The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) recruitment in Taraba State, August 15th 2014


The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a United Nations (UN) Development Agent with its head office at Rome, Italy. The Agency collaborates with developing countries to develop their afro-economic potentials. In Nigeria, FAD has proposed to partner wit h sits (6) States in the Federation to promote the production, processing (to add value) and marketing of Rice and

Cassava, Taraba is one of the participating states, to order to pot in place the machinery for the takeoff of the Agency in Taraba state, the necessary key staffs to run the project are here by invited to apply for the position below.

Members of the public including both retired and serving civil servants are therefore invited to apply to fill the following position in the State Programme Management Unit:

Job Title: Agriculture Production Officer
Location:
Taraba
Main Responsibilities
The Agricultural production Officer will be responsible for management of sub component 2.2 support to smallholders production at state level and for ensuring performance of the NGOs/Service providers hired to implement the activities under sub component 2.2. A key element of the position is successful in ensuring that the programme targets small scale producers through the implementations of production enhancement activities.

Specific Duties

  • Responsible for the coordination and supervision of the 2.2 of the project, support to small holder production at state level,
  • Work in close collaboration with the Rural Institutions and Gender Mainstreaming officer at state level in periodic meetings held at SPMU and during joint and in periodic field visits.
  • Provide guidance to NGO/service or providers hired to implement the activities and measure the overall process of selection of target FOs and beneficiaries in close collaboration with the Rural Institutions and Gender Mainstreaming officer
  • Contribute the Design of the overall distribution scheme of certified seeds improved cassava cuttings, fertilizers and herbicides and environment's at state and LGA level.
  • Supervise and coordinate the distribution of certified seeds Improves fertilizers and herbicides and equipment at state andiGA level including the delivery of goods at LGA level.
  • Contribute to the drafting of periodic project progress reports at state level.
Qualification and Experience
  • Masters or Higher level University Degree in Agronomy Horticulture and other relevant discipline.
  • Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience including at toast 2 years in implementation of productivity enhancement projects.
  • Good writing skills and computer literates will be an advantage

Job Title: State Value Chain Infrastructure Officer (SVCIO)
Location:
Taraba
Main Responsibility
The SVCIO will work under the direct supervision of the State Programme Manager(SPM), in close collaboration with the State and the Local government Area (LGA) Engineers, and the state authorities.

  • Specific Duties
  • Ensure that the preparatory activities and implementation of the infrastructure intentions are progressing according to the work schedule.
  • Develop a detailed action plan to implement the various activities proposed under the sub-component for the State and the LGAs in close consultation with the key stakeholders, Select contractors and consultants as per the Programme Implementation Manual (PIM) and oversee the work of these service providers;
  • Identity the target communities using the eligibility criteria developed bribe sub-continent. Relevant agencies such as the State ministry of works, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Water resources, Ministry of Agriculture, River Basin Development Authority (RBDAs) where applicable, water Board, and the LGAs should be consulted in this process.
  • Ensure that contracted consultants prepare the LGA level Value Chain Action plan (VCAP). The VCAP will identify critical constraints/ challenges; opportunities available and recommend appropriate value chain (VC) linked interventions, The above mentioned key stakeholder, the VC operators and the community should be part of this process.
  • Supervise the construction/rehabilitation of feeder roads, the construction of agro-processing and market infrastructure (inc. water supply systems and related ancillary works) for sub-component 1.1 and 1.2.This includes the construction of stores flood protection dykes and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes under sub-component 2.2 implemented contractors The SVClD will be assisted the the LGA Engineers during supervision.
  • Prepare measurement of works and certificate of payment for all infrastructure activities as supported by the LGA Engineers.
Qualification and Experience
  • A minimum of BSc University Degree in Civil Engineer
  • At least Five years of practical experience in agricultural and/or rural development projects.
  • A Civil Engineer with strong background of practical experience in agricultural related civil works and agro-processing technologies contributing to rural development.
Job Title: State Business and Market Development Officer (BMDO)
Location:
Taraba
Main Responsibilities
  • The state Business and market Development officer (SBMDO) will work under the direct supervision of the PMU Business and Market Development Advisor and in close collaboration with the state Agricultural processing and Quality Enhancement Officer, State government and Local Government authorizes.
  • Overall, the SBMDO will be directly in charge of State and Local government level interventions in the area of promoting market linkages and market information among VC operators.
Specific Duties
  • Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of state and local government-level VCDP activities and actions in the
  • organization of public-private dialogue forums for enabling business environment
  • Coordinate the implementation of state and local government-level activities and actions in supporting the establishment and enforcement of quality norms, grades and standards for precessed products.
  • Broker inter-agency collaboration between relevant state and local government agencies for the establishment and enforcement of regulations on agricultural commodity quality norms grades and standard.
  • Implement actions and processes for the brokerage and facilitation of market exchanges and/or contractual agreements between VC operators (farmers and agro-processors and traders).
  • Work with VC operatarsto organize commodity fairs and other interactive eventsforVC operators andthe stale governments.
  • Implement actions and processes for the brokerage and facilitation of links between V( operators (agro-processor and trader organizatloos) and financial institutions for the purpose of increasing access to financial services including credit, insurance and saving/deposit facilities.
  • Negotiate terms and conditionswithservice prwiders and conclude, where opportune andappropriate, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the financial institutions, through which programme target groups will be able to access financial linkage.
Qualification and Experience
  • A minimum of Bachelors Degree or Higher National Diploma in Management or Social Science including Agricultural Economics.
  • At least 3 years work eeperience on matters or projects relating to agricultural marketing, agro-prowssing and agmo-industrial development and MSME promotion.
 Job Title: Rural Institutions and Gender/Youth Mainstreaming Officer
Location:
Taraba
Main Responsibility
The Rural Institution and Gender/Youth Mainstreaming Officer will be responsible for management & cub component 2.1 strengthening of Farmer Organizations at state level and/or ensuring performance of the NGO Service providers hired to implement the activities under this sub component. A key element of the position is successful in ensuring that the selected FOs is representative of existing for at LGA level.

