Latest Jobs at Save the Slum Initiative

Role Summary

• The Project Leader will provide visionary technical and strategic leadership for a major National Geographic Society-funded initiative focused on regenerative agriculture, pollinator conservation, soil health, and rural livelihoods in Ogun State.
• This transformative role requires a highly experienced scientist and development specialist with a proven record in designing, managing, and scaling complex, multi-stakeholder agricultural projects in West Africa.
• The successful candidate will spearhead the world's first field-scale demonstration of pollinator-soil microbiome synergies across 150 hectares involving 400 smallholder farmers.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Implementation:

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of all project activities, ensuring delivery of ambitious biodiversity and livelihood outcomes including 40% increase in pollinator abundance, 25% improvement in soil microbial diversity, and 25% enhancement in farmer incomes
• Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of 10+ professionals including apiary technicians, soil microbiologists, community mobilizers, finance officers, and M&E coordinators
• Coordinate installation of 250 managed beehives, establishment of 5km native flowering hedgerows, and implementation of innovative soil microbial enhancement techniques

Scientific Excellence & Research Leadership:

• Oversee groundbreaking scientific research including field trials, data collection, and publication of results in peer-reviewed journals targeting Journal of Applied Ecology, Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, and World Development
• Guide participatory research methodologies ensuring authentic community engagement while maintaining scientific rigor and international publication standards
• Contribute to global scientific discourse on integrated approaches to agricultural biodiversity conservation and sustainable intensification.

Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with local communities, government agencies (Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture), research institutions (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta), and international organizations
• Facilitate authentic community participation ensuring 45% women and 30% youth involvement across all project activities
• Guide participatory research, farmer training through Farmer Field Schools, and knowledge transfer activities reaching 400 smallholder farmers.

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure strict compliance with National Geographic Society donor requirements, ethical standards, and quarterly reporting obligations while maintaining transparency and accountability
• Represent the project at national and international conferences including TropAg 2026 (Brisbane) and African Apiculture Forum 2027 (Nairobi), policy forums, and media engagements
• Secure additional funding and support for project sustainability and scaling across Nigeria's 2 million smallholder farming systems.

Required Qualifications

• PhD Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Science, or related field
• Minimum 10 years' experience in regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, or rural development (15+ years preferred)
• Demonstrated expertise in pollinator ecology, soil microbiome restoration, and participatory research methodologies
• Proven success in leading large-scale, donor-funded projects exceeding $100,000 and securing significant grant funding
• Strong publication record (minimum 5 peer-reviewed papers; 10+ preferred) with focus on agricultural biodiversity and rural development
• Extensive experience working with smallholder farmers and rural communities in West Africa
• Multilingual proficiency: Fluent in English, Yoruba, and French essential for effective stakeholder engagement
• Recognized leadership in the field demonstrated through awards, policy contributions, or international consultancy experience.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Vision & Scientific Rigor: Ability to translate complex research into practical, scalable solutions
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Exceptional skills in community engagement across diverse cultural contexts
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams
• Policy Advocacy & Partnership Building: Experience influencing agricultural policy and building sustainable institutional relationships
• Results-Oriented Project Management: Track record of delivering measurable impact within budget and timeline constraints.

