West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) recruitment, November 2014

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The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) is a World Bank assisted Programme for member-countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), designed to make agriculture more productive and sustainable and also to enhance sub-regional integration.
In Nigeria, WAAPP works towards achieving its objective of increasing agricultural productivity while promoting sub-regional integration along the value chains of its targeted commodities (aquaculture, cassava, maize; rice, sorghum, yam, poultry and fruit processing); while assisting in the realization of the Nation's Agricultural Transformation Agenda, this it does via four (4) components, which are:

• Enabling conditions for sub-regional cooperation in technology generation, dissemination and adoption;
• National Centre of Specialization and Excellence in Aquaculture;
• Funding of demand-driven technology generation and adoption;
• Project coordination, management, monitoring and evaluation.

WAAPP is coordinated at the sub-regional level by the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD). In Nigeria WAAPP is implemented by Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMA&RD) through a Project Coordination Office (PCO). WAAPP-Nigeria became effective in January 2012 and the first phase will close in 2016. The Project requires the services of exceptional and highly motivated professionals to fill the vacant position:

Job Title: Socio-Economic Analyst

Location: Abuja

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator, and working in collaboration with other members of the Technical Team, the incumbent will contribute technical expertise to the Project's operational activities, especially relating to the planning, implementation and evaluation of socioeconomic analysis of the Project. The major duties and responsibilities will include;

• Lead in the preparation, processing and presentation of Terms of Reference (TOR) for various socioeconomic studies on Project interventions;
• Contribute technical inputs in the preparation of the Project’s national strategies, and portfolio reviews, baseline studies, quarterly and annual analytical reports, and technical monographs on the Project;
• Lead a team approach in planning and implementation of collection/analysis of Project data, and preparation of various technical reports as will be required;
• Lead in planning, conducting and presenting analyses of the Project's socioeconomic outputs, outcomes and impact on the intended beneficiaries of the Project;
• Preparation of periodic progress reports as may be required by the Project's management or Advisory Board;
• Maintain analytical macro and micro data pools on each of the Project's priority commodity chains (including rice, maize, sorghum, poultrç cassava, yam, horticulture and aquaculture), and be capable of providing these promptly when required by the Project’s management;
• Analyze situations and provide expert advice to the National Project Coordinator on appropriate priorities and levels of investments to deliver the Projects specific mandates;
• Plan and organize appropriate training on socioeconomic data collection and analyses, as part of capacity building of Project partners to achieve Project objectives;
• Serve as a technical specialist on socioeconomic aspects, working within a multi-disciplinary team approach to identify, prepare, appraise, launch, monitor, follow-up, supervise, and complete all missions that contribute to the delivery of the Project’s mandates;
• Work with partner national agricultural research institutes (NARIs) and other partner organizations on executing the mandates of the Project;
• Represent the National Project Coordinator, whenever delegated, at meetings with partner agencies within and outside Nigeria;
• Perform other duties assigned by the National Project Coordinator

Preferred qualifications
Candidates for the Socio-Economic Analyst position should possess:

• Nigerian citizenship;
• A doctorate in economics, agricultural economics or development economics, plus at least 7 years of relevant experience in a major donor-funded agricultural or economic development programme or project;
• A general familiarity with issues in Nigerian agriculture, with specific knowledge of the following agricultural commodity value chains: Aquaculture, Cassava, Yam, Sorghum, Maize, Mice and Poultry.
• Previous experience working in multi-lateral, financial institutions or similar large organisations, and performing such roles as project preparing, appraising, supervising or implementing donor funded projects;
• A broad knowledge of all agriculture sub- sectors, and with specific experience in implementation and management of donor funded projects in an African setting;
• Full understanding of the principles of project cycle and project implementation;
• Proven planning and organizational skills. Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations;
• Strong knowledge of social, cultural, gender and other development issues related to aquaculture in Nigeria;
• Ability to interact competently with the staff of Project partner-organizations, government and donor agencies to implement the Project;
• Competence in the application of various software (Word, Excel, Access, MS Projects, SPSS or other statistical packages, and PowerPoint);
• Ability to communicate and write effectively in English. A good working knowledge of French will be an advantage

Job Title: Procurement Specialist

Location: Abuja

Duties and Responsibilities
The Procurement Specialist position reports to the National Project Coordinator, and shall be responsible for

• Overall procurement planning and implementation, to ensure timely provision of resources and services for efficient implementation of the project in accordance with the schedule;
• Interactions with suppliers on a daily basis to resolve transactional issues and gather critical information invoices, tracking info, tax docs. etc.
• Appropriate supplier selection/bidding processes for selected purchase requests, and supplier and contract pricing validation for all purchase requests under category management responsibility.
• Managing projects to improve procurement processes.
• Responsible for supplier communication to resolve transactional issues.
• Resolving invoice price and terms discrepancies to enable order processing.

