Jobs at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and additional six years to be financed in future by other partners and / or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths, women using sustainable agri business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The Knowledge Management and Communications Officer will be responsible for coordinating, supporting, and facilitating Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC) activities related to project implementation at the state level.
• The Officer will work closely with the KMC Coordinator at the RPCO and the KMC Advisor at the Central Communications Unit in implementing KMC activities.

Specific Duties

• Manage the implementation of the KMC strategy of the project at the state level.
• Develop KMC activities for the annual work plan and budget (AWPB).
• Prepare an annual KMC plan of actions for enhancing an institutional culture of learning and knowledge-sharing.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing events and policy dialogues among project stakeholders.
• Ensure that innovative experiences, learning, and good practices are captured, synthesized, documented, and shared continuously within the project and with relevant stakeholders.
• Play a leading role in maintaining project stakeholders' contact lists and mailing lists for the dissemination of project knowledge products.
• Guide staff on information collection, processing, and information dissemination methods.
• Play a leading role in external relations, building relations with media and communications personnel, liaison, and public relations.
• In close collaboration with the State M&E Officer, ensure results from various studies (including quality management, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation) are translated into evidence-based knowledge products.
• Establish information technology requirements for effective implementation of the KMC strategy using social media and internet tools.
• Plan and coordinate communication and advocacy campaigns through mass media, newsletters, stakeholder meetings, and other communication channels as appropriate.
• Assist in developing integrated information systems to enable M&E of project activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the project's KMC strategy at the state level.
• Contribute to the drafting of periodic project progress reports.
• Maintain updated cataloging of the project's knowledge assets/online resource materials.
• Undertake other KMC tasks as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Higher-level University Degree or equivalent in a field related to Communications, Journalism, Development, or a related discipline.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of three years of experience in information, knowledge management, and/or development communication, preferably in the agriculture and rural development sector.
  • Experience in media relations, ICT, and extension will be an advantage.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven ability in documentation and advocacy; demonstrated capacity to develop and oversee the implementation of programme results documentation, presentations, communication, and reporting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; experience interacting with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, professional maturity, and a premium on "getting things done."
• Strong project management and coordination skills; able to handle multiple tasks and balance priorities with various stakeholders.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO) Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be on 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.

go to method of application »

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and an additional six years to be financed in the future by other partners and/or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri-business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths and women using sustainable agri-business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The State Rural Infrastructure Officer will manage market infrastructure development in the state, working closely with relevant stakeholders and ensuring timely and quality implementation.

Specific Duties

• Monitor preparatory and implementation activities for infrastructure interventions.
• Identify cost-efficient and sustainable market infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies.
• Supervise the preparation of LGA-level action plans.
• Oversee construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads, agro-processing centers, and markets.
• Ensure timely procurement of agro-processing equipment.
• Coordinate capacity building on infrastructure management.
• Develop and implement asset maintenance procedures.
• Supervise LGA Engineers and technical staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Minimum of a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering.
• Professional Certification: COREN certification is mandatory.
• Experience:
  • At least 5 years of experience in agricultural or rural infrastructure projects.
  • Strong experience in civil works and agro-processing infrastructure.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO), Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be a 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.

go to method of application »

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and additional six years to be financed in future by other partners and / or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths, women using sustainable agri business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The State Project Internal Auditor shall ascertain and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the financial management and internal control framework;
• Ensure compliance with the IFAD and Federal Government project Financing Agreement, IFAD disbursement procedures, Project Implementation Manual, etc;
• Identify critical weaknesses if any, and areas for improvement; and provide the project coordination team at the national and state levels with timely information and recommendations on financial management aspects of the project to enable timely corrective actions.

Specific Duties

• Carry out audit in accordance with international standards of auditing, including such tests and controls as the auditor considers necessary.
• The audit will cover implementing partners and the beneficial level.
• Ensure that the accounting and financial management systems remain reliable and effective in design and assess the extent to which they are being followed.
• Ascertain the reliability of integrity, controls, security and effectiveness of the operations of the computerized accounting system.
• Identify constraints, if any, in the timely updating of the accounting system and in adhering to the internal control procedures including the Project Implementation Manual and the Financial Procedures Manual.
• Review the adequacy of the systems established to ensure compliance with policies, plans procedures, laws, and regulations and establishing whether the project at the state level is in fact in compliance.
• Check and report on compliance with the IFAD Financing Agreement covenants.
• Review the efficacy, adequacy and application of accounting, financial and operating systems and thereby ensure the accuracy of the books of accounts;
• Review the accuracy and timeliness of the quarterly Financial Reports produced by the project and confirm whether these are used by the management for decision making.
• Verify that the system of internal check is effective in design and operation in order to ensure the prevention of and early detection of defalcations, frauds, misappropriations and misapplications.
• Evaluate the Internal Control System in operation to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and economy.
• Check the segregation of duties in the project such as:
  • authorization and approval,
  • recording,
  • documentation on the following operating costs: maintenance of vehicles / equipment, fueling, motor license / insurance, utilities (water, electricity, telephone), office rent and rates, salaries and allowances of project support staff, Insurance.
• Check that the Statements of Expenditure (SOE) submitted to IFAD reconcile with the expenditures reported under the quarterly and yearly financial reports. Duly record any ineligible expenditures noted during the review.
• Ensure reconciliation of bank statements and accounts is regularly carried out on a monthly basis and necessary corrections on accounts of banks/debits and stale transactions accounted for concurrently.
• Conduct an independent appraisal of all the project's activities.
• Consider the adequacy of controls to ensure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of project activities.
• Confirm that IFAD No-objections given to the NPCO and the SPCO for incurring expenditure under the project are used for purpose intended.
• Undertake procurement audits to ensure procedures are done transparently as per procedures / thresholds.
• Verify that all the goods, works and services procured and issues are supported by valid receipt and documents including IFAD no-objection and that a Register of Contracts and contract monitoring forms are maintained and up-to-date.
• Ensure that adequate records are maintained regarding the assets created and assets acquired by the project, including details of cost, identification and location of assets; and that the physical verification of assets is being carried out with due diligence and an annual inventory reports duly issued.
• Physical verification of assets and other inventories would be taken up as deemed necessary by the auditor in respect of all goods.

