Job Openings at Food and Agriculture Organization Of the United Nations

Organizational Setting

• The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representative, is to assistant governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner to ensure zero hunger in the country.
• FAO provides support in three priority areas: sustainable increase in production and productivity, agriculture-based economic growth, and increased resilience of livelihoods to threats and crisis.
• The current portfolio of projects in Nigeria includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management and Food Security Information Management and Analysis.
• The incumbent will contribute to the country’s programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Reporting Lines:

• The national agronomist will report to the FAO Representative (FAOR) under the direct supervision of the Head of Office of the FAO Northeast office and in close collaboration with the emergency and resilience programme specialist

Technical Focus:

• Contribute to FAO Nigeria efforts in designing and implementation of emergency agricultural and resilience sensitive programme.   

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance in the analysis of critical challenges and threats to sustainable crop production and horticulture intensification for food and nutrition security in Nigeria
• Assess the gaps and identify the needs for urgent intervention in crop production and horticulture;
• Provide technical guidance/recommendations of approaches/strategies for agriculture crop production and horticulture interventions in order to improve livelihoods, diversify diets and strengthen resilience to external shocks;
• Identify realistic, practical and acceptable homestead gardening technologies that could address the challenges of beneficiates with limited access to land/water (mainly for IDPs inside and outside camps) for vegetable production to improve food security and nutritional status;
• Support implementation of the entire emergency and resilience programme in the Northeast and other areas when required.
• Contribute to the identification of beneficiaries in the targeted LGAs within IDPs, host communities and returnees in the North-Eastern region for capacity building;
• Contribute to the procurement process of crop production and horticulture inputs i.e. preparation of the technical specifications of inputs i.e. seeds, hand tools, greenhouse and small drip irrigation facilities,  agrochemicals, along with detail distribution plans to the identified beneficiaries in the targeted area;
• Propose implementation, management and monitoring plans for the crop production and horticulture interventions in the area of responsibility.
• Develop various modules (e.g. homestead gardening, composting, seeds and seedling propagation, pest and weed control, conservation agriculture and water harvesting techniques, water management,  post-harvest on-farm processing and storage) for capacity strengthening of farmers in crop production;
• Provide support to extension/NGO staff in distribution of inputs and training farmers on improved crop husbandry and horticultural practices using recognized participatory and group-based extension techniques.
• Maintain and engage in networks of collaboration amongst the stakeholders to gather information, promote awareness of technical issues and support capacity building programmes.
• Be innovative and contribute to improvement of the crop and horticulture components of the programme
• Participate in interagency coordination and working groups related to crop production and horticulture
• Support partners in the implementation of Farmer Field Schools ensuring that all processes are followed including the conduct of farmer field days
• Contribute in the development of Letters of Agreement for implementation of project activities in the area of responsibility and monitor implementation including timely reporting
• Contribute to interim and terminal projects reporting by providing field data and lessons gathered from the fields during project implementation.
• Prepare field missions in support of project implementation.
• Effectively participate and make technical input to the agricultural working group of the Food Security Sector
• Prepare case studies, guidelines, periodic briefs and reports, publications and presentations in support of programme delivery
• Contribute to strengthening collaboration with various government and non-government stakeholders
• Other tasks as required by the supervisor.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements:

• Postgraduate Degree in Agronomy/Crop Science
• At least 10 years of progressive experience working in humanitarian context in the field of agriculture and with deep understanding of horticulture and agricultural production, programming, and extension concepts is also desirable
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in working in humanitarian context in the field of agriculture and with deep understanding emergency agriculture concepts and programming
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with communities and diverse stakeholders in conflict affected areas.
• Familiarity and proven experience in project management and development
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent computer skills, communication, writing and presentation skills.
• Readiness to carry out visits to project sites and duty travel as required.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in emergency situations with tight deadlines.
• Excellent team-building and cross-cultural skills.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the on-going emerging policy issues in the areas of Agriculture, Food Security, Rural Development, Poverty Eradication, and social protection
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in working with a wide range of individuals at high levels in government, private sector, and civil society.
• Experience of working with the government counterparts, national or international financial institutions, private sector/ civil society in the field of economic and social development in Nigeria.
• A sound knowledge/experience in working with communities and diverse stakeholders in conflict affected areas.
• Good and proven experience in project management and development is an advantage.