Preferred qualifications
Candidates for Procurement Specialist position should possess:

• Nigerian citizenship;
• MBA or a degree in Procurement, the Social Sciences or a degree in Law;
• Evidence of previous training in World Bank Procurement Procedures;
• Evidence of previous experience in Procurement practice in a World Bank funded project, preferably in the position of Head of Procurement Unit;
• Strong familiarity with World Bank Guidelines and IDA Procurement procedures;
• Knowledge of supply chain management
• Buyer experience in a computerized environment.
• Past use of an order management system. Experience in online purchasing.
• Ability to communicate and write effectively in English.

Job Title: Project Crop Specialist

Location: Abuja
Slot: 2

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator, and working in collaboration with other members of the Technical Team, the incumbent will contribute technical expertise to the Project’s operational activities, especially relating to the planning, implementation and evaluation of appropriate agronomic interventions in all the priority commodities of the Project. The major duties and responsibilities will include:

• Planning and carrying out agronomic field operations to achieve the mandates of the Project;
• Contribute technical inputs in the preparation of the Project’s national strategy documents, and portfolio reviews, baseline studies, quarterly and annual analytical reports, and technical monographs on the Project;
• Lead a team approach in planning and implementation of Project activities to provide appropriate technical/agronomic assistance that enable the participating farmers to increase their farm productivity;
• Recommending and promoting the appropriate application of germplasm in roots and tuber crop (Cassava and Yam) in target environments.
• Designing, planning, testing and disseminating integrated crop, soil and pest management strategies for the Project’s priority crop systems that address farmers’ needs along different intensification levels within the Project;
• Providing technical assistance to the Project’ partner-farmers to enable them apply appropriate agronomic practices;
• Serve as a technical specialist on agronomic activities, working within a multi-disciplinary team approach to identify, prepare, appraise, launch, monitor, follow-up, supervise, and complete all missions that contribute to the delivery of the Project’s mandates;
• Work with partner national agricultural research institutes (NARIs), universities and other partner organizations on executing the mandates of the Project;
• Represent the National Project Coordinator, whenever delegated, at meetings with partner agencies within and outside Nigeria;
• Perform other duties assigned by the National Project Coordinator.

Preferred qualifications
Candidates for the Crop Specialist position should possess:

• Nigerian citizenship;
• A doctorate in any area of Crop Science, plus at least 7 years of professional experience in a relevant position in major donor-funded agricultural or economic development programme or project; the candidate should have a versatile knowledge of, and practical experience in, the following commodity value chains: Aquaculture, Cassava, Yam, Sorghum, Maize, Mice and Poultry.
• Evidence of previous relevant experience in a donor-funded aquaculture value chain development project;
• Previous experience working in multi-lateral, financial institutions or similar large organisations, and performing such roles as project preparing, appraising, supervising or implementing donor funded projects;
• A broad knowledge of all agriculture sub- sectors, and with specific experience in implementation and management of donor funded projects in an African setting;
• Full understanding of the principles of project cycle and project implementation;
• Proven planning and organizational skills Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations;
• Strong knowledge of social, cultural, gender and other development issues related to aquaculture in Nigeria;
• Ability to interact competently with the staff of Project partner-organizations, government and donor agencies to implement the Project; Competence in the application of various software (Word, Excel, Access, MS Projects, SPSS or other statistical packages, and PowerPoint);
• Ability to communicate and write effectively in English. A good working knowledge of French will be an advantage;

Job Title: Aquaculture Specialist

Location: Abuja

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator, the Aquaculture Specialist shall contribute technical expertise to the Project’s operational activities, especially relating to the aquaculture interventions of the Project. The major duties and responsibilities will include:
• Undertaking analytical work in all aspects of aquaculture, including research, hatchery, production, processing, storage and marketing;
• Work with the Agricultural Engineer to recommend effective and appropriate technologies and infrastructure to enhance the productivity of project partners;
• Work with the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) in pursuing the development of appropriate policies and criteria to check quackery and promote certification of various fish farming activities nationwide;
• Analyze situations and provide expert advice to the National Project Coordinator on appropriate priorities and levels of investments to deliver the Project’s specific mandates on Aquaculture;
• Work with partner national agricultural research institutes (NARIs) and other partner organizations on executing the mandates of the Project;
• Contributing to the preparation of the Project’s Annual Plans and budgets, with particular reference to aquaculture aspects of the Project;
• Actively participate n the programming, arranging and execution of field implementation of Project’s plans, including the installation, operational training and maintenance of aquaculture technologies;
• Provide inputs in the review of tender evaluation reports and undertake the evaluation of technical and financial proposals for contracts relating to project implementation;
• Plan and organize appropriate training for the Project partners in relating to all aspects of aquaculture to achieve Project objectives; Serve as a technical specialist on aquaculture activities, working within a multi-disciplinary team approach to identify, prepare, appraise, launch, monitor, follow- up, supervise, and complete all missions that contribute to the delivery of the Project’s mandates;
• Work closely with- other senior staff of the Project to ensure compliance with Environmental guidelines and regulations of the Project;
• Provide expert advice and guidance to officials Project on matters relating to aquaculture;
• Perform other duties assigned by the National Project Coordinator and the management.