Qualification and Experience

• Minimum of a First Degree or Higher National Diploma in Accounting with a minimum working experience of 8 years, 4 years in IFAD-assisted project.
• A Professional Certificate in Accounting or Auditing is an added advantage.
• Good communication and training skills.
• Proven track record in internal auditing.
• Working experience of the Niger Delta area is a plus.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and achieve results will be an added advantage.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO) Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be on 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.

go to method of application »

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and an additional six years to be financed in the future by other partners and/or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri-business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths and women using sustainable agri-business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The State Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (SMEO) will be responsible for operating, coordinating, and facilitating the planning and implementation of all project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities at the state level.
• He/she will oversee the operationalization of the project's Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PME) system and ensure its full integration with other information and knowledge management systems to enable flexibility and responsiveness to evolving project realities.
• The SMEO will also assess the M&E capacity needs of staff and stakeholders at the state and LGA levels and design appropriate capacity-building interventions. The Officer will work closely with the LGA Desk Officers to ensure coherence and collaboration in M&E implementation across the state.

Specific Duties

• Develop M&E activities for inclusion in the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB).
• Organize and supervise baseline surveys and assessments of project beneficiaries, in collaboration with consultants.
• Prepare an M&E Plan, including standardized monitoring and reporting templates.
• Establish and track indicators for outputs, outcomes, and impacts, ensuring alignment with government and IFAD ORMS (Operational Results Management System) guidelines.
• Promote participatory planning and M&E by training and involving stakeholders and beneficiaries in data collection and feedback processes.
• Compile and analyze data for inclusion in quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports.
• Monitor both financial and physical progress of project activities and report findings to relevant stakeholders to enhance learning and adaptive management.
• Capture both the intended and unintended impacts of project interventions, documenting key lessons, successes, and challenges.
• Develop and implement reporting formats to ensure uniformity and compatibility of reports from service providers and implementing partners with the project's results framework.
• Organize and oversee state-level annual review and planning workshops and contribute to the preparation of AWPBs.
• Participate in supervision missions by screening and analyzing reports and providing relevant M&E data and insights.
• Select service providers where necessary, develop their TORs and scope of work, supervise and certify their outputs and deliverables.
• Contribute to the preparation and consolidation of periodic project progress reports at the state level.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Master's or higher degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, or other related fields.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience in M&E, results-based management, or project management within agriculture, rural development, or natural resource programmes.

Technical Skills & Proficiency:

• Proven proficiency in the use of databases, spreadsheets, and statistical software packages for both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Experience in analyzing complex programmes, policies, and data systems.
• Solid understanding of modern information and communication technology (ICT) applications for data management, including mobile and web-based platforms.

Core Competencies:

• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong analytical and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate learning processes and capacity development initiatives.
• Fluency in a major local language of the state will be an asset.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO), Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be a 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.

go to method of application »

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and additional six years to be financed in future by other partners and / or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths, women using sustainable agri business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The State Procurement Officer will be responsible for management of project procurement activities at the state level in accordance with relevant National and IFAD Procurement Guidelines.
• The SPO will ensure that all procurement processes are carried out in a transparent, cost-efficient, and compliant manner to support timely and effective project implementation.

Specific Duties

• Ensure that procurement is conducted with transparency, integrity, economy, fairness, competition, and accountability.
• Facilitate the preparation, update, and review of the annual procurement plan to align with the approved Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB).
• Prepare and submit the State Quarterly Procurement Tracking Plan.
• Maintain and regularly update the contract register and No-Objection tracker.
• Establish and periodically update the state database of vendors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Facilitate the preparation of technical specifications and Terms of Reference (TORs) for procurement of goods, works, and services.
• Prepare bidding documents, tender notices, and invitations for bids.
• Manage bid reception, opening, and evaluation processes, and finalize contracts in accordance with guidelines.
• Administer contracts to ensure compliance with contractual terms and payment conditions.
• Maintain accurate and complete procurement records and documentation.
• Handle issues relating to contract negotiation, bidder complaints, and debriefing as necessary.
• Provide procurement implementation and performance reports in accordance with the reporting requirements of IFAD and the Government.
• Provide training, guidance, and supervision to beneficiaries and service providers on procurement matters.
• Strengthen the procurement capacity of beneficiaries, service providers, and relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of a University Degree in Engineering, Finance, Management, Purchasing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully carrying out procurement using similar methods, systems, and specifications.
• At least 2 years of experience applying internationally accepted procurement best practices, with sound knowledge of the Nigerian Procurement Laws and Guidelines and familiarity with IFAD or other donor-funded projects.
• Excellent written and computer literacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling procurement activities.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO) Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be on 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.