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Organizational Setting

• The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representative, is to assistant governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner to ensure zero hunger in the country.
• FAO provides support in three priority areas: sustainable increase in production and productivity, agriculture-based economic growth, and increased resilience of livelihoods to threats and crisis.
• The current portfolio of projects in Nigeria includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management and Food Security Information Management and Analysis.
• The incumbent will contribute to the country’s programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Reporting Lines:

• The Agribusiness Specialist will report to the FAO Representative (FAOR) under the direct supervision of the Head of Office of the FAO Northeast office and in close collaboration with the emergency and resilience programme specialist

Technical Focus:

• Contribute to FAO Nigeria efforts in designing and implementation of emergency agricultural and resilience sensitive programme.   

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and day to day delivery of all FAO agribusiness/enterprises development related programme activities in Nigeria.
• Conduct market assessments (RMA) to determine the feasibility of proposed enterprises to support jobs and income generation in the urban and peri-urban areas and undertake continuous market scanning to identify emerging market opportunities to inform inclusive market-based programme design.   
• Promote the adoption of good agri-business practices that can be extended through various implementation platforms including the Farmer Field Schools (FFS)/Agro pastoral Field Schools (APFS) approaches and how to effectively support beneficiaries engage in agri-business and marketing especially by women and youth.
• Contribute to resource mobilization including development of project concept notes and proposals.
• Coordinate the delivery of assigned projects and ensure effective and efficient management for results and timely reporting.  
• Propose an action plan and strategies/approaches for the implementation of the selected project interventions including the identification of partners in order to improve livelihoods, diversify diets and strengthen resilience to external shocks.
• Contribute to the design, content, delivery and supervision of the training packages for value chains actors Farmer Field School trainings and the training on Integrated Business Model (IBM) planned under the project;
• Provide technical leadership in the procurement process of the agri-business component of the programme including definition of technical specifications for various programme inputs and services and seek technical clearance from respective technical units at HQ, RAF or Sub regional Office for West Africa.
• Work closely with the procurement unit for solicitation of agribusiness inputs and services and lead in the development of Letters of Agreement.
• Lead in the formation and running of sustainable farmer producer groups/cooperatives for seed and grain and develop inclusive rural business models to enable smallholder farmers’ access quality inputs and market for their produce.
• Collaborate with crop production component to transform Farmer Filed schools into Business Field Schools and transition them into rural micro enterprises
• Provide support to processing and trade enterprises/cooperatives to the identified beneficiaries in the targeted area.
• Support the scale up of rural financial literacy and inclusion models including the GSLA and linkages with financial institutions.
• Support coaching and mentorship activities for the established businesses
• Prepare case studies, guidelines, reports, publications, and presentations in support of programme delivery.
• Perform any other related duties as required.
• Other tasks as required by the supervisor.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements:

• Master's (or Higher) Degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics with specialisation in enterprise development and / or marketing,
• At least five years postgraduate (MSc, MBA) relevant experience related to both entrepreneurial development, small-scale enterprises development and agricultural commodities marketing with emphasis on rural development within smallholder production and marketing schemes.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in working in humanitarian context in the field of agriculture and with deep understanding emergency agriculture concepts and programming
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with communities and diverse stakeholders in conflict affected areas.
• Familiarity and proven experience in project management and development
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent computer skills, communication, writing and presentation skills.
• Readiness to carry out visits to project sites and duty travel as required.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in emergency situations with tight deadlines.
• Excellent team-building and cross-cultural skills.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the on-going emerging policy issues in the areas of Agriculture, Food Security, Rural Development, Poverty Eradication, and social protection
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in working with a wide range of individuals at high levels in government, private sector, and civil society.
• Experience of working with the government counterparts, national or international financial institutions, private sector/ civil society in the field of economic and social development in Nigeria.
• Experience in Market Systems Development (MSD) in the agricultural sector is an added advantage.

go to method of application »

Organizational Setting

• The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representative, is to assistant governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner to ensure zero hunger in the country.
• FAO provides support in three priority areas: sustainable increase in production and productivity, agriculture-based economic growth, and increased resilience of livelihoods to threats and crisis.
• The current portfolio of projects in Nigeria includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management and Food Security Information Management and Analysis.