Preferred qualifications
Candidates for the Aquaculture Specialist position should possess:

• Nigerian citizenship;
• An MSc or PhD in Fisheries or Aquaculture, plus at least 5 years of professional experience in a relevant position within a commercial operation or a major donor- funded agricultural development programme or project;
• Evidence of previous relevant experience in a donor-funded aquaculture value chain development project;
• Previous experience working in multi-lateral, financial institutions or similar large organisations, and performing such roles as project preparing, appraising, supervising or implementing donor funded projects;
• A broad knowledge of all agriculture sub- sectors, and with specific experience in implementation and management of donor funded projects in an African setting;
• Full understanding of the principles of project cycle and project implementation;
• Proven planning and organizational skills. Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations;
• Strong knowledge of social, cultural, gender and other development issues related to aquaculture in Nigeria;
• Ability to interact competently with the staff of Project partner-organizations, government and donor agencies to implement the Project;
• Competence in the application of various software (Word, Excel, Access, MS Projects, SPSS and PowerPoint);
• Ability to communicate and write effectively in English. A good working knowledge of French will be an advantage.

Job Title: Agricultural Engineer

Location: Abuja

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator, the Agricultural Engineer shall contribute technical expertise to the Project’s operational activities relating to agriculture and agro-industry development in Nigeria. The major duties and responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking analytical work in the relevant agriculture production, processing, storage and marketing infrastructure development needs, with a view to determining the level of priority investments to deliver the Project’s specific mandates;
• Contributing to the preparation of the Project’s Annual Plans and budgets, with particular reference to agriculture technology and rural infrastructure aspects of the Project;
• Actively participate in the programming, arranging and execution of field implementation of Project’s plans, including the installation, operational training and maintenance of the technologies;
• Provide inputs in the review of tender evaluation reports and undertake the evaluation of technical and financial proposals for contracts relating o project implementation;
• Plan and organize appropriate training for the Project partners in relating to all aspects of agricultural technology, to achieve Project objectives;
• Serve as a technical specialist on agricultural technology and rural infrastructure matters, and work in a multi-disciplinary team approach to identify, prepare, appraise, launch, monitor, follow-up, supervise, and complete all missions that contribute to the delivery of the Project’s mandates;
• Work closely with other senior staff of the Project to ensure Environmental compliance of all agricultural technologies deployed and installed by the Project;
• Provide expert advice and guidance to officials Project on matters relating to agricultural technology and rural infrastructure.
• Perform other duties assigned by the National Project Coordinator and the management.

Preferred qualifications
Candidates for the Agricultural Engineer position should possess:

• Nigerian citizenship;
• A higher degree or its professional equivalent in Agricultural Engineering, plus at least 7 years of professional experience in a relevant position within an Agricultural Development Programme or Project; the candidate should have a versatile knowledge of, and practical experience in, the following commodity value chains: Aquaculture, Cassava, Yam, Sorghum, Maize, Mice and Poultry.
• Evidence of previous relevant experience in a donor-funded Agricultural Development Project;
• Previous experience working in multi-lateral, financial institutions or similar large organisations, and performing such roles as project preparing, appraising, supervising or implementing donor funded projects;
• A broad knowledge of all agriculture sub- sectors, and with specific experience in implementation and management of donor funded projects in an African setting;
• Full understanding of the principles of project cycle and project implementation;
• Proven planning and organizational skills. Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations;
• Strong knowledge of social, cultural, gender and other development issues related to agricultural technology and rural infrastructure;
• Ability to interact competently with the staff of Project partner-organizations, Government and Donor Agencies to implement the Project;
• Corrpetence in the use of COSTAB and other useful software (Word, Excel, Access, MS Projects, SPSS and PowerPoint);
• Ability to communicate and write effectively in English. A good working knowledge of French will be an advantage.

Duration of Employment Contract
Duration of the employment contract will be 2 (Two) years for all positions (renewable, but based upon the incumbent’s performance and if the relevant project activities are continuing)

Remuneration  Package will be commensurate with professional experience and qualifications

Method of Application
Interested candidates should forward Ten hard copies of application letters together with ten copies of the their credentials to:

The Office of the National Project Coordinator,
WAAPP-Nigeria,
Project Coordination Office (PCO),
No. 2, Franca Afegbua Crescent,
Off Samuel Jereton Mariere Road,
Apo, Abuja.

Application Deadline 13th November, 2014

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