Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry recruitment, January 2018


The Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in conjunction with World Bank, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the implementation of the World Bank Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement And Livelihood Support Improvement Project (APPEALS) in the capacities below:     Job Title: Environmental Officer Location: Kaduna Project Summary

  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of SPC, the officer will supervise the implementation of environmental instruments and mitigations measures articulated in the general and site-specific safeguard instruments such as ESMP, IPMP.
Qualifications and Experience
  • Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Engineering, Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences or other related disciplines
  • Manage and conduct environmental safeguard due diligence of new investment proposals
  • Identify all key potential environmental impacts and risks of a project and ensure that their appropriate mitigation measures are in place
  • Ensuring regular site inspections and environmental sampling and analysis is carried out
  • Preparation of environmental reports and tracking project performance against environmental key performances indicators and targets.
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience in working with public or private sector firms across industry sectors (including infrastructure, civil works, agribusiness, and/or processing) to identify environmental risk and issues and develop mitigation measures to ensure compliance with good international industry practice
    Job Title: Rural Infrastructure Engineers (Civil and Electrical) Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of SPC, the Engineers will supervise the implementation and coordination of civil and electrical work infrastructure activities under the project component.
  • The incumbent will further work with the project team to ensure proper design and location of the infrastructure within the States.
Qualifications and Experience Required
  • B.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering and Electrical.
  • Professional qualification: COREN, MNSE, etc.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years field experience in construction and power/energy supply for Civil and Electrical Engineers respectively.
  • Higher qualification will be an advantage.
  • Strong knowledge of computer applications including engineering design software, etc.
  • Fluency in local language is a major advantage
  • Ability to undertake regular field visits and interact with different stakeholders
    Job Title: MIS/ICT Officer Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of SPC, the officer will work very closely with the M&E officer and other relevant specialists on the project.
  • The officers are mainly responsible for the smooth running of computer systems and ensuring users get maximum benefits from them.
Qualifications and Experience
  • B.Sc degree in Agricultural Economics, GIS, Computer Science, Information Technology or other related disciplines
  • Minimum of five (5) years post qualification experience in MIS and ICT
  • Microsoft certifications is a requirement
  • Install and configure computer hardware operating systems and applications
  • Monitor and maintain computer systems and networks
  • Troubleshoot system and network problems, diagnosing and solving hardware or software faults
  • Replace parts as required
  • Support the roll-out of new applications
  • Set up new users' accounts and profiles and deal with password issues
  • Test and evaluate new technology
  • Conduct electrical safety checks on computer equipment
  • Knowledge and application of computer applications such Virtual Basic, SQL is essential including familiarity with Big data.
  • Higher qualification will be an advantage
    Job Title: Communication Officer Location: Kaduna Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of SPC, the specialist will develop and implement communication strategy, and programmes, and other IEC materials for the project
Qualifications and Experience
  • Master's degrees in Development Communications, Mass Communication, MBA, Agricultural extension, and related discipline
  • A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in development communication
  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare multimedia content e.g. features, articles, press releases, blog etc
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partnerships with media organizations
  • Well-developed understanding of social media and digital communications.
  • Communications experience in a private or public-sector environment highly regarded.
  • Experience with Content Management Systems
  • Manage and maintain the website in collaboration with ICT/MIS officer
  • Responding to media queries
    Job Title: Agro-processing Specialist Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • The incumbent under guidance of SPC will coordinate and identify improved agro-processing technologies which are apt for all processing activities of all the crops, livestock and fisheries supported under this project.
  • The incumbent will further work on dissemination and follow-up on identified agro-processing technologies.
Qualifications and Experience
  • First degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Mechanization, Agronomy, Food Technology, Agricultural Economics, and other related disciplines.
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in agribusiness, agro processing and supply chain management
  • Previous experience in value chain development including vertical and horizontal coordination of farmers group and backward integration
  • Ability to build partnership with technology innovation centres, agro-allied commercial technology businesses and financial institutions.
