Fresh Jobs at Care Best Initiative (CBI)

Purpose of Role

• The Project Engineer will be responsible for leading the technical planning, design, implementation, and supervision of all infrastructure-related activities under the WFP-funded Resilience Building and Smallholder Farmers Support Project in Sokoto and Katsina States.
• This includes the construction and rehabilitation of solar-powered irrigation systems, grain banks, and other high-impact community assets. The role ensures that all engineering works meet technical standards, are climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and responsive to local needs.
• The Project Engineer will coordinate with community stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to ensure quality delivery, safety compliance, and effective documentation of all civil works.

Job Description / Principal Accountabilities

• Lead the technical design and implementation of civil works including solar-powered irrigation systems, grain banks, and other community infrastructure.
• Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and technical evaluations to inform infrastructure planning and design.
• Prepare engineering drawings, bills of quantities (BOQs), work schedules, and specifications in line with national standards and donor requirements.
• Supervise construction activities to ensure quality control, safety compliance, and adherence to timelines.
• Monitor contractors' performance, verify progress, and certify completed works before payments.
• Coordinate closely with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure local ownership, land allocation, and acceptance of infrastructure interventions.
• Ensure integration of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable practices in all engineering works.
• Provide technical support during the procurement of construction materials and selection of contractors.
• Prepare regular site reports, completion certificates, and technical documentation for donor reporting and audits.
• Train community members and local artisans on maintenance and sustainability of constructed assets.
• Collaborate with program, MEAL, logistics, and finance teams to align engineering deliverables with broader project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with COREN and national engineering standards, safety protocols, and CBI’s operational guidelines.

Job Holder Entry Requirements
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline will be considered an added advantage.
• COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria) certification is mandatory.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering design, supervision, and construction of rural or agricultural infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in the design and implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems, water retention structures, grain banks, or other agriculture-related civil works.
• Demonstrated experience working with community-based projects in Northern Nigeria, especially in remote rural settings such as Sokoto and Katsina States.
• Prior experience working on donor-funded projects (e.g., WFP, FCDO, USAID, EU) with a solid understanding of compliance, quality control, and reporting requirements.
• Strong capacity in supervising contractors, preparing technical drawings/BOQs, and managing site documentation and handover processes.
• Experience integrating climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable engineering solutions in infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Strong technical skills in engineering design, construction supervision, and infrastructure quality assurance.
• Proficiency in using engineering software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and MS Project for planning and documentation.
• Ability to contextualize engineering solutions within local cultural, environmental, and social realities, especially in rural communities.
• Demonstrated capacity for community engagement, with the ability to communicate engineering concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical reporting skills.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to meeting deadlines and adhering to compliance protocols.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and construction sites simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English; working knowledge of Hausa is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and team coordination skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with contractors, community leaders, and diverse teams.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to CBI’s standards of professional conduct and safety.

Key Behaviours:

• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to align with CBI's core values, including empathy, integrity, and a commitment to service.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Social and receptive (active listener).
• High degree of integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of the team, as the situation dictates.
• Pro-active and ready to take initiative.
• Ability to assimilate and handle a wide range of information efficiently and effectively.
• High level of stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.

Key Relationships (excluding own line manager and staff)
Internal:

• Food Security and Livelihood Coordinator
• Program Coordinator
• Other Sector Coordinators
• Finance and Support Services team
• Various staff based in all CBI core departments, as and when necessary (e.g. MEAL, finance, logistics and procurement, etc.)

External:

• Partners
• Consultants
• Service Providers/Stakeholders (Other NGOs)
• Government agencies
• Community leaders/CBOs.

go to method of application »

Purpose of Role

• The Business Development Officer will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of strategies that strengthen market linkages, promote enterprise development, and support the creation of viable business plans for smallholder farmers and cooperatives under the WFP-funded Resilience Building and Smallholder Farmers Support Project in Sokoto and Katsina States.
• The officer will work directly with farmer groups, local stakeholders, and private sector actors to identify market opportunities, facilitate access to buyers and financial services, and build the capacity of beneficiaries in business management, marketing, and financial literacy.

Job Description / Principal Accountabilities

• Conduct market assessments and value chain analyses to identify opportunities for smallholder farmers and cooperatives.
• Develop and implement strategies that facilitate access to markets, buyers, off-takers, and input suppliers.
• Support farmer groups and cooperatives in the development, review, and implementation of business plans tailored to their production and market potential.
• Provide training and mentorship to beneficiaries on business development, marketing, record keeping, and financial literacy.
• Identify and foster partnerships with private sector actors, financial institutions, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen economic linkages.
• Supervise and coordinate business development activities across Sokoto and Katsina States, ensuring consistency in quality and approach.
• Work with program and MEAL teams to track and report on key indicators related to income generation and market engagement.
• Support documentation of success stories, innovations, and lessons learned from enterprise development activities.
• Represent the organization at local economic platforms, trade events, and stakeholder engagements to advocate for market access and rural enterprise growth.
• Promote inclusive and climate-smart business practices, ensuring that business models are gender-responsive and contextually relevant.
• Ensure proper documentation and timely submission of technical reports, training records, and activity updates.
• Collaborate with the FSL Coordinator and other technical teams to ensure integrated and impactful delivery of project outcomes.

Key Relationships (excluding own line manager and staff):

Internal

• Food Security and Livelihood Coordinator
• Program Coordinator
• Other Sector Coordinators
• Finance and Support Services team
• Various staff based in all CBI core departments, as and when necessary (e.g. MEAL, finance, logistics and procurement, etc.)

External

• • Partners
• • Consultants
• • Service Providers/Stakeholders (Other NGOs)
• • Government agencies
• • Community leaders/CBOs

Job Holder Entry Requirements
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A Master’s Degree in a relevant field will be considered an added advantage.
• Additional certification in entrepreneurship, value chain development, or financial inclusion is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in business development, market systems strengthening, or enterprise support, preferably within rural or agricultural contexts.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing business plans for cooperatives, smallholder farmers, or micro-enterprises.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating market linkages between producers and buyers, including engagement with off-takers, agro-dealers, and financial service providers.
• Experience in delivering training and mentorship in business management, marketing, and financial literacy to community-based groups.
• Familiarity with donor-funded projects (e.g., WFP, FCDO, USAID) and a clear understanding of project cycle, compliance, and reporting standards.
• Practical knowledge of agricultural value chains and rural economies in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Katsina States.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Strong understanding of rural market systems, agricultural value chains, and inclusive business models.
• Proven ability to design and support business plans tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers and cooperatives.
• Excellent facilitation and training skills in business development, marketing, and financial literacy.
• Competence in conducting market assessments and using market data to inform programming.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build partnerships and maintain productive relationships with private sector actors, cooperatives, and community leaders.
• Ability to communicate complex business concepts in a simple and culturally appropriate manner.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report writing skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint); knowledge of digital tools for market mapping or business analysis is a plus.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Hausa is an added advantage.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and alignment with CBI’s values of service, inclusion, and accountability.

Key Behaviours:

• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to align with CBI's core values, including empathy, integrity, and a commitment to service.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Social and receptive (active listener).
• High degree of integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of the team, as the situation dictates.
• Pro-active and ready to take initiative.
• Ability to assimilate and handle a wide range of information efficiently and effectively.
• High level of stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.