Full-Time IFDC Nigeria Recruits National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II 2012

Job Description

Tracking Code

20120053

Job Description

IFDC Nigeria facilitates agricultural projects throughout Nigeria, aiming to contribute to a sustainable increase of farmers’ income by facilitating Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). IFDC is recruiting a qualified National Agro Input Coordinator for the MARKETS II project in Nigeria. USAID MARKETS II facilitates several value chain activities throughout Nigeria where farmer participants are in need of high-quality inputs to enable them to produce high-quality outputs. The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria will assist in the facilitation of IFDC’s activities under USAID MARKETS II. S/he will need to liaise with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the agro-input component of MARKETS II is enabling the projects multiple activities. We envision this to be a full-time position under USAID MARKETS II and requires a person with complex project management experience under challenging circumstances and who will work closely with leaders of USAID MARKETS II value chains, private sector agro input companies, federal and state government agencies. The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria works in partnership with private sector agro input producers and suppliers to identify and address issues that constrain agricultural productivity (e.g. quality, pricing, timing, logistics, transportation, financing, etc.) in Nigeria. S/he supervises and coordinates the activities of several components of USAID MARKETS II agro-input development, including liaising with GES related activities throughout Nigeria.

Candidates should have a working knowledge of Nigeria and tropical agriculture with strong planning and organizational skills. The candidate must be flexible and be able to adapt to a fast paced environment with the ability to manage multiple teams; have the ability to coordinate activities and handle complex logistics within the project as well as harmonizing activities with other IFDC projects in Nigeria. The candidate will work closely with leaders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, private sector agribusinesses, federal and state government agencies, and farmers. This position will be posted in Abuja for a period of 3-5 years.

Specific Duties
The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria will work in partnership with private sector agribusinesses (input producers, suppliers, agro-dealers, and processors) to identify and resolve factors that constrain agricultural productivity (e.g. quality, pricing, timing, logistics, transportation, financing, etc.) in Nigeria.

The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria is responsible for the elaboration and implementation of the project’s work plans. The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria maintains relations with national and state government agencies and relevant national and international organizations. The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria manages the project team and directly supervises the technical support team comprised of national and international experts. The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria responsibilities further include facilitation of good relations with contractors and donors, visitors and the press.

Required Skills

Technical support

Creating and supporting a strong, creative, innovative and productive technical support team that will lead to significant ground-breaking results in the areas of input supply and agricultural value chains. The National Agro Input Coordinator – MARKETS II Nigeria (i) oversees the clear distribution of roles and responsibilities and assure timely terms of reference and proper follow up on missions planned; (ii)oversees work planning, monitoring and reporting, including quarterly and annual work plans and budgets, budget and activity tracking, approval of specific expenses, quarterly and annual reports; (iii) identifies and addresses in a timely fashion challenges and opportunities at implementation and staffing levels; (iv) is responsible for staff appraisal and performance monitoring, including the development of individual and collective development and training plans.

External network

Link the project with relevant national and international network of contacts. Specific responsibilities include: (i) liaise with actors in the respective areas of overlap to stimulate greater efficiency of activities; (ii) assure good linkages with national and international counterparts and partners (governmental, non-governmental and private sector); (iii) maintain frequent contacts with the contractor and other donors.

Project finances and administration

Effectively allocate and account for funds in accordance with the contract signed with the contractor. Activities include: (i) work with technical team on budget planning and monitoring and if necessary in budget re-allocation; (ii) assure proper application of all financial and administrative rules (audit proofing); (iii) work with finance and administration staff in timely liquidity planning for the project.

Required Experience

At least a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to agriculture and/or agricultural economics; advanced degree (Master’s, Doctorate, etc.) desired.
At least 7-10 years of responsibility in international development, including experience with USAID (and experience working in Africa).
Project and/or Team Leader experience in managing complex projects (multi-country, multiple partners).
Proven ability to work with complex budgets, including budgets in various currencies.
Excellent English language skills both in written and spoken forms.
Knowledge of issues pertaining to agricultural input supply.
Knowledge of output markets and value chains.
Private sector agribusiness experience valuable.
Good team worker, inspirational supervisor and excellent leader.
Willing and able to think out of the box when it comes to agricultural and market innovation.
Mature and responsible person able to representative IFDC at all levels.
Committed and results oriented.
Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, think tanks and universities, and the private sector.

Closing Date for Application

Open until a suitable candidate is identified.

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