Specific Duties
  • Responsible for the coordination and supervision oft he component 2.1 of the project strengthening of Farmers Organizations at state level.
  • Work in close collaboration with the Agricultural production/FFS officer at state level in periodic meetings held at SPMU and during joint and periodic field visits.
  • Provide guidance to LAGOs/Service providers hired to implement the activities and oversee the overall process of selection of target FOs and beneficiaries in close collaboration with the Agricultural productions FFS officer.
  • Liaise with other relevant programmes and technical departments in the public sector at state level such as ADP (Directorate of Extension, Women in Agriculture), the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Cooperates, Home Economics.)
  • Participate in the distribution of of related seeds/improved cassava cuttings, fertilizers and herbicides and equipment at stale and LGA level including the delivery of goods at LGA level in cose collaboration with the Agricultural production/FFS officer.
  • Contribute to the drafting of periodic project progress reports at state level
Qualification and Experience
  • Masters or Higher Level university Degree in Sociology, Economics and other relevant disciplines.
  • Minimum of 5 years post qualification experience including at least 2 years in implementation of projects integrating strengthening of FOs and Gender issues.
  • Knowledge in participatory approaches, and gender mainstreaming
  • Good writing skills and computer literate will be an advantage.
Job Title: State Agricultural Processing/Quality Enhancement Officer (APQE)
Location:
Taraba
Main Responsibilities


  • The APQE will work under the direct supervision of the PMU market and Enterprise Development Advisor and in close collaboration with the state Business and market Development Officer, stale government and local government authorities
  • Overall,the APQF will be directly in charge of state and local government-level interventions in the area of promoting the use of improved and more efficient value addition equipment and technologies for agro-processing, handling, storage and packaging.