    Job Title: Facilitator Location: Kaduna Slot: 3 Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Specialisation
  • The project in each state will hire 3 facilitators with different responsibilities as follows: (one per value chain, 3nos.)
Deliverables:
  • The facilitators will be expected to produce Value Chain Investment Planworking with beneficiaries and relevant officers and submit a monthlyreport of activities to the state project office.
  • The officers will also work with the M & E officers at state level to monitor the project indicators and the achievement of the project development objectives.
Duties of Facilitators
  • Ensure proper registration of the project beneficiaries in line with the project provisions and production of the development, business/investment plan for the Association;
  • Provide technical advice to the project beneficiaries in their area of competence and serve as liaison officers between APPEALS and the project beneficiaries;
  • Identify teaching instruments and develop essential curricula to train the APPEALS beneficiaries through a PRA process;
  • Identify sources of improved technology for project beneficiaries' operation, in collaboration with the various research and knowledge institutions;
  • Provide linkage with service providers to assist project beneficiaries in productivity enhancement, business planning, financial and business management;
  • Supply market information and provide linkage to market and credit sources for the farmers
Duration of Assignment
  • The work of a facilitator will be throughout the duration of the project, but the contract is renewable yearly subject to satisfactory performance.
Qualifications
  • B.Sc. in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop or Animal Science including Fisheries.
  • Minimum of seven (5) years post-qualification field experience.
  • Fluency in English and local language widely spoken in the project area.
  • Experience in specific value chains selected by the state is a major advantage.
  • Knowledge and application of computer will be an advantage.
  • Higher qualification will be an advantage.
    Job Title: Administrative Officer Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of SPC, the administrative officer will be responsible for the majority of administrative duties in the project including managing employee records, organize files, answer calls.
Qualifications and Experience
  • B.Sc. in Business Administration, Sociology or other related disciplines
  • Proven work experience as an Administrative Officer, Administrator or similar role
  • Solid knowledge of office procedures
  • Experience with office management software like MS Office (MS Excel and MS Word, specifically)
  • Strong organizational skills, with a problem-solving attitude
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of the State Project Coordinator respectively, the incumbent will be responsible for generation of project specific information on progress, processes and performance.
  • Analyses and aggregation of data generated at various levels to track progress, process quality and project sustainability.
  • S/He will also document and disseminate feedback and key lessons learnt to relevant users and stakeholders.
Specific Duties of the Position
  • Implement monitoring and evaluation of results and impact of the project.
  • Track performance indicators and develop operational arrangements for collecting, analyzing, and reporting project data feeding into the result framework.
  • Develop Management Information System (MIS) for the project.
  • Conduct impact evaluation and beneficiary assessments.
  • Produce and disseminate periodic progress reports.
  • Undertake relevant surveys as may be required.
  • Assist the State Project Coordinator in the preparation of Workplan and Budget.
  • Initiate Project M&E workshops and training for Project Officers.
  • Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the State Project Coordinator.
Qualifications and Experience Required
  • Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics, Agricultural Extension or other relevant degree.
  • Ph.D is an added advantage.
  • At least 5 years of post-qualification experience in Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of developmental projects.
  • Excellent knowledge of statistics and research methodology, including skills in sampling techniques and use of computer software for statistical and other relevant applications;
  • Ability to undertake regular field visits and interact with different stakeholders;
  • Demonstrated ability in report writing and presentation.
    Job Title: Procurement Officer Location: Kaduna Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of the State Project Coordinator respectively, the incumbent will coordinate the procurement of all goods, works and services financed under the project.
Specific duties of the position will include:
  • Preparation of procurement plans for implementation of the project.
  • Prepare Bidding documents.
  • Responsible for day-to-day procurement activities as contained in the PIM.
  • Update and implement the procurement manual.
  • Initiate procurement and training workshops.
  • Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the State Project Coordinator.
Qualifications and Experience Required
  • A first degree or HND in Engineering, Purchasing and Supply, Business Administration or other relevant qualification. Possession of higher
  • degree will be an added advantage.
