Job Vacancies at Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Limited (SCANL)

About the Program

• Sahel, in collaboration with other partners, seeks to catalyze the local dairy sector in Nigeria in an inclusive way through a program that will improve the livelihoods, productivity, nutrition, and empowerment of smallholder female dairy farmers and the communities in which they live.

The program will span 5 years and will:

• Advocate for an enabling environment for local sourcing through engagements with the government and relevant private sector stakeholders.
• Increase demand for locally sourced milk through partnerships with dairy processors currently or interested in sourcing locally.
• Improve smallholder dairy farmers’ productivity by increasing their access to technical support services and appropriate inputs.
• Empower women dairy farmers and enable them to improve their livelihoods and that of their households.
• Improve nutrition outcomes among smallholder dairy households through innovations in food systems.

Role Summary

• The role of the Nutrition Specialist would involve serving as the project’s technical advisor on nutrition activities, as well as managing and leading the execution of a holistic nutrition study that will assess the nutrition situation in smallholder farming communities in Northern and Southern Nigeria
• He/she will be required to manage sub-grantees recruited to support the nutrition study which will comprise of a baseline assessment incorporating anthropocentric and related health indications to assess malnutrition levels; an in-depth assessment of food basket and consumption patterns among smallholder farming communities to uncover dependencies or causalities influencing the malnutrition situation; testing and investigation of approaches to address malnutrition and influence improved nutrition outcomes and the organization of a stakeholders meeting to obtain buy-in from stakeholders in the government, private and development sectors on the proposed approachesThese program activities will be undertaken with dairy products as a central theme
• The nutrition specialist will also work closely with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure services are provided to smallholder dairy farmers while working with stakeholders at the federal and state ministries of agriculture as well as development agencies involved in the program to design and implement sensitive approaches for enhancing the livelihood of smallholder dairy farmers improving their nutrition.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Sub-Grantee Management - Nutrition Study:

• In coordination with the ALDDN’s Project Management Office (PMO), partner dairy processors, the Nutrition Specialist and the sub-grantee for the nutrition study, the Nutrition Specialist will plan, design and lead the execution of the nutrition study in smallholder farming communities in Northern and Southern Nigeria.
• Oversee the development of harmonized methodologies, approaches and instruments for conducting the Nutrition Study.
• In coordination with the National Team Lead, oversee the organization of two stakeholder meetings to share the results of the nutrition study and obtain buy-in for proposed nutrition interventions
• Oversee the development of regular progress reports on the nutrition studies for the PMO and project funder use.
• Oversee the development of interim and final project reports from the nutrition studies for onward submission to stakeholders in the public, private and development sectors.
• Assist the National Team Lead in the selection, contracting and remuneration of sub-grantees working on the nutrition study in accordance with donor guidelines.
• Oversee the development of regular progress reports on the gender studies for the PMO and project funder use.
• Assist the Chief of Party in the selection, contracting and remuneration of sub-grantees working on the nutrition study in accordance with donor guidelines.
• Assist the Chief of Party in supporting the implementation of other project activities, including the women empowerment component of the program

