Rural Institutions Development 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

• The Project Administrative Specialist will oversee the administrative support to the VCN project and also facilitate the planning and implementation of the personnel management requirements of the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the administrative support to SPIUs;
• Facilitate the preparation of the project’s administrative procedure manual;

Facilitate staff discipline and welfare in consultation with the NPC;

• Set up an employee database and prepare other reports stipulated in the Manual.
• Initiate recruitment procedures for both local staff and consultants and raises contracts.
• In consultation with the NPC, manage performance evaluation, reward, training and leave of staff.
• Advise the NPC in all areas of administration as well as participate in administrative planning in consultation with management staff to support project activities.
• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the office building, project vehicles, furniture, and equipment, and other assets of the project.

Maintain project assets register;

• Resolve staff complaints and harassment in consultation with the NPC
• Arrange for a general meeting of project staff to be chaired by NPC regularly;
• Facilitate the finalization of the draft Project Administrative Manual.
• Set up the administrative system as provided in the Project Administrative Manual.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Academic Education:

• At least a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Human Resource Management, and other related disciplines in Humanities.

Professional Certification:

• A member of a recognized professional body for management and/or human resources professionals, such as the Chartered Management Institute, is an added advantage.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years post-qualification relevant professional experience, including five (5) years in a similar role managing/supporting administration and HR-related activities of internationally funded agricultural development projects, preferably with IFAD, World Bank, AfDB, or similar multilateral development organizations.
• Computer Literacy: Possesses very good computer literacy in Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Email Clients (Microsoft Outlook), Video Conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and Web Applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and management skills.

Personal Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills and ease in interpersonal relationships;
• Reliable and responsible personality and capacity to work under demanding professional circumstances and in an international environment;
• Excellent coordination and negotiation skills;
• Excellent planning, organizing and recordkeeping skills;
• Good team player while being independent and able to work autonomously.
• Results-driven leadership: Ability to drive results in a time-constrained environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Integrity and independence: Commitment to fiduciary standards with the ability to maintain professional independence.

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.

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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