Federal Department of Rural Development (FDRD) recruitment, January 2014

Federal Department of Rural Development (FDRD) - The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a credit from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the implementation of Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).

The VCDP will address the constraints along the cassava and rice Value Chains in Anambra, Ebonyi, Benue, Taraba, Niger and Ogun States. The programme comprises three complementary and mutually reinforcing components viz: Agricultural Market Development; Smallholder Productivity Enhancement: and Programme Coordination and Management.

The specific objective of the Programme is to enhance on a sustainable basis, the incomes and food security of poor rural households engaged in production, processing and marketing of rice and cassava in the participating states.

For effective programme take-off, the FMARD is constituting a National Programme Management Unit (NPMU) at the Programme
Headquarters in Abuja. Consequently, part of the proceeds of the VCDP credit will be applied to engage the services of the following

officers at the Programme Headquarters, Abuja.

• National Programme Coordinator(NPC)
• Financial Controller (FC)
• Procurement Officer (PO)
• Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
• Knowledge Management and Communication Advisor (KMC)
• Market and Enterprise Development Advisor
• Agricultural Production Advisor (APA)

These positions are open to serving public officers as well as other interested candidates. Details of the requirements for the positions
areas follows:-



Job Title: National Programme Coordinator (NPC)
Location: Abuja
Responsibilities

• The National Programme Coordinator will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Agricultural Value Chain Programme.
• She/he will also be responsible for managing the team of experts within the NPMU and ensuring their performance and that of the Service providers hired to implement programme activities.
• A key element of the position will be to ensure that the programme achieve its development objectives.

Specific Duties:

• Head the secretariat of the National Programme Steering Committee (NPSC).
• Responsible for the coordination of implementation of the programme among the participating states.
• Provide guidance to the Programme Staff at both the national and state levels.
• Liaise with other relevant Programmes and Technical Departments in the Public sector and Private Sector Consolidate the State Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) and submit to NPSC and IFAD for approval.
• Oversee the contracting of support staff and consultants, particularly Value Chain Service Providers.
• Supervision and coordination of the State Programme Management Unit (SPMU).
• Convene and host periodic meeting with the staff of SPMU.
• Ensure timely delivery of quality reports (AWPB, semi-annual reports, financial statements, audit reports, RIMS data, etc) to FDRD and IFAD.
• Coordinate supervision mission and ensure the implementation of recommendations (supervision and audits).
• Organize impact evaluation, beneficiary assessment, Mid-Term Review and Final Evaluation of the project.

Reporting and Location:

• The position will be in the NPMU office located in Abuja. The NPC will report directly to Director, FDRD, and indirectly to the National Programme Steering Committee (NPSC). As the secretary to the NPSC, the NPC will also report quarterly to the NPSC.

Terms of Appointment:

• Two year contract, subject to renewal for a maximum of 6 years, based on performance.

Qualification and Experience

• Masters or Higher Level University Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics or other relevant discipline
• Minimum of 15 years post-qualification experience, Including at least 10 years in agriculture-related management position of donor funded projects.
• Proven record in the field of project preparation, coordination and supervision of agricultural projects, particularly agricultural Value Chain.
• Good writing skills and computer literacy will be an advantage.

Job Title: Financial Controller (FC)

Location: Abuja

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the National Programme Coordinator, the Programme Financial Controller (FC) will be responsible for overseeing the management and administration of the Programmer's finances.

Specific Duties:

• Ensure the Programme's financial procedures, as detailed in the Programme Implementation and Financial Manuals, are strictly adhered to by all Programme Staff and implementing partners at the national and state levels.
• Facilitate the timely disbursement of Programme funds to the various accounting units.
• Compile Statement of Expenditures (SOEs) for the NPMU and other implementing partners for timely preparation of withdrawal applications.
• Ensure adherence to International Financial Reporting System, as well as Government of Nigeria financial practices and circulars as issued from time to time.
• Maintain sound accounting system that ensures installation of good and complete chart of accounts, and maintain all relevant
  books of accounts that ensures complete recording and reporting of all financial arid non-financial transactions of the Programme at all levels.
• Facilitate and ensure that external auditors are provided with all necessary documents and information during the audit as detailed in the Financing Agreement.
• Prepare consolidated financial reports and statements and advising Programme Coordinator on the Program

Job Title: Procurement Officer (PO)

Location: Abuja

Responsibilities

• The Procurement Officer will be responsible for the management of Programme procurement activities as part of Programme
  Implementation arrangements, in accordance with relevant National and IFAD Procurement Guidelines, building capacities of other Programme Implementing Partners.