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Assist the National Team Lead and Project Coordinators to develop project strategies, project plans technical capacity building interventions, activities and policies related to implementing the gender and nutrition components of the NDDP.
• Participate in regular field visits to project sites (up to 50% of the time) to ensure high quality project performance and monitor and track progress against project timelines
• Support the National Team Lead, M&E team and other sub-grantees on the collection and reporting of program results especially with regards to the baseline studies and any nutrition-related interventions.
• Support the National Team Lead in monitoring progress and evaluation of project activities including financial performances.
• Assist the National Team Lead in preparation of progress reports (quarterly, annual, final) and respond to the queries related to the nutrition components of the project.
• Coordinate with federal, state and local governments, communities, project beneficiaries, private sector service providers and suppliers, consultants, and other stakeholders at project level for effective delivery of project activities.
• Assist the National Team Lead to maintain good relations with project beneficiaries, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the preparation of the results of the nutrition studies in compelling formats for eventual publication on selected platforms.
• Participate in public forums to share and communicate the results of the study to public, private and development sector stakeholders around the dynamics influencing the success of dairy development , nutrition interventions targeted at West Africa.
• Work with the National Team Lead to develop proposed nutrition interventions and a framework for the implementation of those interventionsRelationship Management
• Develop and maintain relations with a wide variety of stakeholders working on malnutrition, agriculture-nutrition, food security issues to ensure coordination of activities, support best practices, and build partnerships.
• Represent the Project on technical working groups focused on nutrition issues including initiatives such as the Scaling-Up Nutrition (SUN) working group.
• Build relationships and partnerships with a wide range of Government officials including ministerial directors at the national level, state and local levels, and representatives from multiple ministries at the management, technical and administrative levels.
• Build relationships and partnerships with potential implementing partners as necessary, including meetings at a senior level with key NGO implementing personnel to discuss issues related to the effective implementation and support for potential interventions

Minimum Qualification and Requirements
Candidates should have:

• Master's degree in Nutrition Studies, Development Studies or any related field, or a relative discipline with at least two years of work experience in a similar capacity in Nigeria or West Africa, or·        
• Bachelor’s in Nutrition or a Social Science course with at least five years of work experience in women’s nutrition issues, with skills and abilities working with women in Nigeria or West Africa.
• Knowledge of international and local stakeholders in Nigeria in the agriculture, health, food aid and nutrition sectors.
• Ability to be flexible, respond professionally, and establish priorities in often fluid, changing, and challenging situations with little clear guidance is necessary
• Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility in managing more than one activity.
• High evaluation, data collection, analytical and report writing skills   
• Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities living in remote areas of the country.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with senior management of technical partners and senior government officials    
• Understanding of the social and cultural contexts that underpin Fulani and smallholder farming communities in Nigeria.·        
• Proficiency in the English language (required) and Yoruba, Hausa and Fulfulde (preferred).

About the Program
Sahel, in collaboration with other partners, seeks to catalyze the local dairy sector in Nigeria in an inclusive way through a program that will improve the livelihoods, productivity, nutrition, and empowerment of smallholder female dairy farmers and the communities in which they live.

The program will span 5 years and will:

• Advocate for an enabling environment for local sourcing through engagements with the government and relevant private sector stakeholders.
• Increase demand for locally sourced milk through partnerships with dairy processors currently or interested in sourcing locally.
• Improve smallholder dairy farmers’ productivity by increasing their access to technical support services and appropriate inputs.
• Empower women dairy farmers and enable them to improve their livelihoods and that of their households.
• Improve nutrition outcomes among smallholder dairy households through innovations in food systems.

Primary Purpose

• The Field Coordinators will ensure high-quality implementation of Sahel projects in Northern Nigeria.
• He/she will lead the planning, coordination of, management and reporting of project activities at the state and local level, engaging with key stakeholders on the one hand and reporting to Sahel’s Program Management Office (PMO) on the other hand with the objective of achieving projects’ goals.

Duties and Responsibilities
Program Implementation:

• Coordinate field activities, ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.
• Lead the engagement with the implementing partners, service providers and other key stakeholders including federal, state and local governments and other entities involved in the program’s activities to deliver on the targets for the program
• In coordination with the Sahel PMO, facilitate the development of project strategies, plan technical capacity building interventions, activities and policies related to increasing the production and productivity of smallholder dairy farmers.

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Abide Sahel’s procedures and policies for compliance, including financial, procurement etc.
• Support program managers in the management process to implementing partners and contractors. Ensure effective utilization of project funds by grantees.
• Support the Program Manager in planning, reviewing and tracking progress on project, implementation as well as on the utilization of project resources, effective financial management and reporting.
• Assist the Program Manager in preparing quarterly and annual progress reports
• Report on follow up, trainings, support provided to groups, monitoring and evaluation activities
• Document success stories and case studies.
• Maintain up to date documentation related to project approval, monitoring and implementation.
• Building daily progress reports into quarterly, annual and final reports and respond to the queries related to project particularly technical aspects of the project.
• Ensure that all project documentation is well organized and easy to access on the portal.