The incumbent will contribute to FAO logistics operations under the emergency humanitarian work in the northeast Nigeria.

Reporting Lines:

• The logistics assistant will report to the FAO Representative (FAOR) and under the direct supervision of the Head of Office of the FAO North east office and in close collaboration with the Emergency Operations Specialist

Technical Focus:

• Contribute to FAO Nigeria efforts in providing humanitarian support to the conflict affected communities in the northeast of Nigeria.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide support to FAO Nigeria emergency logistics operations and activities, following standard processes and facilitating, directly or indirectly, the effective delivery of agriculture inputs to beneficiaries in the field.
• Support timely issuing and delivery of inputs and supplies to authorised implementing partners and field destinations.
• Advise and support the technical programme team on the receipt, management and development planning of all inputs and inventory in the warehouse.
• Support management of logistics vendors’ contracting activities and implementing partners including performance monitoring and measurement.
• Support the Emergency Operations officer to coordinate logistics operations in all the other field offices in Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba and Sokoto states.
• Respond to a variety of technical queries/requests for support, following standard processes, and obtaining guidance as required, to ensure timely and accurate resolution of all enquiries with a high standard of client service mind-set.
• Contribute to budget preparation, monitoring and revision for all delivery modalities, ensuring adherence to relevant procedures and in compliance with corporate standards.
• Assist in monitoring inventory management processes to track trends and account for the inventory status from source to beneficiary.
• Assist in management of inputs accounting data quality and integrity on periodic basis and share data to the operations officer.
• Support operational pipeline analyses, assessments, and operational planning for all delivery modalities.
• Process documentation for execution of logistics operations (e.g., customs clearance, invoice verification), take appropriate actions to resolve operational issues escalating various issues to the supervisor.
• Receive all incoming goods into the warehouse and properly stock them and file the accompanying documents.
• Ensure that all goods within the warehouse are clearly identified by placing Bin and Stock Cards.
• Prepare goods for dispatch, ensuring that all transportation documents (Waybill/input dispatched and packing lists) are established for all project materials and other items leaving the warehouse
• Inform recipient that cargo has been dispatched by forwarding copies of the waybill and packing list
• Responsible to collect and file the dispatch documents when the goods/materials are kept in good order
• Always Establishing security measures to avoid pilfering and theft of goods/materials from the warehouse
• In collaboration with the Logistics Officer/National Logistics Associate, conduct Monthly physical stocktake in the warehouse and provide the inventory list to operations officer for verification.
• Managing and supervising all workers within the warehouse
• Prepare all payment documents for the vendors and transporters
• Understand, implement, and maintain FAO inventory policies and procedures including the facilitation of FAO annual year end closure and Physical Asset Verification.
• Manage and document the receipt, handling, storage, release, and reporting of goods through the FAO warehouse(s)
• Implement and ensure clear safety procedures in the warehouse premises
• Implement and ensure clear loading/ unloading procedures, correct stacking, and turnover (FIFO and LIFO) procedures
• Advise the Emergency operations officer of any warehouse specific issues or improvements
• Other tasks as required by the supervisor.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements:

• University Degree in Business Administration, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, or related degree. An advance university degree is an advantage
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• Minimum of 3 years in experience in the field of supply chain, logistics, distribution and warehousing in an emergency context is desirable
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in working in humanitarian context in the field of agriculture and with deep understanding agriculture supply chain management and logistics
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with communities and diverse stakeholders in conflict affected areas.
• Familiarity and proven experience in project management and development
• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Excellent computer skills, communication, writing and presentation skills;
• Readiness to carry out visits to project sites and duty travel as required;
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in emergency situations with tight deadlines;
• Excellent team-building and cross-cultural skills;
• Experience of working with the government counterparts, national or international financial institutions, private sector/ civil society in the field of economic and social development in Nigeria.