Chief of Party at Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

Main Duties

• The main duties of the Chief of Party (CoP) will be overall project planning, implementation and management while maintaining close working relationships with FMARD, state and local governments, importers and distributors of agricultural inputs, agro-input dealers, targeted farmer communities as well as with USAID/Nigeria.
• The CoP must ensure the smooth functioning and coordination of all project functions: program development and implementation, technical guidance and management to the field teams, financial management and administration of project finances, outreach and reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
• The CoP, in close collaboration with the project team and consultants, will seek to ensure the technical quality and appropriateness of the technical services provided through the project and the quality of the results generated. The CoP will ensure coordination and collaboration with related project activities in Nigeria funded by FMARD and other donors.
• The CoP will have technical and management responsibility for all project personnel and will be the IFDC representative to USAID, line ministries, state governments and multinationals, technical agencies and other participating organizations as required.
• The CoP will report to the IFDC Division portfolio manager.

Required Skills

• Proven and extensive project management experiences, preferably in a public-private partnership setting in Africa
• Master’s degree in agriculture, economics, business administration or related field required.
• Demonstrated ability in the concepts, principles, methods and techniques of delivering training, technical assistance and extension services for rural development.
• Demonstrated skills in effectively negotiating with host governments, donors, UN agencies, other USAID projects, local organizations and partners.
• Ability to successfully manage and professionally develop staff as demonstrated by past experience.
• Ability to manage cooperative agreements, contracts and grant making programs with all reporting requirements.
• Ability to perform internal control functions to manage day-to-day operations of the project.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally in small audience and large audience settings.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in English
• Ability to travel frequently within Nigeria and the West African region
• Able to work in challenging environments
• High level of initiative and enthusiasm

Required Experience

• At least 15 years of experience successfully managing complex, results-based, international rural development programs (implementation, logistics, budget, staffing) funded by USAID or other international donors.
• Prior experience working in West Africa is a must; working experience in Nigeria is preferable.
• Demonstrated ability in the concepts, principles, methods and techniques of delivering training, technical assistance and extension services for rural development.
• Demonstrated skills in effectively negotiating with host governments, donors, UN agencies, other USAID projects, local organizations and partners.