Specific Duties
  • Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of state and local government-level VCDP activities and actions in the provision of agro-processing and related equipment and technologies.
  • Work with VC operators such as agro-processing organizations to arrange for the acquisition and sustained efficient management and use of new agro-processing and related equipment.
  • Work with the SBMDO to organize commodity fairs and other interactive accounts for VT operators and the state governments.
  • Supervise the work of service providers in the area of value addition equipment and technologies and providing information about their performance.
  • Participating in the Formulation and implementation of the VCAP.
Qualification and experience
  • A higher-level degree in Agricultural economics, rural development other relevant field. University-level studies in a field related to statistics or a related field would be an advantage.
  • A minimum of 10 years’ Experience working in M&E and/or project management in areas such as agriculture, marketing, Rural finance and policy matters
  • Solid understanding of use of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in development
  • Proficient in the use of data bases and spreed—sheets.
 Job Title: Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (PME) and Knowledge Management(KM) Officer
Location:
Taraba
Main Responsibilities
The PME and KM Officer will have overall responsibility for coordinating and facilitating the planning, M&P activities at state level. The Officer will ensure that robust systems for PME are established and fully linked to other information and knowledge system, to enable the programme to be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances. The Officer will also assess needs and for capacity PME at state and local levels and accordingly design and implement capacity building programmes. The specialist will work under the guidance of PME Specialist of the NPMU and closely with relevant SPMU and LGVCO staff to ensure a coherent and collaborate approach to PME.

Specific Duties
  • Develop the programme M&E system on the basis of the programme;s logical framework taking into account Government monitoring framework.
  • Organize and supervise focused baseline surveys at the beginning of the programme to be undertaken by a contracted institution.
  • Establish indicators for outputs, outcomes and impact, monitor or implementation processes and performance, and assess outputs and outcomes.
  • Monitor financial and physical progress as well as reporting back to the stakeholders to create a better learning environment, undertake project and thematic evaluation.
  • Organize and oversee annual review and planning workshops and preparations of annual work plans and budget.
Qualification and experience
  • A higher-level degree in Agricultural economics, rural development other relevant field. University-level studies in a field related to statistics or a related field would be an advantage.
  • A minimum of 10 years’ Experience working in M&E and/or project management in areas such as agriculture, marketing, Rural finance and policy matters
  • Solid understanding of use of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in development
  • Proficient in the use of data bases and spreed—sheets.
Job Title: State Accountant
Location:
Taraba State
Specific Duties
  • Ensuring the programmes financial procedures as detailed in the programme implementation and Financial Manuals are strictly adhered to all programme staff and Implementing partners at the state level.
  • Facilitating the timely disbursement of programme funds to the various accounting units mainly the service providers and farmers groups,
  • Compiling SOEs for the PMU and other implementing partners for timely preparation of withdrawal applications
  • Ensuring adherence to International Financial Reporting System as well as Government of Nigeria financial practices and circulars as issued from time to time.
  • Facilitating and ensuring that external auditors are availed all necessary documents and information during the nude as detailed in the Financial Agreement.
  • Preparing financial reports and advising programme coordinator on the programme's financial status and trends.
Qualification and Experience.
  • First degree or Higher national Diploma in any numerate discipline. A higher degree wilt be an added advantage.
  • Professional qualification (ACA ANAN, to ACCA) with at least 5 years post qualification experience.
  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in management team of donor funds projects.
  • Strong computer skills, spread-sheets, and other relevant accounting packages
Job Title: State Programme Coordinator (SPC)
Location:
Taraba State
Main Responsibilities
The State programme Coordinator (SPQ is responsible for the coordination of project activities in the state, as well as managing the SPMU office,

Specific duties
  • Head of the secretariat of the state steering committee (SSC)
  • Oversee thn implementation of she programme within the state
  • Supervise the Staff of SPMU office
  • liaise wish other relevant programmes technical departments and she participating local Government Councils to ensure synergy for effective implementation of field activities.
  • Oversee contracting of support staff, consultants, and service providers.
  • Prepare the state annual work plan and budget based on the consolidated commodity cluster action plan and submit to PMU and lFAD for approval.
  • Facilitate regular meeting of Farmer Organizations in the area of production processing and marketing.
  • Coordinate regular monitoring visits and technical support by SFMU experts to farmer Organizations.
Qualification and Experience
  • M.Sc degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or other related disciplines.
  • Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience including at least 3 years in a management position.
  • Good writing skills and computer literacy will be advantage.

Method of Application
Candidates are advised to see the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for details of Responsibilities and Specific duties for these vacancies.
Interested candidates are invited to apply for position of their interests and submit same to:

The Secretary,
Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources
PMB 1080
Jalingo, Taraba State.


Note: Candidates are to attach their resume and submit their applications to the above address.
Screening and interview of candidates will take place on the 26th of August 2014.

Interview Venue
Conference Hall, FADAMA III Office,
Jalingo from 09:00 AM.

Application Deadline 20th August, 2014