Government Relations and Policy Specialist at One Acre Fund

About The Role

• Our Government Relations team supports field operations to provide vital services to farmers. It also informs our wider policy, communications, and outreach work. We believe potent opportunities exist to partner with the government to shape and implement policy coordinated with our field presence.
• The Government Relations and Policy Specialist will report to the Nigeria Government Relations Lead and will manage government relations and advocacy activities across multiple states where One Acre Fund operates in Nigeria.
• You will demonstrate an understanding of government structures, and strategies for building and maintaining relationships with government partners, build relationship with diverse audiences and you will manage projects across multiple locations independently.
• You will be based in Abuja but working in Nasarawa or Niger with frequent travel to our state offices for several weeks.

Responsibilities

Relationship Management and Champion Building

• Develop and implement Strategies across states of operations. This will include promoting and relationship-building strategies to maintain relationships with key players in the agricultural sector, such as Commissioners of Agriculture and Environment, NGOs, local authorities, research institutes, and others, to unlock opportunities and de-risk the program.
• You will manage projects with other team members at states of operations, focusing on relationship building, risk management and policy advocacy.
• You will coordinate our involvement in operational partnerships with key partners and development agencies by identifying opportunities and managing the required administrative work streams.
• You will coordinate and support our teams with government relations work streams.

Policy Advocacy and Compliance

• You will research and report on new policies or regulatory developments that may affect operations in states of operation.
• In collaboration with the Government Relations lead, the Communications Specialist, and other global team members, you will implement strategies to respond to risks or opportunities emanating from state-level policies or other developments that have implications on the program.
• You will ensure that state teams meet all regulatory requirements, such as securing operations licenses and permits at the required time.

De-risking Operations

• You will provide support and strategic advisory to state teams to de-risk operations & programs such as expansion, enrollment, distribution and repayment.
• You will develop GR strategy for program support and operations de-risking.

Team Development and Management

• You will manage the main GR team members based in our state of operations.
• You will ensure that staffers are adequately coached, mentored and supported to deliver their daily tasks.
• You will oversee the departments CRM (nutshell) and ensure it is up to date every week.

Qualifications
Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have:

• 2+ years of project management experience with an international organization.
• 2+ years of experience managing relationships with state and local government officials
• 2+ years experience managing team members across multiple locations.
• A minimum degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Law, International Development, or Business. A masters degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
• Experience analyzing policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks to produce meaningful, relevant briefing materials for senior management.
• Advocacy, communication and negotiation skills: We are looking for someone who can access key stakeholders and foster collaboration among different stakeholders to pursue our mission.
• Strong collaborator and project manager with a demonstrated track record of providing structured, support across different departments.
• Languages: English required.