Conservation Agriculture/Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Specialist - Nigeria Rural Resilience at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

Job Description

• The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Conservation Agriculture/Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Nigeria Rural Resilience Project in northern Nigeria.
• Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine the integration of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and technologies with farmers and key stakeholders, such as donors and development partners
• Identify CSA outcomes on sustainable agricultural production, adaptation and mitigation; and
• Access to adoption of CSA in Nigeria and suggest ways to strengthen early warning systems as part of the program’s sustainability and exit strategy plan
• Plan, implement, and monitor agricultural measures
• Manage and train local staff on conservation agriculture and other important methodologies
• Support the planning and drafting of new projects in the fields of agriculture and food security
• Identifies areas for improvement of agricultural production and marketing methods in co-operation with local partners
• Contributes to the country development and strategies, actively participates in strategic discussions and keeps herself/ himself informed of the overall organizational topics
• Any other tasks that may be assigned

Required Skills

• Master's Degree or higher Degree in Economics, Agronomy, or related field of study
• Proven ability to effectively collaborate with government counterparts, donors, and other key stakeholders and partners
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to successfully recruit, train, develop, motivate and manage staff
• Professional fluency in English
• Competency in the use of computers and MS Office software, including Word, Powerpoint, and Excel

Required Experience

• 8+ years of experience in managing projects that focus on agricultural production, value chain development, market linkages, food security, etc. with practical experience in Nigeria
• Experience in conservation agriculture and providing training guided by those principles
• Experience in transferring climate smart agriculture techniques to smallholder farmers
• Previous experience managing USAID projects is preferred