Required Skills & Experience

• University degree in Agriculture or related field with 3 years’ relevant experience at field level of community development with a strong understanding of social development
• Strong networks with key stakeholders in the agriculture landscape in both the public, private and development sector. Experience in collaborating and managing relationships with federal and state governments, donors, private sector and other key stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, training and facilitation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent personal organizational skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• High level of interpersonal skills with the ability to work across cultures and religions, with strong communication and listening abilities, good problem-solving approach and conflict resolution at individual and community level
• Strong program management skills and high level of analytical skills in planning and project implementation
• Ability to be flexible, respond professionally, and establish priorities in often fluid, changing, and challenging situations with little clear guidance is necessary.
• Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility in managing more than one activity.
• Sound knowledge of local environment
• Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities living in remote areas of the country.
• Proficiency in the English language (required) and Hausa (preferred)

About the Program

• Sahel, in collaboration with other partners, seeks to catalyze the local dairy sector in Nigeria in an inclusive way through a program that will improve the livelihoods, productivity, nutrition, and empowerment of smallholder female dairy farmers and the communities in which they live. The program will span 5 years and will:
• Advocate for an enabling environment for local sourcing through engagements with the government and relevant private sector stakeholders.
• Increase demand for locally sourced milk through partnerships with dairy processors currently or interested in sourcing locally.
• Improve smallholder dairy farmers’ productivity by increasing their access to technical support services and appropriate inputs.
• Empower women dairy farmers and enable them to improve their livelihoods and that of their households.
• Improve nutrition outcomes among smallholder dairy households through innovations in food systems.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Operations Manager’s primary responsibilities are outlined below. S/he is however expected to perform any tasks that are necessary within the context of the evolving needs of the program:

• Program Operations and Compliance: Oversee program operations and implement sound internal control practices in all project offices.
• Ensure the program has effective operational procedures and processes in place for office management, local procurement, assets/fleet management and logistics, consultant and subcontractor administration, etc. in alignment with global best practices, Nigerian laws and regulations, Sahel’s policies and standard operating procedures, and donor requirements.
• Manage relationship with sub-grantees and sub-contractors and ensure they comply with program guidelines.
• Human Resources: Establish policies that promote Sahel’s culture and vision as well as encourage maximum performance and dedication among program team members. Lead the development and deployment of human resources strategies, including recruitment, on-boarding, performance appraisal and off-boarding processes. Serve as a point of contact for program personnel-related inquiries.
• Administrative and Infrastructure: Coordinate program offices’ operational processes and logistics. Oversee knowledge management and IT systems and processes in compliance with Sahel’s policies and standards. Manage all subcontractors and leasing contracts

Minimum Required Skills & Experience
Professional Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum of four (4) years of senior-level experience as Operations Manager in leading organizations or in large complex projects/programs with demonstrated results, skills and a track record of delivering beyond expectations

Operational Expertise:

• Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, and task facilitation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks effectively
• Experience leading operations, procurement, HR and admin in a complex, international organization and/or in large multifaceted programs
• A familiarity with and commitment to addressing gender equality is also required

Leadership Skills:

• Experience developing and managing a culture of continuous learning and improvement
• Experience managing and coordinating teams to deliver in a complex environment
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
• Superior interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Strong negotiation and diplomatic skills to support effective work through implementing partners
• Fluency in the English language, and excellent writing and presentation skills

Personal Characteristics and Other Requirements:

• Excellent judgement. Ability to understand current issues quickly and make wise decisions
• Possess outstanding professional reputation
• Ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively and delegate
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Willingness to travel across program states within Nigeria, with a focus on Northern Nigeria.