Specific Duties:

• Undertake procurement activity as per the draft Procurement Plan which provides the estimated cost s and the basis for the
  procurement methods for each procurement item under the programme.
• Prepare technical specifications for procurement of goods, works and services.
• Prepare bidding documents, tender notices, and invitations for bids.
• Receive, open and evaluate bids, as well as finalize contracts.
• Administer contracts to ensure compliance with the contract conditions, payment terms.
• Maintain all the records relating to procurement.
• Maintain a separate record relating to complaints and their redressal.
• Update periodically the Procurement Plan in agreement with the Programme team to reflect the actual programme implementation needs and improvements in institutional capacity.
• Ensure implementation of agreed procurement arrangements.
• Prepare procurement implementation reports in accordance with reporting requirements of IFAD and the government for both
• the NPMU and consolidated reports for the entire programme.
• Providing guidance and supervision for the state, the beneficiaries and service providers.
• Ensuring that the procurement capacity of state, beneficiaries and service providers is developed.

Terms of Appointment:

• Two year contract, subject to renewal for a maximum of 6 years, based on performance.

Qualification and Experience

• University Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent qualification. Masters degree will bean added advantage
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant post qualification experience in donor supported programmes.
• Strong background and experience in successfully carrying out procurement using similar procedures, methods, specifications
• etc.
• Knowledge (at least 6 years) of internationally accepted 'best practice' systems, the Nigerian Procurement Laws and guidelines and experiences in working with donor funded projects.
• Good writing skills and good computer skills required
• Ability of team spirit, good interpersonal and conflict management skills
• Integrity and confidentiality.
• Interpersonal and time management skills.

Job Title: Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

Location: Abuja

Responsibilities

• The Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (PME) Specialist will have overall responsibility for coordinating and facilitating the planning, M&E activities related to the Programme Implementation.
• The Specialist will ensure that robust systems for PME are established and fully linked to other information and knowledge systems, to enable the Programme to be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances.
• The Specialist will also assess needs and capacity for PME at national level and accordingly design and implement capacity building programmes.
• The Specialist will work closely with relevant NPMU and SPMU staff to ensure a coherent and collaborative approach to
  PME.

Specific Duties:

• Develop the Programme M&E System on the basis of the programme's Logical Frame work taking into account Government
  monitoring frameworks;
• Organize and supervise focused baseline surveys at the beginning of the programme be undertaken by a contracted institution;
• Prepare an M&E Plan, Including the programme's monitoring formats;
• Establish indicators for outputs, outcomes and impact, monitor implementation processes and performance, and assess outputs and outcomes;
• Foster participatory planning and M&E by training and involving stakeholder groups;
• Oversee design of a field-based system for the programme monitoring that incorporates the logical framework approach;
• Presume essential data to be included in quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports;
• Monitor financial and physical progress as well as reporting back to stakeholders to create a better learning environment; undertake project and thematic evaluations;
• Integrate the M&E system into the overall programme coordination and organization function and with other information and
  knowledge systems;
• Ensure capture of intended impact as well as successes and failures: prepare reports and guide staff in preparing their progress reports;
• Organize and oversee annual review and planning workshops and preparation of annual workplans and budgets:
  Inform and join supervision missions by screening and analyzing reports;
• Support advocacy efforts through providing evidence of impact gathered through the M&E system. closely linked to knowledge management activities;
• Undertake any other duties that may be assigned to him/her by the National Programme Coordinator.

