Institutional Strengthening Specialist at Connexus Corporation

About the Opportunity

• Connexus is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Institutional Strengthening Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Nigeria Value Chain Activity. The Institutional Strengthening Specialist will play a critical role in enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of institutions and agribusinesses in agricultural market systems throughout Nigeria. Note: this is a preliminary position description and may be clarified further after solicitation release.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Work closely with Activity staff to develop and implement strategies to strengthen the institutional and organizational capacity of key agricultural value chain stakeholders, focusing on governance structures, organizational management, technical expertise, and operational efficiency, among other areas.
• Conduct rigorous assessments of institutional gaps and weaknesses and develop evidence-based strategies and action plans to address identified challenges.
• Provide tailored capacity building support to local institutions through training programs, workshops, mentoring, and coaching sessions.
• Provide technical guidance and support on integrating institutional strengthening activities into project activities, strategies, and work plans.
• Contribute to Activity reporting, documentation, and knowledge management activities, including capturing lessons learned, best practices, and success stories related to institutional strengthening programming.
• Stay abreast of latest developments, research findings, and innovations in institutional strengthening research, and adapt approaches, as necessary, to reflect newest and most relevant innovations and techniques.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Organizational Development, Business, Agriculture Economics, or another relevant field with a minimum of 9 years of professional experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project; or Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, Business, Agriculture Economics, or another relevant field with a minimum 11 years of experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project.
• Proven expertise in conducting institutional assessments, developing capacity building plans or business plans, and implementing strategies to enhance organizational effectiveness and performance.
• Strong understanding of agricultural market systems, value chain dynamics, and the socio-economic context of rural communities in Nigeria.
• Excellent written communication skills, including ability to contribute to high-quality project reports.
• Fluency in English required and other local languages desired.
• Must be authorized to work in Nigeria.