Government Relations Assistant - Plateau at One Acre Fund

About the Role:

• One Acre Fund (1AF) is seeking a Government Relations Assistant to serve as a point of contact for Local Government relations in all our sites of operation in the Shendam and Bauchi District, Nigeria.
• This role would report to the Government Relations Officer and demonstrate a strong understanding of local government traditional structures, whilst also having strong interpersonal skills and some level of understanding of program offerings.
• The successful candidate will be a clear and confident communicator, able to present on behalf of One Acre Fund at local-level meetings, while having a solid understanding of the products and practices 1AF supports. This role also requires strong time-keeping and organizational skills, as meeting and field visit logistics will be a key feature. Last, the role will involve regular trips to all sites across our areas of operation, potential travel to new districts, and will require autonomy and structured work planning.   

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the management of site-level government relations, maintain positive relationships on behalf of One Acre Fund, and establish regular contact with officials at the following administrative levels: 
• Local Government Council officials
• Traditional Authorities (e.g Village Heads, Mai Angwas, Long)
• Support expansion efforts, leading introductory visits to the Village & District Head.
• Support early local government engagement in new LGAs.
• Maintain a key local government official contacts database and track interactions.
• Support monitoring and resolution of risks and issues affecting program operations.
• Lead bi-weekly communication of program impacts to community stakeholders at local levels
• Represents the Government Relations team during Meet & Greet in 3 PODs, attends other functions and events, ensuring active engagement with our communities.
• Will be responsible for providing logistical support services to the Government Relations team. Will secure project/meeting supplies, arrange venues, book transportation, and assist with field activities, as needed.
• Professionally represent the agency and effectively communicate on behalf of the agency.
• Host stakeholders Meet & Greet and other important partner events (e.g., Field Days) in your area of coverage. Ensure safety measures and government protocols are observed at all hosted events.
• Other duties as assigned by the GR Lead, or GR Coordinator  
• Arrange the collection and delivery of documents, reports, and invitations to officials and stakeholders. 
• Carry out other administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

 We are looking for extraordinary candidates who are organized and proactive; please only apply if you fit these criteria:

• University degree from a recognized academic institution with 2 years of work experience.
• Strong project management skills
• Experienced with Community and Stakeholder engagement
• Computer skills in email, internet, and Google Workspace
• Strong written and oral communicator 
• Ability to plan and host community-basedcommunity based and external events
• A willingness to commit to living in Shendam or Bauchi 
• Proven ability to manage local-level relationships 
• Professional proficiency in English and Hausa language. Knowledge of any other local language (E.g. Hausa, Goemai) is an added advantage.

Attitude:

• Positive
• Humble
• Passionate about serving smallholder farmers