Employment Opportunities at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

---

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in partnership with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) of the United Nations is desirous of using part of the Credit to engage the services of individuals for the FGN / IFAD-VCDP (VCDP AF1) for the management and implementation of the programme in the nine (9) participating states of Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogj, Nassrawa, Taraba, Niger and Ogun.

Consequently, Expression of Interest (EOI) is hereby solicited from suitably qualified and interested candidates to participate in the FGN / IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (YCDP AF1) within the capacity below:

 

 

Job Title: Assistant Rural Infrastructure Engineer (ARIE)

Location: Abuja
Report: Directly to the Project Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RIE).

Background
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is implementing a three- year IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP AFi), as a follow-up to the successful six (6) - year Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), in nine (9) participating states (Anambra, Benue, Ebonyl, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Niger and Ogun). The Programme’s goal is: “Rural Poverty reduced, food security increased and accelerated economic growth achieved.” The VCDP, which was approved for an IFAD loan of USD744 million in 2012, aimed to directly improve the livelihood of approximately 17,480 households (15,000 small holder farmers, i,68o processors and 800 traders) and to benefit indirectly approximately 22,000 households.

In 2018, IFAI) approved an Additional Financing (AF1) of IJSD 89.1 million to: (i) expand VCDP activities to three (3) new states - Enugu, Kogi and Nasarawa - and to a total of 57 meal Government Areas (LOAs) from 30 LGAs at the Mid-term Review (MTR) of VCDP, in the entire nine states; and (ii) support the mainstreaming of issues that were not considered at the design of VCDP, consistent with national and IFAI) policies; climate-smart agricultural practices; conflict mitigation as the conflict increases between farmers and herdsmen for land resources; nutrition and financial inclusion.

The VCDP -AF1 focuses on enhancing the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers (who cultivate not more than 5ha of land under rice/cassava) and small/medium-scale agro-processors (with processing capacity of an average of 2MT/day for cassava and 4MT/day for rice) by improving their access to markets, and capacity to increase yield as well as add value to locally produced raw materials through improved processing and packaging. The programme is being implemented through three mutually reinforcing components; Agricultural Market Development, Small holder Productivity Enhancement and Programme Management and Coordination.

Details of the Contract

• Two-year contract, renewable based on satisfactory performance acceptable to FGN and IFAD.

Details

• The Assistant Rural Infrasthicture Engineer (ARIE) will work under the direct supervision of the Project Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RuE).

Main Responsibility

• The Assistant Rural Infrastructure Engineer (ARIE) will be assisting the Project Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RIE) in all aspects of rural infrastructure development activities related to smallholder farmers.

Specific Duties

• Liaise with State / LGAs Engineering staff (and other development partners) and include them throughout all rural infrastructure development activities to ensure sustainability, ownership and synergr among stakeholders.
• Mobilise relevant beneficiaries around each rural infrastructure development activity for sustainability and increased ownership.
• Support in executing engineering/architectural surveys/designs,
• specifications (technical and socio environmental) and cost estimates for rural infrastructure (roads, storage/market/agro promssing facilities, land development activities, small irrigation activities).
• Contribute to the preparation of manuals/guidelines and the execution of capacity building activities in the area of operation and maintenance for sustainability of all rural infrastructure to be developed by the project.
• Monitor contractor’s construction program and method on the field, verifying that they are consistent with the implementation modalities (timeline and technical specifications).
• Monitor consultant’s service provision program and method on the ground, verifying that they are consistent with the implementation modalities (timeline and technical specifications).
• Assist in the process of measurements/calculation for further payment and/or variation.
• Liaise with Project and/or States/LGA5 Environmental Experts to ensure all related aspects are considered for sustained and environment friendly rural infrastructure are delivered.
• Carryoutanyotherfunctionsassignedhim/herbythe Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RIE).