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Position Overview

• The Biodiversity Certification Consultant will guide the project toward achieving recognized biodiversity conservation certification (preferably Rainforest Alliance or equivalent) ensuring farming practices meet international sustainability standards.
• This specialized consultancy requires deep expertise in agricultural certification systems and proven experience supporting smallholder farmers in accessing premium markets through verified sustainable production practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Standards Assessment: Conduct comprehensive review of project interventions including pollinator habitat creation, soil microbiome enhancement practices, native hedgerow establishment, and integrated pest management protocols to ensure alignment with recognized biodiversity certification standards. Identify gaps and develop action plans for compliance achievement.
• Audit Preparation: Guide STSI team and participating farmers through certification preparation process including documentation development, record-keeping system establishment, and compliance training ensuring readiness for formal certification audits. Develop standard operating procedures meeting certification requirements while remaining practical for smallholder implementation.
• Site Verification: Conduct detailed on-site audits of demonstration plots verifying compliance with biodiversity conservation criteria including native species protection, pollinator habitat quality, pesticide use restrictions, and ecosystem service provision. Document evidence supporting certification applications while identifying areas requiring improvement.
• Farmer Training: Develop and deliver training programs educating farmers about certification requirements, sustainable production practices, and record-keeping obligations necessary for maintaining certified status. Create user-friendly documentation tools and monitoring systems enabling farmers to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
• Corrective Action Planning: Identify non-compliance issues and develop detailed corrective action plans with specific timelines, responsible parties, and verification procedures. Provide ongoing technical assistance helping farmers and project staff implement necessary improvements while maintaining production efficiency.
• Certification Coordination: Liaise with certifying bodies throughout application and assessment process ensuring smooth certification procedures, timely submission of required documentation, and effective communication during audit visits. Coordinate with certification agencies to schedule assessments and address any compliance concerns.
• Market Linkage Support: Advise on branding strategies, premium market positioning, and documentation requirements supporting biodiversity-friendly product marketing. Help develop value propositions highlighting conservation benefits while connecting farmers with buyers specifically seeking certified sustainable products.
• Monitoring System Development: Establish ongoing monitoring and verification systems ensuring continued compliance with certification standards beyond initial certification achievement. Train local staff in internal audit procedures and develop sustainability plans for long-term certification maintenance.

Specific Certification Focus Areas

• Biodiversity Conservation: Verify protection and enhancement of native plant and animal species, pollinator habitat quality, and ecosystem service provision across project sites.
• Chemical Management: Ensure compliance with restricted pesticide lists, integrated pest management implementation, and residue monitoring procedures.
• Social Standards: Document fair labor practices, community engagement processes, and gender inclusion initiatives meeting certification social criteria.
• Environmental Management: Verify soil conservation practices, water resource protection, and waste management systems supporting environmental sustainability requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Professional certification as lead auditor for recognized sustainability standards (Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Organic, Fair Trade) with minimum 5 years' experience auditing or consulting on agricultural certification projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Deep understanding of biodiversity conservation principles and smallholder farming systems.

Technical Expertise:

• Comprehensive knowledge of international sustainability standards, certification procedures, and market requirements for certified agricultural products.
• Experience with pollinator conservation, agroforestry systems, soil health management, and integrated pest management approaches supporting biodiversity objectives.

Professional Skills:

• Excellent analytical and training abilities with proven track record supporting farmers through certification processes.
• Strong communication skills for coordination with certification bodies, farmers, NGOs, and market actors while maintaining objectivity and professional standards.

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Position Overview

• An independent Impact Assessment Consultant will conduct rigorous external evaluation of project outcomes using gold-standard research methodologies to validate biodiversity and livelihood improvements.
• This prestigious consultancy requires exceptional expertise in impact evaluation to provide credible evidence supporting National Geographic Society reporting requirements and informing future scaling strategies across West Africa.

Key Responsibilities
Evaluation Design:

• Develop comprehensive randomized controlled trial (RCT) design comparing intervention and control plots across 40 demonstration sites to measure causal impact of integrated pollinator-soil microbiome interventions on agricultural productivity, biodiversity indicators, and household welfare outcomes.
• Ensure methodological rigor meeting international evaluation standards and peer-review requirements.

Data Collection Oversight:

• Design and supervise implementation of robust data collection protocols including quantitative surveys of 400 households, qualitative assessments through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and participant observation.
• Ensure ethical compliance with Nigerian research standards while maintaining data quality and minimizing bias.

Statistical Analysis:

• Conduct sophisticated econometric analysis using appropriate techniques (difference-in-differences, propensity score matching, instrumental variables) to isolate project impact from confounding factors.
• Analyse quantitative data on pollinator abundance, soil health metrics, crop yields, household incomes, and broader livelihood indicators using advanced statistical software.

Qualitative Assessment:

• Lead comprehensive qualitative evaluation capturing farmer perceptions, adoption experiences, gender-differentiated impacts, and unintended consequences through structured interviews and participatory evaluation techniques.
• Document community perspectives on project sustainability, scaling potential, and recommendations for improvement.

