State Coordinator (Ogun, Nigeria) - Danone Ecosystem Project at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

Responsibilities

• The consultant will support the development of a sustainable feed and fodder supply and facilitate the transition of dairy production in Southwest Nigeria to a more productive, low-carbon footprint and self-sustaining dairy farming system by improving access to inputs (especially, feed) and services, technical expertise, financing, and sustainable markets. More specifically, the consultant will carry out the following activities:

Project Planning and Implementation: (40%)

• Develop state-specific work plans aligned with the overall project goals and objectives, ensuring timely execution of activities;
• Oversee the implementation of project activities within the state, ensuring that they are carried out efficiently and in accordance with the project timeline;
• Adjust and adapt implementation strategies based on local conditions, challenges, and opportunities, while ensuring alignment with the overall project framework;
• Manage the state-level budget, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and in line with project objectives;
• Monitor financial expenditures, ensuring that all spending adheres to project guidelines and donor requirements;
• Ensure the timely allocation of resources (financial, human, material) to support state-level activities and operations.

Monitoring and Reporting: (40%)

• Monitor the progress of project activities at the state level, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and project objectives;
• Collect and compile data from field activities, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of results and indicators;
• Identify risks and challenges that may impact the implementation of project activities at the state level. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to address potential challenges, ensuring project objectives remain on track;
• Provide hands-on support to resolve operational issues, addressing challenges as they arise to prevent disruptions in project implementation;
• Ensure that all project activities at the state level comply with government regulations, dairy project guidelines, and IFDC policies;
• Conduct regular quality checks on state-level activities to ensure that they are being implemented to the highest standard and align with project goals;
• Maintain comprehensive records of all activities, ensuring that project documentation is complete, accurate, and accessible.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: (10%)

• Identify and engage key stakeholders at the state level, including government officials, local authorities, community leaders, and partner organizations;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state government agencies, NGOs, donors, and other key partners;
• Facilitate collaboration between the project team and stakeholders to ensure alignment and cooperation, addressing any potential conflicts or barriers;
• Engage with local communities to promote project objectives, build awareness, and foster community participation;
• Advocate for state-level support for project activities, influencing policy and decision-making processes where relevant to project goals;
• Ensure that project beneficiaries are actively engaged in the design, implementation, and evaluation of activities, ensuring their needs and perspectives are integrated.

Communication and Liaison: (10%)

• Act as the primary liaison between the state and the central project management team, ensuring clear and consistent communication regarding project status, issues, and achievements;
• Share key project information with local stakeholders, ensuring transparency and promoting the objectives of the dairy project within the state;
• Provide technical support and capacity building to state-level project staff, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to implement activities effectively;
• Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives for state government agencies, community groups, and local stakeholders;
• Ensure that best practices and lessons learned are shared with state teams to improve project implementation and outcomes;
• Represent the project at state-level meetings, workshops, and events, ensuring positive visibility and support from local stakeholders.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master or PhD) in agriculture, livestock management, animal nutrition, soil sciences, environmental science or a related field;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management within the agricultural sector and dairy sub sector, preferably in Nigeria or in the Southwest;
• Profound understanding of livestock nutrition and soil health management challenges in the region;
• Demonstrated ability to forge partnerships and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders;
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills with fluency in English and Hausa (both written and spoken).

Reporting and Work Relationships

• The Ogun State Coordinator will report to Project Director of Dairy Development and will maintain close communication with IFDC Nigeria Office and Dairy Development Project staff throughout the assignment.