Job Vacancies at Propcom Mai-Karfi (PM)

Propcom Mai-karfi’s work in the Input Sector

As an agricultural project, the agricultural input market is the bedrock of Propcom Mai-karfi. In the past years, PM had facilitated access to quality and affordable inputs (fertiliser and seeds) as well as improved distribution channels through several interventions all targeted towards increasing the incomes of small holder farmers. PM has also worked in the crop protection products (CPP) sector to facilitate access to quality pesticides and to address the issue of wrongful usage of pesticides which constitute risk to health and environment.

Current Activities in Propcom Mai-karfi’s Ag Input market

Seed

PM will engage two partners to facilitate access to quality seeds in the NE through community Seed Multiplication. The first batch will commence this dry season, while the second will take place in 2020 wet season.

Fertiliser

PM is seeking a substitute fertiliser for farmers in the NE due to the current ban placed on inorganic fertiliser by the federal government. To achieve this. the Ag Input team is currently, through a consulting firm, conducting a feasibility assessment for commercial compost production in the NE. On the interim, PM is about to trial a compost fertiliser through establishment of demonstration plots in selected locations in the NE this dry season.

CPP

Having facilitated access to quality CPP as well as proper handling through the establishment of the Spray Service Provider (SSP) model, PM is currently working with key stakeholders to consolidate the SSP model as well as address key constraints in the sector through influencing policy.

One-Stop Shop

The one-stop shop is aimed at overcoming the logistical challenge of seeking inputs required for production by bringing all three products – seed, fertiliser and agrochemicals, and where possible, services under one roof. This also addresses the challenge of unavailability of quality inputs in an agro-dealer’s store. The team will work with a private sector partner in the North East to implement the One-Stop Shop (OSS) model.

Objectives

In view of this, PM is seeking a consultant with experience working in the Ag Input space, preferably an agronomist, to provide technical and implementation support for the delivery of Ag Inputs interventions.

Activities 

• Engage with relevant stakeholders and partners to ensure that intervention activities are conducted in a proper and timely manner to achieve set objectives.
• Establish and manage demonstration plots for piloting compost in selected locations to determine efficacy of product on a range of crops.
• Work closely with the market manager for activity planning and implementation.
• Facilitate field activities related to all interventions of the Ag Input team.
• Provide implementation and monitoring for seed multiplication intervention.
• Provide planning, implementation and monitoring support for One-Stop Shop.
•  Support the results measurement team to ensure data of beneficiaries reached are captured and updated in a timely manner

Output/Deliverables

The expected deliverables are as follows;

• Comprehensive report of findings from compost demonstration plots covering all indicators.
• Activity report upon completion of every intervention activity.
• Compilation of cultivation protocols for selected value chains and product packages for One- Stop Shop intervention.
• Draft GAP training manual for OSS.
• Updated DAMs capturing all beneficiary data from compost and seed multiplication interventions.
• Upon completion of consultancy, provide a report that shows activities, methodology, findings, key constraints identified in the sector and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural extension or any agronomy related field.
• Experience in providing extension services and management of demonstration plots
• Experience in report writing
• Ability to collect, analyse and interpret data.
• Must be proficient in Hausa.
• Knowledge in Microsoft office.

Venue, timing and duration of assignment

The consultant will work from Abuja office with frequent travels to the intervention states. The maximum number of days for this engagement is 150 days and will spread over a 9-month period.

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ABOUT THE WORK
As Propcom Mai-karfi approaches close-out, we will be increasing efforts to widely communicate the Programme’s work and achievements as well share our knowledge, successful investment models and experiences improving agricultural markets in conflict and post-conflict Northern Nigeria. We are, therefore, recruiting a Communication and Media Consultant with extensive experience, under the supervision of the Communication Manager, to support achievement of the Programme’s communication objective of effectively communicating results from the Programme’s work with international and local audiences; thereby improving visibility of issues, opportunities and others. Specifically, we hope to:
1. Show how PM’s interventions respond to challenges faced by smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs when engaging in rural and agricultural markets and how PM’s market systems approach and strategy has been used to revive agricultural and rural markets in post-conflict regions
2. Increase awareness of crucial policy issues and investment opportunities related to agricultural and rural markets in Northern Nigeria
3. Make topical issues affecting the agriculture sector, particularly in Northern Nigeria, top-of-mind for the media

The Communcation and Media consultant will undertake a needs assessment to the Programme’s intervention states as necessary, and upon approval, and develop a plan tailored to the Programme’s communication needs. S/he will provide advice, guidance and support on planning and implementing internal and external communication efforts to improve awareness of the Programme’s work to national and local audiences and across online and offline platforms. S/he will also support content creation and circulation for offline and online media (social media and website).

