Finance Officer (FO) - 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

• The Finance Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Finance Controller, in close collaboration with the Accountant at NPCO Management Officer, to oversee the establishment and proper maintenance of the finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to the finance function, including payment processing, verification of supporting documents, filing and archiving, expenditure tracking, and data entry in the accounting system.
• Support bank reconciliations, follow-up on advances, and collection of documentation from implementing units under the guidance of the Accountant and Financial Controller.
• Support preparation of routine financial information without approving disbursements, signing off donor reports, managing external audits, or conducting independent internal control reviews.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, expenditure tracking, and preparation of routine financial information under the guidance of the Accountant and Financial Controller.
• Process payment documentation and support fund disbursement procedures in line with approved budgets, donor requirements, and established authorization processes.
• Prepare supporting schedules, reconciliations, and draft financial data for review by the Accountant and Financial Controller.
• Ensure compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) cash basis, applicable Government of Nigeria requirements, IFAD/AFD reporting requirements, and relevant project financial procedures.
• Work closely with project staff to ensure proper documentation and justification of all project expenditures.
• Support the implementation of internal control procedures by checking the completeness of supporting documents and escalating exceptions to the Accountant or Financial Controller.
• Support document filing, scanning, and electronic archiving of payment and accounting records, and assist in maintaining supplier, contract, fixed asset, advance, and reconciliation files to ensure that transactions can be traced from approval and procurement through payment, accounting entry, and delivery evidence.
• Before processing payment documentation or supporting expenditure recording, verify that the required supporting documents are complete and that there is adequate evidence that the related goods, works, or services were delivered to, received by, or used for the intended beneficiaries or implementing units.
• Assist with financial data analysis and provide supporting documentation requested for external audit, under the coordination of the Financial Controller.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial management systems and procedures.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Academic Education:

• At least a master’s or higher-level university degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field is required;

Professional Certification:

• Membership of a professional body of accountants or chartered accountants such as ACCA, CPA, ANAN, ICAN etc

Professional Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant post-qualification working experience, of which 3 years must be in a similar position in a reputable organization. (essential).
• Practical working experience with the Government of Nigeria and donor-funded projects (IFAD, AFD, World Bank), (essential).
• Proven experience in managing project budgets, financial reporting, and donor compliance.
• Strong understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) cash basis, applicable Government of Nigeria requirements, and IFAD/AFD reporting requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse team.
• Fluency in English and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Skills:

• Presentation of financial and non-financial information
• Inspiring confidence and developing highly effective relationships with finance and non-finance colleagues within Project, Cooperating Institutions, and implementing partners.
• Computer skills, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• Very strong technical skills in accounting.

Terms and Conditions

• C ontract 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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