Report Development:

• Prepare comprehensive impact evaluation report detailing methodology, findings, limitations, and policy recommendations following international best practices for impact evaluation reporting.
• Present results clearly for diverse audiences including academic peers, policymakers, donors, and community stakeholders.

Knowledge Dissemination:

• Present findings through academic conferences, policy briefings, and peer-reviewed publications contributing to global knowledge on integrated approaches to agricultural biodiversity conservation and rural development. Support STSI in translating findings into actionable recommendations for program improvement and scaling.

Capacity Building:

• Provide technical guidance to STSI staff on evaluation methodologies, data analysis techniques, and evidence-based program management while building organizational capacity for ongoing monitoring and evaluation activities.

Deliverables

• Detailed evaluation design and methodology document
• Comprehensive impact evaluation report (40-50 pages)
• Executive summary and policy brief
• Presentation for stakeholders and funders
• Peer-reviewed publication draft
• Capacity building workshop for STSI staff

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's/PhD) in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, or related field with minimum 7 years' experience conducting impact evaluations of agricultural or development programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in randomized controlled trials, econometric analysis, and mixed-methods research approaches.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, SPSS) and qualitative analysis tools with strong background in causal inference methods, survey design, and sampling techniques. Experience with agricultural development projects, rural livelihood analysis, and biodiversity conservation programs in sub-Saharan Africa preferred.

Professional Competencies:

• Excellent analytical and writing skills with proven track record of high-quality evaluation reports and peer-reviewed publications. Strong project management abilities and experience coordinating with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.

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Position Overview

• Community Mobilizers serve as the vital bridge between project technical team and local farming communities, facilitating authentic engagement and ensuring culturally appropriate implementation of innovative agricultural practices.
• Each mobilizer will be responsible for 100 farmers in their designated zone, promoting adoption of regenerative practices while respecting traditional knowledge and community values.

Key Responsibilities

• Community Engagement: Conduct comprehensive outreach to 100 farmers in assigned zone (North, South, East, or West Ibogun) mobilizing participation in training activities, demonstration plots, and monitoring initiatives. Build trust relationships with farmers, traditional leaders, women's groups, and youth associations while ensuring inclusive participation across diverse demographic groups.
• Training Facilitation: Organize and co-facilitate Farmer Field Schools covering beekeeping techniques, soil health management, integrated pest management, and value chain development. Translate technical concepts into local language (Yoruba) and culturally appropriate formats ensuring effective knowledge transfer to farmers with varied educational backgrounds and experience levels.
• Technical Support: Assist in practical implementation of project interventions including beehive installation, native hedgerow establishment, compost facility construction, and microbial inoculant preparation. Demonstrate proper techniques, troubleshoot challenges, and provide ongoing technical guidance ensuring successful adoption of regenerative practices.
• Data Collection: Support M&E Coordinator in conducting household surveys, maintaining farmer registers, tracking attendance at training events, and documenting project activities. Ensure accurate data collection while respecting privacy and confidentiality requirements and contributing to evidence-based project management and adaptive learning.
• Advocacy and Protection: Promote implementation of buffer zone agreements with neighbouring farmers, encourage adoption of integrated pest management protocols, and advocate for safe beekeeping practices protecting both farmers and pollinator populations. Address conflicts and negotiate solutions supporting project objectives while maintaining community harmony.
• Communication and Feedback: Gather regular feedback from farmers regarding project activities, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. Document success stories, capture lessons learned, and facilitate two-way communication between project team and community members ensuring responsive and adaptive implementation approaches.
• Stakeholder Relations: Serve as primary liaison with traditional leaders, extension officers, cooperative leaders, and local government representatives. Participate in community meetings, cultural events, and planning sessions while representing project interests and building support for sustainable agricultural practices.
• Gender and Youth Inclusion: Ensure meaningful participation of women (minimum 45%) and youth (minimum 30%) in all project activities through targeted outreach, flexible scheduling, and culturally appropriate engagement strategies. Support women's beekeeping cooperatives and youth agricultural technology initiatives promoting inclusive development outcomes.

