State Value Chain Infrastructure Officer (SVCIO) at Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

Job Type: Contract (1 year)
Reporting and Location: Directly to the State Programme Coordinator

Summary

• The FGN/IFAD VCDP is desirous of engaging the services of Technical specialist and staff to facilitate VCDP and other IFAD Assisted programs implementation at the proposed additional VCDP states of Nassarawa, Kogi and Enugu.

Main Responsibilities

• The SVCIO will work under the direct supervision of the State Programme Coordinator (SPC), in close collaboration with the State and the Local Govemment Area (LGA) Engineers, and the State authorities.

Specific Duties

• Ensure that the preparatory activities and implementation of the infrastructure interventions are progressing according to the works schedule.
• Develop a detailed action plian to implement the various activities proposed under the sub-component for the State and the LGAs in close consultation with the key stakeholders.
• Select contractors and consultants as per the Programme Implementation Manual (PIM) and oversee the work of these service providers;
• Identify the target communities using the eligibility criteria developed for the sub-component. Relevant agencies such as the State Ministry of Works, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, River Basin Development Authorities (RBDA5) where applicable, Water Board, and the LGAs should be consulted in this process.
• Ensure that contracted consultants prepare the LGA level VCAP. The VCAP will identify critical constraints/challenges, opportunities available and recommend appropriate VC linked interventions. The above-mentioned key stakeholders, the VC operators and the community should be part of this process.
• Supervise the construction/rehabilitation of feeder roads, the construction of agro-processing and market infrastructure (md. water supply systems and related ancillary works) for Subcomponent 1.1 and 1.2, and the construction of stores, flood protection dykes and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes under Subcomponent 2.2 implemented by contractors. The SVCIO will be assisted by the LGA Engineers during supervision.
• Ensure the timely procurement of agro-processing equipment and machineries for Subcomponent 1.1. Quality standards indicated in the Programme Design Report (PDR) should be maintained and the handover of the procured items to the target VC operators is as per th? PIM and applicable matching grant modality.
• Oversee that training and capacity building activities related to the infrastructure aspects of Subcomponent 1.1, 1.2 and 2.2 are implemented. Establish asset/infrastructure management and maintenance procedures. These should ensure that proper O&M is carried out by the LGAs, the VC operators and the communities using the developed procedures as supported by the LGA Engineers.
• Supervise/co-supervise the LGA Engineers and the support staffs working with them.
• Provide technical guidance to participating institutions on the approach of carrying out their functions related to the infrastructural aspects of the Programme.
• Ensure that the consultants give necessary technical support to the participating organizations by working closely with them and contribute to the Programme.
• Establish modalities for coordination and proper working relationship with participating institutions.
• Prepare measurement of works and certificate of payment for all infrastructure activities as supported by the LGA Engineers.
• Ensure proper management, timely utilization and reporting of the budget for the sub-component is undertaken by the State. Liaise with the concerned budget holders within the State Programme Management Unit (SPMU) when it comes to the support activities provided to other sub-components.
• Assist the SPC in ensuring that the Programme’s focus on the poorest of the poor, especially women, is pursued.
• Undertake other related activities as directed by the SPC.

Qualification and Experience

• A minimum of BSc University Degree in Civil Engineering.
• At least 5 years of practical experieQce in agricultural and/or rural development projects.
• A Civil Engineer with strong background of practical experience in agricultural related civil works and agro-processing technologies contributing to rural development.