Join our Mission to Empower African Scientists & Smallholder Farmers
Are you passionate about science, innovation, and inclusive development in African agriculture?
JR Biotek Foundation invites committed individuals to volunteer (unpaid) with the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP), a bold 5-year initiative that provides a transformative platform for African early-career scientists and professionals to collaborate with smallholder farmers in co-creating innovative, climate-resilient solutions for food security and sustainable livelihoods.
AGRIIP is bridging the gap between research, innovation, and real-world impact – empowering scientists, supporting farming communities, and scaling context-driven solutions that address the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
Join us in reimagining and strengthening Africa’s food systems from the ground up. Learn more and apply below.
Who We’re Looking For:
We welcome passionate, committed individuals ready to contribute to a high-impact, Africa-led initiative. Volunteers should:
- Be self-motivated, responsive, and capable of working independently in teams
- Have a strong interest in agriculture, climate resilience, research, or social impact
- Be available for weekly or bi-weekly check-ins
- Commit 6–10 hours per week for at least 3-6 months (renewable)
- Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
- Provide a minimum of two weeks’ notice if stepping down
What You’ll Gain:
While these roles are unpaid, volunteering with AGRIIP offers meaningful opportunities for growth and contribution:
- Collaborate with leading scientists, farmers, and innovators across Africa and the diaspora
- Build skills in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, storytelling, fundraising, and innovation
- Receive certificates and professional references upon successful completion
- Gain visibility on JR Biotek’s platforms and contribute to a globally recognised initiative.
AGRIIP Volunteer Roles (2025–2026)
-
AGRIIP Program Development & Implementation Lead
- 📍 Remote (6–10 hrs/week)
- Purpose: Provide strategic oversight for the design, delivery, and coordination of AGRIIP’s pilot activities across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee cross-country planning and implementation
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder workshops and partner alignment
- Track milestones and synthesise learnings from fellows, farmers, and workshops
- Maintain program documentation and reporting across phases
-
Country Program Implementation Coordinator – Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya
- 📍 Country-based (8–12 hrs/week) – (2 in Nigeria, 2 in Ghana, 1 in Kenya)
- Purpose: Coordinate field-level implementation with partners, farmer groups, and fellows.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage planning and logistics for fieldwork, trainings, and bootcamps
- Liaise with local institutions, farmer cooperatives, and government actors
- Monitor progress and document learnings and success stories
- Support AGRIIP Fellows with field coordination and mentoring
-
AGRIIP Fellowship Program Lead – Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- 📍 Remote (6–8 hrs/week)
- Purpose: Lead the coordination and delivery of the AGRIIP Innovation Fellowship, equipping early-career scientists to co-develop scalable innovations with farmers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design fellowship structure, curriculum, and innovation bootcamps
- Oversee fellow recruitment, team support, and progress tracking
- Manage logistics, mentorship connections, and fellow communications
- Document outcomes and contribute to final impact reporting
-
AGRIIP Communications & Impact Storytelling Officer
- 📍 Remote (5–8 hrs/week)
- Purpose: Drive storytelling and digital engagement to showcase AGRIIP’s impact and milestones.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create blog posts, interviews, and success stories across platforms
- Manage social media, website, and e-newsletters
- Design digital campaigns around workshops, fellow activities, and launches
- Collaborate with teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand visibility
-
Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships Officer (Two positions)
- 📍 Remote (US/UK-based preferred) (6–10 hrs/week)
- Purpose: Mobilise funding and cultivate strategic relationships to sustain and scale AGRIIP.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify funding opportunities and prepare compelling proposals and briefs
- Draft pitch decks and manage donor communications
- Build and steward partnerships with funders, NGOs, and networks
- Support public-facing campaigns in collaboration with the Communications team
-
Art for Impact & Fundraising Coordinator
- 📍 Remote (UK/US-based preferred) (4–6 hrs/week)
- Purpose: Expand AGRIIP’s visibility and fundraising through visual storytelling, art exhibitions, and cultural partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Curate exhibitions themed around African crops, food systems, and climate resilience
- Collaborate with artists, galleries, and creative platforms
- Support art-based fundraising and brand-aligned campaign development
- Translate farmer and fellow experiences into compelling visual stories
How to Apply
Submit your application using the link below by 4th July 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a brief interview.
Together, let’s build a more resilient, just, and innovative future for African agriculture. 🌱