Zone-Specific Responsibilities:

• North Zone: Focus on traditional farming systems and elderly farmer engagement while building connections with community leaders and religious organizations supporting project legitimacy and acceptance.
• South Zone: Emphasize women's group coordination and youth engagement programs leveraging existing social networks and community-based organizations for enhanced participation and ownership.
• East Zone: Concentrate on oil palm farmer networks and traditional leader liaison ensuring crop-specific interventions align with local agricultural cycles and cultural practices.
• West Zone: Specialize in cocoa farmer cooperatives and market linkage development supporting value chain improvements and premium market access for sustainably produced crops.

Required Qualifications

• OND / HND / Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Community Development, Social Sciences, or related field with a minimum of 2 years' experience in rural community outreach or agricultural extension work.
• Understanding of local farming systems, cultural contexts, and community dynamics in Ogun State is essential.

Essential Skills:

• Strong facilitation and communication abilities with proven experience engaging diverse community groups.
• Fluency in Yoruba and English is required for effective farmer communication and technical documentation.
• Motorcycle operation skills are preferred for efficient transportation across rural areas.

Personal Attributes:

• Commitment to gender equity and youth inclusion with cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional knowledge systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and adaptability for working in challenging rural environments.
• Integrity and trustworthiness are essential for building community relationships and maintaining project credibility.

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Position Overview

• The Soil Microbiologist Consultant will provide scientific leadership for groundbreaking research into soil microbiome restoration and its synergistic effects with pollinator conservation in tropical agroecosystems.
• This prestigious consultancy offers unique opportunity to contribute to world-class research funded by National Geographic Society while directly impacting biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods through innovative agricultural practices.

Key Responsibilities
Scientific Research Leadership:

• Design and implement sophisticated research protocols investigating soil microbiome-pollinator interactions in tropical agricultural systems.
• Lead research documenting how enhanced soil microbial diversity increases floral nectar sugar content by 23%, subsequently attracting 40% more pollinators, contributing to peer-reviewed publications with global scientific impact.

Microbial Inoculant Development:

• Establish and manage comprehensive production facility capable of producing high-quality biological amendments for soil health enhancement.
• Demonstrate expertise in isolating, culturing, and mass-producing beneficial microorganisms including indigenous Bacillus, Azotobacter, and mycorrhizal fungi specifically adapted to Nigerian soil conditions.

Analytical Excellence:

• Coordinate comprehensive soil health assessment using advanced molecular techniques including 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing for microbial community analysis.
• Manage laboratory costs budget ($12,210) ensuring cost-effective analysis while maintaining scientific rigor through baseline assessment and quarterly monitoring across 40 demonstration plots.

Technology Transfer:

• Develop farmer-friendly protocols for soil microbiome enhancement, training community mobilizers in inoculant preparation techniques, and establishing sustainability mechanisms ensuring continued production capacity beyond project duration.
• Create simplified production methods appropriate for resource-limited settings while maintaining quality standards.

Integrated Research:

• Coordinate closely with Senior Apiary Technician to document interactions between soil microbiome enhancement and pollinator attraction.
• Develop protocols for measuring floral nectar quality, coordinate sampling schedules with bee activity monitoring, and analyze correlations between soil microbial diversity and flower attractiveness.

Farmer Education:

• Translate complex microbiological concepts into practical, culturally appropriate management recommendations through engaging curriculum covering soil biology principles, compost production techniques, and sustainable soil management practices.
• Develop visual aids and hands-on learning experiences for diverse educational backgrounds.

Laboratory Management:

• Establish and maintain comprehensive analytical capabilities supporting project research objectives.
• Ensure proper equipment calibration, maintain sterile working conditions, and implement quality control procedures while coordinating with external laboratories for specialized analyses and maintaining data integrity.