Terms of Appointment:

• Two year contract, subject to renewal for a maximum of 6 years, based on performance.

Qualification and Experience

• Masters or Higher Level University Degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics Statistics or other relevant field.
• Proficient in the use of databases and spreadsheets, in the use of statistical and other software packages for both quantitative and qualitative analysis and demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis and data management.
• Experience in analyzing complex programmes or policies.
• A minimum of 10 years experience working in M&E and/or project management in areas such as agriculture, marketing, rural finance - and policy matters.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing successful M&E systems and developing MIS.
• Solid understanding of use of modern information and communication technology (ICT) in development and excellent knowledge of computer-based communication stools, In particular web-based technology.
• Experience in facilitation, in particular of learning processes.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Job Title: Knowledge Management and Communication Advisor

Location: Abuja

Responsibilities

• The Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC) officer will have overall responsibility for coordinating, supporting and facilitating the KMC activities related to the Programme Implementation.
• The Officer will work closely with the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Officer in provide leadership, guidance and capacity building in KMC and PME.
• The Officer will develop and implement the Programme Knowledge Management and Communication Strategy.

Specific Duties:

• Develop and manage the implementation of the KMC strategy.
• Prepare a KMC plan for actions at national, state and local levels.
• Develop and manage relevant databases.
• Develop relevant guidelines for enhancing institutional culture of learning and knowledge-sharing.
• Play a leading rote in external relations, building relations with media personnel, liaison and public relations.
• Guide staff on information collection, processing, and information dissemination methods.
• Foster partnerships and linkages for broader knowledge-sharing and learning with other related initiative, aiming at synergy and alliance building.
• Ensure that innovative experiences, naming and good practices are captured, synthesized, documented and shared continuously within the Programme, within the relevant stakeholders and, with the IFAD Country Programme Team (CPT) and with in-country partners, IFAD and other regional and international partners.
• Put in place systems to facilitate the collection, analysis, documentation and sharing of lessons and good practice.
• In close collaboration with the PME Officer ensure the effective management of the KMC Programme, including quality management, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation; ensure that information systems are integrated.
• Provide technical backstopping and guidance to capacity building activities of the Programme;
• Ensure that the relevant tools and processes are in pace for implementing staff to collect, process/analyse, store and share
  information and knowledge, and ensure relevant staff have the capacity to use them.
• Establish information technology requirements for effective implementation of the IKMC strategy.
• Assess and establish appropriate communication channels to be used for different stakeholders.
• Plan and coordinate alt communication and advocacy campaigns through mass media, newsletters, stakeholders meetings, and other communication channels as appropriate.
• Develop and disseminate information and knowledge products as appropriate.
• Facilitate programme's annual review workshops, impact assessment studies, Mid Term Reviews and completion.
• Assist in developing communication tools to enable monitoring and evaluation of project's activities.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of the programme's IKMC strategy.

Terms of Appointment:

• Two year contract, subject to renewal for a maximum of 6 years, based on performance.

Qualification and Experience

• Higher-level University Degree in afield related to communication, Journalism, or a related discipline. Experience in Agricultural Communication will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in information, knowledge management, and/or development communication, preferably in
• tire agriculture and rural development sector. Experience in extension services an advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in ICT.
• Proven ability in documentation and advocacy; demonstrated capacity to develop and oversee implementation of presentations, communication and reporting skills
• Strong oral and Written communication skills.

Job Title:  Market and Enterprise Development Advisor

Location: Abuja

Responsibilities

• The Market and Enterprise Development Advisor (MEDA) will work in close collaboration with SPMU Business and Market Development Officer (SBMDO), the SPMU Agricultural Processing and Quality Enhancement Officer and the National Authorities.
• Overall, The NMEDA will lead the sub-component designed to increase value addition and improve access to markets by small and medium-scale producers and processors.

