ICT4D Specialist (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme)

Background
The Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD). The overall development objective of VCN is to increase incomes, food security, and resilience of smallholder farmers and other value chain actors in Northern Nigeria through competitive, climate‑resilient, and inclusive agricultural value chains. Specifically, the Programme aims to transform priority agricultural value chains in Northern Nigeria to drive food security, employment, and inclusive economic growth, with a strong focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

The Programme is financed through multiple financing sources, including IFAD and AFD loans and will run until 31 March 2034 (financial closure: 30 September 2034). Implementation of the programme will be based on a decentralised approach through federal and state programme implementation units under the coordination of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects (FD‑DPP). The National Programme Coordinating Office (NPCO) will be based in Abuja, and the State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU) in each participating state. The participating states are: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano.

The NPMU will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including: National Programme Coordinator, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Agricultural Production and Rural Infrastructure Specialists, Rural Institutions Development Specialist, Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist, Food & Nutrition Specialist, ICT4D Support Specialist, Gender & Social Inclusion and GALS Specialists, Climate & Environment Specialist, Financial Controller, Accountant, Finance Officer, Senior Internal Auditor, Procurement Specialist and Officers, and National administrative and HR support staff. State Programme Implementation Unit will mirror these functions (with a few exceptions) at the state level, ensuring strong fiduciary oversight, timely reporting from SPIU, and harmonized accounting procedures resulting in an effective last‑mile delivery.

Governance and accountability will be anchored in a National Steering Committee, supported by technical committees as required, to provide policy guidance, ensure alignment with national priorities, and resolve strategic bottlenecks. The implementation of the project will include high-risk operating environments, hence project staff/specialists at both National and State levels must possess the skills and expertise to work in fragile areas, demonstrating a high level of sensitivity to conflict and crisis situations.

Additionally, prior experience of project staff/specialist in remote project monitoring and implementation using dedicated tools to effectively track project activities would be crucial.

Position Overview

• Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Coordinator (NPC), the Agriculture Digital Solutions Specialist will lead the adaptation, implementation, coordination and scaling of digital innovations to enhance smallholder productivity, market integration, climate resilience and nutrition-sensitive service delivery within the Value Chain Northern (VCN) programme.
• The Specialist will design, deploy and manage digital and technological solutions that support effective programme implementation and strengthen linkages among farmers, extension systems, markets, service providers and public institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft a digitalisation implementation strategy, drawing on the Programme Implementation Manual (PIM), relevant VCN studies, complementary studies, GCA studies and the Digital Innovation Action Plan
• Lead the implementation of key agrifood systems digital solutions, including digital advisory and extension services, Digital Climate Information Services (DCIS), digital nutrition information services, Agricultural Market Information Services (AMIS), Digital Financial Services (DFS), e-market platforms and e-voucher systems.
• Lead the operationalisation of advanced data, analytics and AgTech solutions, including farmer registries, databases, GIS, remote sensing, satellite imagery and geospatial analysis to monitor crop health, yield forecasts and land-use changes.
• Promote AI-enabled solutions, including computer-vision applications for pest and disease diagnosis, predictive analytics and other tools that improve decision-making and service delivery.
• Provide technical guidance to service providers and programme teams on the deployment and integration of digital extension advisory services, bundled digital services, AMIS, DFS and e-voucher systems, in liaison with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS).
• Prepare a digitalisation implementation strategy, drawing on the Programme Implementation Manual (PIM), relevant VCN studies, complementary studies, GCA studies and the Digital Innovation Action Plan.
• Support the development of digital support systems for transmission to relevant departments of the ministry, extension services, private sector actors and business partners.
• Review technical documents, including terms of reference, technical bids and proposals, to ensure the consistent mainstreaming of digitalisation across programme activities.
• Produce technical documentation and conduct training for project staff, extension agents, farmers and other stakeholders on the effective use and maintenance of digital and communication technologies supported under VCN.
• Support the development, coordination and dissemination of lessons learned on the implementation and scaling of digital solutions.
• Evaluate emerging digital innovations and assess local technological needs and opportunities to continuously enhance the programme strategy, operational efficiency and development impact.
• Ensure that digital technologies are well integrated and contribute to the effectiveness of project activities, monitoring, reporting and knowledge management.
• Coordinate agriculture digitalisation working groups to foster collaboration, interoperability, knowledge exchange and operational synergies.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the NPC.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Academic Education:

• At least a Master’s or higher-level university degree in information technology and management, computer science, ICTs in agriculture, agricultural engineering, data science, agriculture, or other relevant disciplines.
• Proven track record in assessing, designing, or implementing digital agriculture solutions in low- and middle-income countries.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and geospatial analytics, and their application in agriculture.
• Familiarity with agriculture policy frameworks, rural development strategies and digital governance issues.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder partnerships and working in multicultural environments

Professional Certification:

• Professional certification such as MCITP Enterprise Administrator, VMware Certified Professional (VCP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Novell Administrator or a related certification is an added advantage.
• Active membership in a recognised professional computing body, such as the Chartered Institute for IT, Nigeria Computer Society, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPN) or equivalent, is also desirable.

Professional Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, including at least seven (7) years in a similar role involving the design and implementation of digital solutions and platforms for agricultural development programmes, preferably funded by IFAD, the World Bank, AfDB, AFD or similar multilateral development organisations.
• Experience in training, capacity building and user support for digital systems.
• Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements and partnerships with public institutions, private sector actors, technology providers, development partners and farmer-facing organisations.
• Strong project management skills and basic knowledge of monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Personal Competencies:

• Advanced competencies in ICT systems and digital solutions that support agricultural value chain development.
• Strong understanding of digital governance, data management, interoperability, policy and regulatory frameworks applicable in Nigeria.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, including AI, IoT and geospatial analytics, and their practical application in agriculture.
• Knowledge of agriculture and food systems policies, strategies and institutional arrangements.
• Project management, coordination and basic M&E skills.
• Excellent computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications, email clients, video-conferencing platforms and web-based applications.
• Strong communication, analytical, problem-solving and results-oriented skills.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Experience collaborating with private sector actors, mobile network operators, technology providers and digital financial service providers is an advantage.
• Working experience with IFAD, World Bank, AFD, AfDB or other development partner-funded projects is an advantage.

Terms and Conditions

• Contract Duration: The duration of the assignment will be a two-year staff contract with annual evaluation of performance in line with the respective job description in accordance with the recommendation of the FMAFS, and renewable depending on satisfactory performance.
• Travels: Regular travel to State PCOs in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Occasional travel for IFAD / AFD missions and training.

Reporting and Location

• Located in Abuja, the FCT, and will report directly to the National Programme Coordinator.

Remuneration

• Competitive package commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with FGN/IFAD/AFD salary scales for nationally recruited project staff.

Application Closing Date
6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon.

How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) applications in ten (10) copies, including one original and nine (9) photocopies, properly sealed and clearly marked at the top right-hand cover "EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT UNDER THE FGN/IFAD/AFD-VCN PROJECT."

Each envelope should include a CV and an application letter with a cover letter suited for the position being applied for.

The sealed envelope should be addressed and delivered to:
The Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security,
c/o Director, Federal Department of Development Partners Projects,
Fadama House, No. 1, Eldoret Close, Off Aminu Kano Crescent,
Wuse II – Abuja.

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