Publication and Communication:

• Contribute to targeted peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including Journal of Applied Ecology, Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, and World Development.
• Develop policy briefs communicating research findings to government agencies and technical reports for development organizations.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Microbiology, Ecology, or related field with minimum 8 years' experience in soil microbiome research, preferably in tropical agricultural systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular techniques, statistical analysis, and scientific publication with strong track record of farmer training and participatory research methods.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing analysis, bioinformatics, statistical software (R, SPSS), and microbiological techniques.
• Experience with fermentation technologies, quality control procedures, and microbial inoculant production with understanding of international laboratory standards and best practices.

Professional Skills:

• Exceptional communication abilities for translating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences including farmers, policymakers, and international researchers.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in multicultural environments with commitment to participatory research principles and community engagement.

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Position Overview

• The Finance Officer will ensure transparent, efficient, and compliant financial management of the National Geographic Society grant while supporting this innovative agricultural biodiversity project.
• This role demands exceptional financial expertise combined with deep understanding of international donor requirements and Nigerian financial regulations to maintain the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Maintain comprehensive accounting records for all project expenditures across 14 budget categories including Assistant/Consultant Compensation, Equipment and Supplies, Laboratory Costs and operational expenses. Implement robust internal controls ensuring accurate recording, proper documentation, and compliance with both National Geographic Society guidelines and Nigerian financial regulations.
• Budget Monitoring: Provide real-time budget tracking and variance analysis, preparing monthly financial reports showing expenditure against approved allocations. Monitor currency exchange fluctuations affecting the dual-currency project (USD/NGN) and implement strategies minimizing foreign exchange risks while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Donor Compliance: Prepare quarterly financial reports meeting National Geographic Society's specific requirements including detailed expenditure analysis, supporting documentation, and forward-looking projections. Ensure all financial documentation meets international audit standards and maintains complete audit trails for potential external reviews.
• Payment Processing: Coordinate timely payment of staff salaries, vendor invoices, and operational expenses while ensuring proper authorization procedures and documentation. Manage international fund transfers, banking relationships, and cash flow planning to ensure uninterrupted project operations across rural Ogun State locations.
• Procurement Support: Work closely with Procurement Officer to ensure all purchases align with budget allocations and donor requirements. Verify receipt of goods and services before payment authorization while maintaining detailed procurement records supporting transparency and accountability requirements.
• Risk Management: Implement financial risk mitigation strategies addressing potential challenges including currency fluctuation, vendor payment delays, equipment security, and compliance requirements. Maintain contingency planning for various financial scenarios while ensuring project continuity.
• Capacity Building: Train field staff in expense claim procedures, mobile money protocols, and financial documentation requirements. Develop simplified financial tracking systems enabling community mobilizers and technical staff to maintain accurate field-level financial records.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with professional certifications (ICAN, ACCA, CPA) representing significant advantages.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in NGO or donor-funded project finance with demonstrated expertise in international grant management and compliance reporting.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, Peachtree) and advanced Excel capabilities. Understanding of Nigerian tax regulations, foreign exchange management, and banking procedures affecting NGO operations.
• Experience with USAID, World Bank, European Commission, or similar donor financial requirements preferred.

Personal Attributes:

• High integrity and attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for coordination with diverse stakeholders including donors, vendors, government agencies, and community representatives.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining accuracy and compliance standards.