  • At least 5 years of post-qualification experience in procurement for developmental projects.
Competence:
  • Demonstrated competence in procurement under externally assisted projects with specific experience in IDA/Donor funded agency.
  • Ability to communicate and write effectively and Computer literacy.
    Job Title: Productivity Enhancement Specialist Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of State project coordinator, the incumbent will coordinate and identify productivity enhanced inputs, equipment and machines for all production nodes of value chains supported under this project.
  • The incumbent will disseminate and follow-up on adoption of the improved inputs, equipment and machine.
Qualifications and Experience
  • Master's Degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Mechanization, and other related disciplines.
  • Experience working with agro-input or advisory services companies, research institute or CG center
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in technology dissemination projects
  • Ability to build partnership with research centres, extension organizations and technology innovation centres and agro-allied commercial technology businesses.
  • Clear understanding of cropping calendar, weather information and climate smart agricultural practices
  • Excellent understanding of value chain analysis, development and Good Agricultural Practices.
    Job Title: Commercialization & Business Development Officer Location: Kaduna Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of SPC, the officer will develop and implement a work programme that improves the competitiveness and well-functioning of the value chain thereby making beneficiaries of the project to meet market requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
  • B.Sc. degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness or Business Administration with bias to Agriculture.
  • Minimum of five (5) years post qualification experience.
  • Fluency in English and local language widely spoken in the Project Area will be a major advantage.
  • Knowledge and application of computer is essential.
  • Market facilitation (market and price information), registration and approval of product with NAFDAC, Nigeria Export Promotion council (NEPC) and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON),
  • capacity building on product quality and standards, packaging, market linkages , and linkages to financial institutions.
  • Higher qualification will be an advantage.
  • Experience in Business/Marketing concept of specific state value chain is essential.
    Job Title: Women and Youth/Livelihood Specialist Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Functions and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of SPC, the specialist will coordinate women and youth livelihood support activities under the project.
  • The incumbent will further work with the project team to ensure gender mainstreaming in the project.
Qualifications and Experience
  • A minimum of Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, MBA, Economics, Sociology, Gender and Development Studies, and other related disciplines
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in development projects (with livelihood components)
  • Experienced in participatory stakeholder consultation and engagement
  • Demonstrated ability to mobilise group for action e.g. group formation, credit administration or social action
  • Excellent facilitation skills and experience in preparing and reviewing business plans or proposal
  • Good knowledge of social development/safeguard issues such as gender and youth policies & issues
  • Strong knowledge of computer applications including Geo-enabling or Geographical Information System skill is an added advantage
  • Experience in coordinating stakeholder feedback or inquiries
    Job Title: State Project Coordinator Location: Kaduna Project Summary
  • The World Bank APPEALS Project seeks to catalyse improved livelihood through increased agro-processing and significant growth in productivity.
  • Eligible beneficiaries are small farmer groups or cooperative societies, small and medium commercial farmers, and youth and women.
  • The project aims to increase value addition of priority agricultural value chains in six states, including Kaduna.
Overall Function and Responsibilities of the Position
  • The State Project Coordinator (SPC) is responsible for the coordination of Project activities in the State, as well as managing the Agro-Processing,
  • Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Support Office.
Specific Duties of the Position
  • Heads the secretariat of the State Steering Committee (SSC).
  • Overall implementation of Project within the State.
  • Supervise staff of state office.
  • Liaise with other relevant programmes and technical departments in the State.
  • Oversees contracting of support staff and consultants, particularly Agro-Processing Service Providers.
  • Ensure timely reporting and quality of reports to SSC
Qualifications and Experience Required
  • M.Sc degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Economics or other relevant discipline.
  • Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience, including at least 3 years in a management position.
  • Proven track record in the field of agriculture or rural development.
  • Good writing skills and computer literacy will be an advantage.
  • Fluency in the local language is a major advantage.
    How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: Office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, State Secretariat, Yakubu Gowon Way, Kaduna State.   Application Deadline  12PM; 7th February, 2018.