise, and safe welds.
Carry out preventative maintenance on welded structures to ensure long-term durability and reduce costs of replacement.
Maintain safe working conditions and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
Keep accurate daily records of welding and fabrication activities, including materials used and labour hours (to feed into cost-recovery tracking).
Provide input to equipment investment plans by reporting on recurring fabrication/repair needs.
Train and guide junior welders or casual staff on proper welding techniques and safety practices.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Farm Management.
Requirements
National Diploma (ND) in Mechanical Engineering or related field with a minimum of 6 years proven welding and fabrication experience in a well-structured organization.
NABTEB Technical Certificate in Welding and Fabrication is an advantage.
Competencies: The ideal candidate must have:
Training or certification in occupational health and safety (e.g., NEBOSH, OSHA, or a Nigerian equivalent), with strict adherence to workplace safety standards, PPE usage, and the safe handling of welding and fabrication equipment.
Proficiency in MIG, TIG, stick, and gas welding, with strong knowledge of metals, alloys, and welding consumables.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and fabrication plans, with experience using CNC cutting and advanced metalworking tools.
Experience fabricating irrigation systems or research screen houses, preferably within agricultural research institutions or farm mechanization projects.
Familiarity with ERP systems and work order tracking systems.
Supervisory skills and the ability to manage junior welders effectively.
Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining precision and attention to detail.
Proficiency in written and spoken English for effective communication and reporting.
Benefits
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.