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Position Overview

• The Procurement Officer will lead strategic acquisition of specialized equipment, supplies, and services totaling for this innovative agricultural biodiversity project.
• This role requires exceptional expertise in international procurement standards, vendor management, and logistics coordination while supporting groundbreaking beekeeping and soil microbiome restoration activities across rural Ogun State.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Procurement Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies for major equipment categories including beekeeping supplies scientific instruments, soil enhancement materials ($8,500), and monitoring equipment. Balance cost-effectiveness with quality requirements while supporting local economic development through strategic vendor selection and capacity building initiatives.
• Vendor Management: Cultivate relationships with diverse suppliers ranging from international scientific equipment manufacturers to local artisan beehive fabricators. Establish clear performance expectations, monitor vendor compliance, and maintain contingency supplier networks ensuring project continuity. Support local capacity building by working with Ogun State carpenters to fabricate 250 climate-appropriate beehives while ensuring quality standards.
• Quality Assurance: Implement comprehensive inspection procedures ensuring all procured items meet technical specifications, particularly for scientific equipment including microbial inoculant production kits, soil testing equipment, and pollinator monitoring supplies. Coordinate with technical specialists to establish acceptance criteria and conduct thorough testing of all deliveries.
• Logistics Coordination: Manage complex supply chain operations involving transportation of equipment across diverse geographical locations in rural Ogun State. Coordinate customs procedures for imported scientific equipment, manage documentation requirements, and ensure proper handling of sensitive materials including laboratory reagents and biological specimens.
• Contract Management: Develop comprehensive purchase agreements protecting organizational interests while ensuring vendor compliance with terms and conditions. Negotiate favorable payment terms, establish performance guarantees, and implement dispute resolution procedures while maintaining efficient procurement processes and legal compliance.
• Budget Control: Monitor procurement expenditures against approved allocations while identifying cost-saving opportunities through bulk purchasing, volume discounts, and transportation optimization. Work closely with Finance Officer to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with donor requirements while managing foreign exchange transactions.
• Documentation Management: Maintain detailed procurement records supporting audit requirements and donor reporting obligations. Implement systematic filing procedures ensuring all documentation is accessible and properly organized while coordinating with external auditors and providing comprehensive procurement documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field with professional certifications (CIPS, CPSM) representing significant advantages.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in international procurement, preferably with NGO or development organizations, including understanding of agricultural equipment and scientific instruments.

Technical Competencies:

• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills with understanding of Nigerian commercial practices and international trade regulations.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment procurement, beekeeping supplies, and biological materials handling.
• Experience with quality control procedures, contract development, and logistics coordination in challenging environments.

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication abilities for coordination with diverse stakeholders including international suppliers, local vendors, technical specialists, and community representatives.
• Commitment to transparency, ethical procurement practices, and value for money.

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Position Overview

• The Senior Apiary Technician will serve as the technical backbone for innovative pollinator conservation activities, overseeing establishment and management of 250 beehives across 150 hectares of diverse agricultural landscapes.
• This specialized position requires exceptional expertise in tropical beekeeping, extensive knowledge of African bee species, and proven ability to train smallholder farmers while contributing to groundbreaking research into pollinator-soil microbiome interactions.

Key Responsibilities
Apiary Management:

• Assume comprehensive responsibility for beehive installation, management, and optimization across diverse agricultural settings including cocoa agroforests, oil palm plantations, and maize cultivation areas.
• Supervise local fabrication of 250 climate-appropriate hives ensuring construction quality meets international standards while supporting local craftsmanship and economic development.

Queen Rearing Operations:

• Establish and manage 5 specialized queen-rearing stations supporting hive multiplication and genetic diversity maintenance.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in queen identification, grafting techniques, mating management, and breeding record maintenance while developing protocols for genetic diversity conservation and productivity optimization.

Farmer Training Excellence:

• Develop and deliver comprehensive curriculum covering modern beekeeping techniques, hive management, honey harvesting, and value-added processing.
• Create culturally appropriate training materials in English and Yoruba ensuring effective knowledge transfer to farmers with diverse educational backgrounds and experience levels through Farmer Field Schools and Master Trainer Programs.

Health Management:

• Implement integrated bee health management strategies addressing tropical diseases, parasites, and treatment protocols appropriate for Nigerian conditions.
• Maintain detailed health records, conduct regular inspections, and adjust management protocols based on observed outcomes while minimizing chemical interventions and maintaining organic certification requirements.

Production Optimization:

• Develop protocols ensuring consistent honey production averaging 30kg per hive annually while maintaining quality standards meeting international export requirements.
• Implement quality control procedures encompassing moisture content management, contamination prevention, and proper extraction techniques preserving honey's natural properties.

Research Contribution:

• Coordinate with soil microbiologists to document pollinator-soil microbiome interactions contributing to groundbreaking scientific research.
• Maintain detailed records of hive productivity, bee behavior observations, seasonal activity patterns, and correlations with soil management interventions supporting peer-reviewed publications.

Market Development:

• Establish relationships with honey buyers, develop quality certification procedures, and support farmers in accessing premium markets for biodiversity-friendly products.
• Coordinate value-added product development including beeswax processing, propolis collection, and royal jelly production diversifying income streams.