ACTIVITIES

• Review existing communication strategy and plan and revise in collaboration with the Communication Manager. This will include reviewing key target audiences for communication and events.
• Develop and effectively circulate communication materials, including feature stories and news, briefings, articles, statements, speeches, factsheets, case studies, publicity materials, videos, animations, media advisories, press releases, press/media kits, and write-ups about events, for an integrated mix of international and local communication channels including website (the Programme’s and others’), social media, blogs, e-news, the media and others.
• Develop and oversee the production of all communication and publicity materials for events (presentations, graphics, handouts, banners, and others), including liaising with Technical Leads and other relevant staff to elicit information to aid their development.
• Ensure proper communications before, during and after all events including national and state level events, knowledge sharing workshops/ meetings, seminars, trainings, conferences and others.
• Profile media channels that can be used to communicate with the Programme’s audiences, develop a register of media practitioners, expand the Programme’s contacts with print, TV, Radio and social media outlets to enhance exposure, respond, where appropriate, to queries from the media and other external parties, and carefully select media practitioners to participate in and cover the Programme’s events.
• Organise all press events such as press conferences with relevant stakeholders in attendance and media interviews and appearances on Radio or TV as appropriate, and manage media presence at Programme events.
• Support the Programme in enhancing its internal capacity for communication and knowledge sharing. This will include identifying capacity gaps and providing capacity building as appropriate and necessary.
• Conduct field visits to gather and verify information as part of content development and assessing media outlets among others.
• Identify and effectively communicate the Programme’s activities and outcomes with international platforms, both online and offline.
• Support with other communication and events management related tasks as necessary.

OUTPUT/DELIVERABLES

• Updated communication strategy and action plan, including end of programme dissemination plan.
• Media conferences/ roundtables organised.
• Press releases in online and offline print; feature stories in print and TV; opinion pieces, editorials and others published in print; interviews on radio; media advisories, media information pack and other media relations tools developed. The exact quantities will be determined at the start of the condultancy.
• Database of external blogs, websites and social media platforms used and liks to articles and posts and other contributions to these platforms.
• Evidence of media coverage in selected Programme events
• Articles, social media posts, website updates, case studies, stories, and other communication materials developed for sharing the Programme’s work and achievements.
• Evidence of improved visibility for the Programme through print
• Evidence of improved engagement and traffic on the Programme’s social media platforms and website.
• Database of media practitioners writing about policy issues, investment opportunities and other topics on the agriculture sector, and covering selected Programme events.
• Appropriately edited and captioned multimedia materials – videos, photographs and others – developed for the Programme.
• Capacity building workshop(s) on improving communication and media engagement.
• Monthly reports of planned and executed activities.
• Final report at the end of the consultancy to include media monitoring report (newspaper cuttings, links to online coverage, clip for TV coverage etc), links to contributions to external websites, blogs and social media platforms.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant academic qualifications in a related field.
• Extensive experience in communication or other related field such as public relations, journalism, public affairs or international relations.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is essential. Knowledge of Hausa is preferred.
• Proven experience and understanding of communication and outreach at the international level, and proven ability to position and advocate for issues and influence government, private sector, civil society, donors and other stakeholders.
• Experience developing, including conception, design, packaging and production, and dissemination of communication materials targeted at a wide range of audiences, and understanding of dissemination channels.
• Proven experience building and sustaining strong relations with the media.
• Working knowledge of relevant computer software and online tools such as MS Office, WordPress, social media platforms, Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop, Affinity Publisher/Designer/Photo, , electronic mail procedures.
• Experience and knowledge of social media, web and social analytics, and digital/multimedia communication strategies and tools.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills, ability to pay attention to details, meet deadlines and effectively and efficiently manage multiple tasks, and ability to be innovative and proactive.
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills, and ability to convey complex ideas in a concise, clear, direct, and interesting style.
• Previous experience working with governments and/or international development agencies would be an asset.

VENUE, TIMING AND DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT AND REMUNERATION
The consultant will work from Abuja office with frequent travels to PM intervention states. The consultancy will be for an initial six months from February 2020. Specific deliverables and timeframes will be determined in consultation with the Communication Manager and other relevant team members.
Remuneration amount will be based on the qualification and experience of the consultant and will be remitted monthly upon satisfactory deliverables.

Please note that Propcom Mai-karfi reserves the right to terminate the consultant’s contract at any time and withhold payment if performance is unsatisfactory.