Qualification and Work Experience

• First Degree in Civil Engineering, Rural Infrastructure or related area.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in construction and management of rural / market Infrastructure.
• He/She should be registered with relevant professional bodies such as COREN, NSE
• Experienced working with Donor Assisted Projects.
• Good knowledge/experience of rural development challenges and dynamics
• Note: Qualified and experienced women are encouraged to apply.

 

 

Job Title: National Program Coordinator

Location: Abuja
Report: Directly to Director, Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU), FMARD and IFAI) Country Office, Abuja

Background
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is implementing a three- year IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP AFi), as a follow-up to the successful six (6) - year Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), in nine (9) participating states (Anambra, Benue, Ebonyl, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Niger and Ogun). The Programme’s goal is: “Rural Poverty reduced, food security increased and accelerated economic growth achieved.” The VCDP, which was approved for an IFAD loan of USD744 million in 2012, aimed to directly improve the livelihood of approximately 17,480 households (15,000 small holder farmers, i,68o processors and 800 traders) and to benefit indirectly approximately 22,000 households.

In 2018, IFAI) approved an Additional Financing (AF1) of IJSD 89.1 million to: (i) expand VCDP activities to three (3) new states - Enugu, Kogi and Nasarawa - and to a total of 57 meal Government Areas (LOAs) from 30 LGAs at the Mid-term Review (MTR) of VCDP, in the entire nine states; and (ii) support the mainstreaming of issues that were not considered at the design of VCDP, consistent with national and IFAI) policies; climate-smart agricultural practices; conflict mitigation as the conflict increases between farmers and herdsmen for land resources; nutrition and financial inclusion.

The VCDP -AF1 focuses on enhancing the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers (who cultivate not more than 5ha of land under rice/cassava) and small/medium-scale agro-processors (with processing capacity of an average of 2MT/day for cassava and 4MT/day for rice) by improving their access to markets, and capacity to increase yield as well as add value to locally produced raw materials through improved processing and packaging. The programme is being implemented through three mutually reinforcing components; Agricultural Market Development, Small holder Productivity Enhancement and Programme Management and Coordination.

Details of the Contract

• The NPC position is a Contract Appointment for a period of Two (2) years in the first instance, renewal subject to satisfactory performance acceptable to FGN and IFAD.

Details

• The National Programme Coordinator (NPC) will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme.

Main Responsibility

• The National Programme Coordinator (NP( will be responsible for overall coordination, management and implementation of FGN/IFAD-VCDP in nine (9) participating states.
• A key element of the position will be to ensure that the programme achieves its development objectives and outcomes.
• The NPC will report directly to the Director, Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)

Specific Duties

• Day to day technical and administrative leadership and coordination support to the programme
• Head the Secretariat of the National Steering Committee (NSC)
• Promote team work of specialists and other programme staff at the states and national office for effective progranune implementation.
• Coordinate and supervise programme implementation by the participating states
• Convene management meeting at NPMU as well as quarterly technical review involving SPMUs
• Manage and motivate programme staff to ensure discipline and enhanced programme performance
• Coordinate preparation of Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) and submit same to the National Steering Committee (NBC) and the IFAD Country Office for approval through the Director, Projects Coordination Unit (PCU).
• Ensure timely delivery of quality reports (AWPB, semi-annual reports, financial statements, audit reports to FMARD through PCU and IFAD Country Office,
• Coordinate supervision mission and ensure the implementation of mission’s recommendations.
• Select and engage Service Providers where necessary and formulate ToRs and scope of work for the service providers, supervise, monitor and certify the work of the service providers for various activities and assignments.
• Undertake any other responsibility as may be assigned by the Director, Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU) and IFAD Country Office, Abuja.

