Income Generating Activities (IGA) Officer - Food Processing and Value Addition at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Job Summary

• The IGA Officer will be responsible for promoting and supporting income-generating activities (IGAs) in food processing and value addition for women and youth groups in rural Potiskum.
• The focus will be on high-impact value chains such as rice milling, groundnut processing, vegetable dehydration/canning, and oil extraction using shared processing facilities.
• The officer will provide technical training, business development support, and market linkages to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of rural enterprises.
• This role is critical to reducing post-harvest losses, creating jobs, and improving rural incomes through sustainable agro-processing. The IGA Officer will empower women and youth to transform raw produce into profitable, market-ready products

Key Responsibilities
Program Implementation and Capacity Building:

• Conduct assessments to identify viable food processing opportunities for women and youth groups.
• Train beneficiaries on improved processing techniques, food safety, packaging, and quality standards.
• Facilitate access to and efficient use of common processing facilities (e.g., rice mills, oil presses, dehydrators).
• Promote cooperative models for shared resource utilization and collective marketing.

Business and Market Development;

• Support groups in developing business plans, cost analysis, and pricing strategies.
• Link producers to buyers, agro-processors, and financial institutions for sustainable market access.
• Introduce value-added products (e.g., fortified rice, groundnut paste, dehydrated vegetables) to increase income.
• Organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meetings to enhance market visibility.

Technical and Operational Support:

• Oversee the maintenance and optimal use of processing equipment in rural hubs.
• Advise on energy-efficient, climate-smart processing technologies (e.g., solar dryers, low-cost oil extractors).
• Monitor compliance with hygiene, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., NAFDAC, SON).

Monitoring, Reporting and Advocacy:

• Track group performance, sales, and income growth using digital tools.
• Document success stories and challenges for program improvement.
• Advocate for policies supporting rural agro-processing and women/youth economic empowerment.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Work with government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, SMEDAN), NGOs, and private sector actors.
• Mobilize stakeholders to invest in rural processing infrastructure and training.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of beneficiaries trained and utilizing processing facilities.
• Increase in group income and product diversification.
• Number of market linkages established.
• Adoption of improved processing technologies.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Agribusiness, Agriculture, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in agro-processing, livelihood programs, or MSME development.
• Strong knowledge of rice, groundnut, vegetable, and oil value chains.
• Proficiency in Hausa/Kanuri (local language) and English.
• Gender-sensitive approach with experience working with women/youth groups.