Specific Duties:

• Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of VCD measures and activities in supporting policy and regulatory framework for promoting enabling environment for VCD.
• Provide the leadership, technical guidance and supervision for the initiation and execution of support measures, activities and processes for quality control and standardization of processed products under the VCDP.
• Lead and supervise the formulation and implementation of measures and interventions for increasing the access of VC operators to market information and improving market linkages between producers, processors and market operators.
• Develop and supervise the execution of VCDP measures and interventions designed to strengthen the business management capacity of post-harvest VC operators (individuals and organizations) for improved business, organizational and
  corporate performance and sustainability.
• Give technical direction and management leadership in identifying actions and mechanisms for the implementation of the measures and activities in promoting the use of value addition technologies including post-harvest handling, processing, storage and packaging.
• Deal and interact with national and state government agencies in consultative and collaborative activities.
• Select service providers where necessary and formulation of TDRs and scope of work for the service providers.
• Supervise, monitor and certify the work of service providers for the various activities and assignments.
• Provide technical supervision of the Work of States' Business and Market Development Officers and the State Agricultural Processing and Quality Enhancement Officers.
• Provide technical guidance and coordination for the acquisition of agro-processing equipment and technologies under the VCDP Source and use information from various sources for the implementation and coordination of activities and measures for the promotion of value addition and improvement of market access by VC operators: and
• Design capacity building and technical assistance measures and activities iv the areas of policy and regulatory support, value addition, market access, business management, quality control and standardization.

Terms of Appointment:

• Two year contract, subject to renewal for a maximum of 6 years, based on performance.

Qualification and Experience

• Master's Degree in Business Management, Marketing, Agribusiness, or related fields.
• Strong background in business and marketing blended with practical skills and at least 7 years work experience iv issues and
  programmes relating to agricultural commodity marketing, agro processing and agro-industnial development and MSME promotion.
• Good negotiation, inter-personal and relational skills.
• Previous experience in working with government and private sector will be a great advantage.

Job Title: Agricultural Production Advisor (APA)

Location: Abuja

Responsibilities

• The Agricultural Production Advisor will be responsible for the overall management of the activities related In productivity improvement of Smallholder farmers.

Specific Duties:

• Provide guidance to the Agricultural Production/FFS and Rural institutions and Gender Mainstreaming Officers at state level in
  periodic meetings convened by the National Programme Coordinator and during periodic field visits.
• Liaise With other relevant programmes and technical departments in the public sector such as the Federal Fertilizer Department, the National Agricultural Seed Council, the National Root and Tuber Crop Research Institute, the National Cereals Research Center.
• Liaise with any other stakeholder such as IITA, Africa Rice, seed companies, agro-dealers at the Federal level.
• Design and set up the overall distribution scheme of certified seeds/improved cassava cuttings, fertilizers, and herbicides as
  well as of equipment at state and LGA level.
• Manage the procurement procedure of fertilizers, foundation seeds and cassava cuttings, certified seeds and improved cassava cuttings, herbicides and equipment(threshers, power tillers, seed processing plant. sprayers).
• Oversee the contracting of the service provider responsible for implementing the activity pertaining to, promoting and
  disseminating sustainable agricultural practices through the FFS approach.
• Manage the procurement procedure of service providers for FOs' capacity building.
• Consolidate state progress reports and contribute to the drafting of periodic project progress reports of the NPMU.
• Consolidate the state annual work plans and budgets for component2.
• Contribute to the design of TORs of impact evaluation, beneficiary assessment, mid-term review and final evaluation of the project.

Terms of Appointment:

• Two year contract, subject to renewal for a maximum of 6 years, based on performance.

Qualification and Experience

• Masters or Higher Level University Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture and other relevant discrpline.
• Minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience including at least 7 years in implementation of productivity enhancement projects using participatory approaches and gender mainstreaming.
• Proven record in the field of project implementation of productivity enhancement project.
• Good writing skills and computer literacy will be an advantage.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications to:

The Director,
Federal Department of Rural Development
No. 30 127, Algiers Street,
Beside PDP National Secretariat,
Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, FCT.

Note: 

• This position is open to serving public officers as well as other interested candidates.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All applications must bear the positions applied for, on the top right hand side of the envelopes.

Application Deadline 18th February, 2014.