Qualification and Work Experience

• Master’s degree in any of the following discipline: Agriculture and related fields, Social and Management Sciences
• A minimum of 15 years post qualification working experience out of which at least five (5) years must be at senior management level in public/private sectors
• Meat have working knowledge of Donor Funded projects.
• Good writing skills and Computer literacy
• Good Communication and Team building skills

 

 

Job Title: Senior Accountant

Location: Abuja
Report: Directly to the Financial Controller

Background
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is implementing a three- year IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP AFi), as a follow-up to the successful six (6) - year Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), in nine (9) participating states (Anambra, Benue, Ebonyl, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Niger and Ogun). The Programme’s goal is: “Rural Poverty reduced, food security increased and accelerated economic growth achieved.” The VCDP, which was approved for an IFAD loan of USD744 million in 2012, aimed to directly improve the livelihood of approximately 17,480 households (15,000 small holder farmers, i,68o processors and 800 traders) and to benefit indirectly approximately 22,000 households.

In 2018, IFAI) approved an Additional Financing (AF1) of IJSD 89.1 million to: (i) expand VCDP activities to three (3) new states - Enugu, Kogi and Nasarawa - and to a total of 57 meal Government Areas (LOAs) from 30 LGAs at the Mid-term Review (MTR) of VCDP, in the entire nine states; and (ii) support the mainstreaming of issues that were not considered at the design of VCDP, consistent with national and IFAI) policies; climate-smart agricultural practices; conflict mitigation as the conflict increases between farmers and herdsmen for land resources; nutrition and financial inclusion.

The VCDP -AF1 focuses on enhancing the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers (who cultivate not more than 5ha of land under rice/cassava) and small/medium-scale agro-processors (with processing capacity of an average of 2MT/day for cassava and 4MT/day for rice) by improving their access to markets, and capacity to increase yield as well as add value to locally produced raw materials through improved processing and packaging. The programme is being implemented through three mutually reinforcing components; Agricultural Market Development, Small holder Productivity Enhancement and Programme Management and Coordination.

Details of the Contract

• Two-year contract, renewable based on satisfactory performance acceptable to FGN and IFAD.

Details

• The Senior Accountant will work under the direct supervision of the Financial Controller.

Main Responsibility

• The Senior Accountant will work under the direct supervision of the Financial Controller in close collaboration with the State Accountants for the implementation of accounting systems consistent with international accounting standards and principles and Government requirements to ensure proper use of funds in line with the respective legal agreements.

Specific Duties

• Prepare Programme’s Financial Statements on:
  • Monthly
  • Quarterly
  • B-Annually
  • Annually
• Ensure accurary of computations and completeness of payment request at the NPMU in terms of:
  • Receiving approval for payments
  • Uploading of payment on remittal platform
  • Checking of retirements by staff
  • Checking of contract documents for completeness and implementation support
• Check vouchers coming from the participating States for completeness:
  • Account payables
  • Invoices
  • Vouchers
  • Contract
  • Goods received and issued to user departments
• Participate in financial management monitoring in the participating States and visits to sites.
• Checking of postings and generation of reports on flexible accounting software for correctness/completeness of entries in conjunction with the Financial Controller.
• Facilitate preparation, processing and replenishment, reimbursement or direct payment of SOF,s and Withdrawal Applications in conjunction with the Financial Controller.
• Any other tasks that might be assigned to him/her by the Financial Controller.

Qualification and Work Experience

• First Degree in Accountancy or relevant
• Professional qualification in Accountancy
• Minimum of five (3) years post-qualification work experience Familiarity with Flexible Accounting Softwage
• Must be computer literate
• Experienced working with Donor Assisted Projects and firms is an added advantage
• Possession of professional qualifications in Accounting is an added advantage
• Good knowledge / experience of rural development challenges and dynamics
• Note: Qualified and experienced women are encouraged to apply.

 

 

Job Title: Agriculture Officer

Location: Abuja
Report: Directly to the Agricultural Production Advisor.