Equipment Management:

• Maintain comprehensive inventory of specialized tools, protective equipment, and processing supplies ensuring efficient operations across all project sites.
• Establish maintenance schedules, coordinate repairs, and ensure equipment replacement while training farmers in proper equipment use and safety protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Agriculture, Apiculture, Entomology, or related field with minimum 8 years' hands-on tropical beekeeping experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in queen rearing, colony management, disease treatment, and honey production with training experience working with smallholder farmers and knowledge of organic certification procedures.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of bee biology, seasonal management cycles, disease identification and treatment, harvesting techniques, and honey quality control.
• Understanding of tropical beekeeping challenges, equipment maintenance, and value chain development with ability to adapt modern techniques to local conditions and resource availability.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent teaching abilities, patience, and cultural sensitivity for effective knowledge transfer to rural farming communities.
• Physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in challenging conditions with extensive travel throughout rural areas.
• Fluency in English and Yoruba essential for farmer communication and community engagement.

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Position Overview

• The M&E Coordinator will design and implement a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework documenting project impact on biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods.
• This role requires exceptional analytical skills to ensure data quality, guide adaptive management, and produce reports satisfying National Geographic Society requirements while informing policy development and scaling strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Framework Development: Design detailed M&E plan with clear indicators for pollinator abundance (40% increase target), soil microbial diversity (25% improvement), crop yields (20-30% enhancement), and household income (25% increase). Establish baseline measurements and quarterly monitoring protocols ensuring rigorous impact documentation and evidence-based decision making.
• Data Collection Management: Coordinate comprehensive data collection activities including baseline, midterm, and endline surveys of 400 households covering income, food security, farming practices, and livelihood outcomes. Oversee monthly pan-trap pollinator surveys, soil sampling for organic carbon and microbial sequencing, and crop yield measurements across diverse agricultural systems.
• Technology Integration: Manage digital data collection platforms including mobile applications, GPS mapping systems, and real-time dashboards providing project stakeholders with accessible impact visualization. Train field staff in survey protocols, data quality procedures, and ethical standards while ensuring accurate, timely data entry and verification.
• Statistical Analysis: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using advanced statistical software (R, SPSS) to identify trends, measure impact, and assess correlation between interventions and outcomes. Prepare comprehensive quarterly and annual progress reports demonstrating achievement against targets while identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• Quality Assurance: Implement robust quality control procedures ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and reliability through systematic verification protocols, inter-rater reliability testing, and continuous capacity building for data collection teams. Maintain comprehensive documentation supporting audit requirements and external evaluation processes.
• Adaptive Management: Facilitate regular learning workshops with project team and community stakeholders to review progress, discuss challenges, and recommend adaptive management actions based on emerging evidence. Support project leadership in making data-driven decisions while maintaining flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.
• External Coordination: Coordinate independent impact assessment by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) using randomized controlled trial methodology. Support third-party biodiversity certification audits and ensure compliance with external evaluation requirements while maintaining organizational learning objectives.
• Reporting Excellence: Prepare comprehensive progress reports for National Geographic Society, government partners, and community stakeholders using clear visualizations and accessible language. Present findings at community forums, policy meetings, and academic conferences while contributing to peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master's Degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, Agricultural Economics, or related field with PhD preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in M&E for donor-funded agricultural or conservation projects with demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods and impact evaluation techniques.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis software (R, SPSS, Stata) and mobile data collection tools (KoboToolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO).
• Experience with GIS mapping, randomized controlled trial design, theory of change development, and participatory evaluation approaches with strong report writing and data visualization capabilities.

Professional Competencies:

• Excellent organizational and communication skills with proven ability to manage complex data collection activities across multiple locations.
• Experience training field teams, coordinating with external evaluators, and presenting findings to diverse audiences including donors, government officials, and community representatives.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and commitment to data quality and integrity.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with rural communities while maintaining professional standards and ethical research practices.
• Fluency in English required with Yoruba language skills highly desirable.