FMAFS is hiring a National Programme Coordinator for the IFAD/AFD-funded Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
In Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is responsible for the creation and implementation of policies and programs. Our mission is to provide adequate food for a growing population, provide adequate supply of raw materials to an expanding industrial sector, expand the market for crop, livestock, agro and agro-allied products, create employment opportunities on a continuous basis and diversify the economy widely for national development.
The Ministry provides the sector with resources for the implementation of various initiatives and programs, supplemented by support and funding from donor partners.
About the Programme
The Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Program is a flagship program of the Federal Government of Nigeria being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in partnership with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and French Development Agency (AFD).
States Participated: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano.
Program Objective: To enhance the income, food security and resilience of smallholder farmers and other value chain actors in Northern Nigeria through competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains, with special attention to women, youth and vulnerable populations.
Program Duration: Till 31st March 2034 (financial closure: 30th September 2034).
Position Overview
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects (FD-DPP) of FMAFS, the National Programme Coordinator will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the VCN Programme. She/he will manage the team of specialists within the NPCO and ensure their performance, as well as that of service providers hired to implement programme activities.
A key element of the position will be to ensure that the programme achieves its development objectives across all nine (9) participating states.
Key Responsibilities
Early Implementation Tasks:
- Oversee the establishment of the NPCO and the recruitment and deployment of NPCO staff
- Oversee the establishment and functioning of State Programme Coordination Offices (SPCOs)
- Facilitate the formation of the Programme Steering Committee (PSC)
Programme Management:
- Head the secretariat of the National Steering Committee (NSC)
- Coordinate the implementation of VCN among the participating states
- Provide guidance to programme staff at both national and state levels
- Consolidate states’ Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) and submit for approval
- Oversee the contracting of support staff, consultants, and service providers
- Convene and host periodic meetings with NPCO staff and key SPIU staff
- Ensure timely delivery of quality reports (AWPB, semi-annual reports, financial statements, audit reports, M&E reports)
- Coordinate supervision missions and ensure implementation of recommendations
- Organize impact evaluation, beneficiary assessment, Mid-Term Review, and Final Evaluation
Financial & Contract Management:
- Check monthly Programme financial reports for accuracy and appropriateness
- Take full responsibility for procurement of goods and services
- Approve contracts for all transactions after obtaining necessary no-objections
- Ensure the Programme is annually audited by the Internal Audit Unit of FMAFS and an approved External Auditor
Personnel Management:
- Regularly appraise staff and provide feedback and support
- Manage recruitment, performance, and team development
Government Liaison & External Relations:
- Establish and maintain good working relations with relevant government ministries
- Promote collaboration with IFAD, AFD, and other Development Partners
- Coordinate activities of Implementing Partners (IPs), NGOs, and Technical Service Providers (TSPs)
Required Qualifications and Experience
Academic Education:
- At least a Master’s or higher-level University Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or other relevant discipline.
Professional Certification:
- Active membership in a recognized professional project management, management, or agricultural body (PMP, CMI, NIM, NIPM, CIPM, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
Professional Experience:
- Minimum Ten (10) years relevant working experience, of which seven (7) years experience is in project management or agriculture-related management positions of internationally funded agricultural development projects, preferably with IFAD, World Bank, AfDB, or similar multilateral development organizations.
- Experience in Government and IFAD/AFD policies and procedures, including agriculture, nutrition, gender, climate change and environment, and general programme finance and administration.
- Proven record in project preparation, coordination and supervision of agricultural projects, particularly agricultural Value Chains.
- High managerial experience and knowledge of strategic planning approaches.
- Staff management experience including recruitment, appraisals, and managing performance.
- Strong partnership-building skills from both the private and the public sector.
- Strong analytical and market-oriented skills.
- Computer Literacy: Proficiency in Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Email Clients (Microsoft Outlook), Video Conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and Web Applications.
Personal Competencies:
- Strong management skills with ability to provide strategic direction and technical supervision
- Results-driven leadership in time-constrained environments
- Proactive problem-solving orientation
- Excellent communication skills
- Integrity and independence with commitment to fiduciary standards
- Team builder with capacity to mentor staff and foster accountability
- Excellent coordination and negotiation skills
- Language Skills: Fluency in written and spoken English and local Northern Nigerian languages.
Terms and Conditions
- Contract Duration: Two-year staff contract with annual evaluation of performance, renewable depending on satisfactory performance.
- Travel: Regular travel to State PCOs in all nine participating states. Occasional travel for IFAD/AFD missions and training.
- Undertaking: This is a full-time position. The Project Coordinator must not be engaged in any other on-going assignment in Nigeria or elsewhere at the time the employment contract comes into force. Non-compliance would lead to cancellation of the contract. Falsifying personal data will also lead to disqualification.
- Reporting: Located in Abuja, FCT, reporting directly to the Director, FDDPP of FMAFS.
- 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 detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- An application letter with a cover letter suited for the position
The sealed envelope should be addressed and delivered to:
The Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of Agriculture 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.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.