Background
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is implementing a three- year IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP AFi), as a follow-up to the successful six (6) - year Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), in nine (9) participating states (Anambra, Benue, Ebonyl, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Niger and Ogun). The Programme’s goal is: “Rural Poverty reduced, food security increased and accelerated economic growth achieved.” The VCDP, which was approved for an IFAD loan of USD744 million in 2012, aimed to directly improve the livelihood of approximately 17,480 households (15,000 small holder farmers, i,68o processors and 800 traders) and to benefit indirectly approximately 22,000 households.

In 2018, IFAI) approved an Additional Financing (AF1) of IJSD 89.1 million to: (i) expand VCDP activities to three (3) new states - Enugu, Kogi and Nasarawa - and to a total of 57 meal Government Areas (LOAs) from 30 LGAs at the Mid-term Review (MTR) of VCDP, in the entire nine states; and (ii) support the mainstreaming of issues that were not considered at the design of VCDP, consistent with national and IFAI) policies; climate-smart agricultural practices; conflict mitigation as the conflict increases between farmers and herdsmen for land resources; nutrition and financial inclusion.

The VCDP -AF1 focuses on enhancing the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers (who cultivate not more than 5ha of land under rice/cassava) and small/medium-scale agro-processors (with processing capacity of an average of 2MT/day for cassava and 4MT/day for rice) by improving their access to markets, and capacity to increase yield as well as add value to locally produced raw materials through improved processing and packaging. The programme is being implemented through three mutually reinforcing components; Agricultural Market Development, Small holder Productivity Enhancement and Programme Management and Coordination.

Details of the Contract

• Two-year contract, renewable based on satisfactory performance acceptable to FGN and IFAD.

Details

• The Agricultural Officer (AO) will work under the direct supervision of the Agricultural Production Advisor (APA)

Main Responsibility

• The Agriculture Officer will be assisting the Agricultural Production Advisor in the overall management of the activities related to productivity improvement of smallholder farmers, in close collaboration with the State Agricultural Production Officer.

Specific Duties

• Work directly under the Agricultural Production Advisor (APA) with the Extension Service providers in training farmers in various aspects of crop varieties, agronomic practices, climate resilience, post-harvest and market orientation technologies.
• Assist in promoting and disseminating sustainable Agricultural practices through the Farmer Field Business School (FFBS) approach and on-the- spot extension visits under the guidance and Coordination of the APA. Assist the Programme’s Community seed producers to establish seed multiplication systems comprising farms and seed cleaning and conditioning centres (Seed- laboratories).
• Assist in setting up the overall distribution scheme of certified seeds/stems of improved varieties, fertilizers and herbicides as well as of equipment at State and LGA levels.
• Assist in the collation of State progress reports and contribute to the drafting of periodic project progress reports with the Agricultural Production Advisor (APA).
• Provide guidance to NGO/Service providers hired to implement the activities.
• Oversee the overall process of selection of target Farmers Organizations and beneficiaries in close collaboration with the Rural Institutions and Gender Mainstreaming Officer.
• Carry out any other functions assigned him/her by the Agricultural Production Advisor (APA).

Qualification and Work Experience

• First Degree in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Production, Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture.
• A minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience in addition to at least years in the implementation of productivity enhancement projects using participatory approaches in Extension services and gender msinstreasning.
• Proven experience and record in the field of project implementation of productivity projects.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English language. Must be computer literate and conversant with the use simple computer packages.
• Good knowledge/experience of rural development challenges and dynamics.
• Note: Qualified and experienced women are encouraged to apply.

 

 

How To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Expression of Interest (EOI) in 10 copies including one original and nine photocopies, properly sealed and clearly marked at the top right hand cover "Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Recruitment of Officers under FGN / IFAD-VCDP Project." Each envelope should indude a CV and an application letter with cover letter suited for the position being applied for. The sealed envelope should be addressed and delivered to:
The Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,
C / O Director, Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU),
No.1, Eldoret Close, Off Aininu Kano Crescent,
Wuse II - Abuja.

 

Application Deadline 4th May, 2021.

---