National Programme Coordinator (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme) at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)

The Federal Ministry of  Agriculture and Food Security is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies in the Nigeria’s  agricultural sector, to sufficiently provide food for an increasing population, adequate supply of raw materials to a growing industrial sector, effectively expand the market for crop, livestock, agro and agro-allied products, continually create employment opportunities, and to widely diversify the economy, for national development.

The Ministry provides resources to the sector for the implementation of various  projects and programmes. The efforts is complemented with the support and funding from donor partners in the implementation of various agricultural projects and programmes in the country.

Applications are invited from suitable candidates to fill the position below for the National Programme Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme:

Job Title: National Programme Coordinator (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme)

Location: Wuse 2, Abuja (VCN National Programme Coordination Office (NPCO))
Job Type: Contract
Reports to: Directly to the Director, FDDPP of FMAFS
Participating States: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano.

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

• Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects (FD-DPP) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the NPC will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the VCN.
• She/he will also be responsible for managing the team of specialists within the NPCO and ensuring their performance, as well as that of the service providers hired to implement programme activities.
• A key element of the position will be to ensure that the programme achieves its development objectives.
• The National Programme Coordinator will have responsibilities for activities of the nine (9) State Programme Offices. Coordinators of each of the state offices will report directly to the National Coordinator and will also be involved in the activities of the States as appropriate.

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), the recruitment of staff for as well as the establishment of their offices and equipping with initial essential equipment
• Facilitate the formation of the Programme Steering Committee (PSC).
• Serve as leader of the programme  management team in order to achieve the following responsibilities:
  • Programme Implementation Coordination
  • Financial/Asset  Management
  • Contract Management
  • Personnel Management
  • Government Liaison/External Relations; and
  • Knowledge Management and Policy Development.
• Ensure the M&E system for the Programme is developed and implemented in a timely manner that represents the needs of key stakeholders.
• Lead the completion and regular reviews of the Programme Implementation Manual (PIM), and other guidelines;
• Guide the establishment of administrative, accounting and programme-outcome and M&E systems;
• In collaboration with FMAFS, coordinate training workshops on the programme strategy and approaches, AWPB and procurement for the first year with key stakeholders to ensure an updated and shared understanding of the programme strategy and information needs;
• Ensure that an effective and participatory M&E system is established and effective.
• Ensure the Programme is annually audited by the Internal Audit Unit of FMFAS as well as an approved External Auditor by IFAD.

Programme Management:

• Head the secretariat of the National Steering Committee (NSC) at meetings related to VCN.
• Coordinate the implementation of VCN among the participating states.
• Provide guidance to the Program staff at both the national and state levels.
• Collaborate with and support the Country Programme Advisory Team (CPAT).
• Liaise with other relevant programmes and technical departments in the public sector and private Sector.
• Consolidate the states’ Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) along with that of the NPCO and submit it in a timely manner to the Lead Agency and IFAD for approval.
• Oversee the contracting of support staff, consultants, and service providers.
• Convene and host periodic meetings with the NPCO staff and key staff of the SPIU
• Ensure timely delivery of quality reports (AWPB, semi-annual reports, financial statements, audit reports, M&E reports, etc.) to FMAFS, IFAD, and AFD.
• Coordinate supervision missions and ensure the implementation of recommendations (supervision and audits).
• Organize impact evaluation, beneficiary assessment, Mid-Term Review, and Final Evaluation of VCN.
• Present the AWPB and M&E plan to the relevant approval bodies (the PSC and IFAD, AFD and/or DP) in a timely manner for review and approval; and on the basis of the AWPB, authorise the subsequent release of funds.
• For each service provider contract, ensure that detailed specifications are prepared in a timely, objective, fair and transparent manner, including the M&E responsibilities and administration of terms and awards.
• Ensure the holistic implementation of the programme, ensuring the programme outcomes and levels are seamlessly joined in the pursuit of market-led poverty alleviation amongst poor rural households
• Make sure the business of the programme is conducted in an efficient manner by supervising and monitoring programme implementation. Ensure that timely decisions on corrective actions are made and implemented
• Direct and supervise the day-to-day operations of the programme, guided by the PDR, PIM and the AWPB, providing any necessary amendments to ensure smooth performance.
• Mobilize relevant technical assistance in a timely manner, with clearly demarcated responsibilities that are based on the participatory and equity principles of the programme
• Assure that all contractual obligations are adhered to and make the necessary contacts and efforts to ensure implementation meets programme targets
• Regularly appraise staff and provide feedback and support to enable them to do their jobs.
• Check the monthly Programme financial report for accuracy and appropriateness. Regularly meet with the Financial Controller concerning financial reporting issues, errors, trends, payment delays and related matters.
• Develop close working relationships with all programme participants and stakeholders – including the primary stakeholders, FMFAS, FMF and other Government agencies, private sector and NGOs – all parties required to establish a shared vision of the programme to achieve objectives.
• Establish and maintain good working relations with the relevant government ministries, as well as other higher-level stakeholder groups
• Coordinate the activities of Implementing Partners (IPs) and in particular FMFAS/State Ministries for  Agriculture and Food Security, NGOs and Technical Service Providers (TSPs) to ensure effective delivery of Programme services.
• Promote collaboration with IFAD, AFD and other Development Partners (DPs), and the private sector on value chain development.
• Take full responsibility for procurement of goods and services in programme implementation. Approve contracts for all transactions undertaken by the Programme after obtaining all the necessary no-objections.
• Ensure timely and appropriate reporting on progress and problems of Programme implementation, including Quarterly and Annual Operational and Financial Progress Reports on the Project’s activities.
• Ensure easy public access to M&E reports and data and make sure they are widely distributed.
• Submit required analytical reports on progress – including indications of planned actions and financial statements – on time and to the relevant bodies, with assistance from M&E staff.
• Encourage staff to report frankly on fieldwork, highlighting problems and possible solutions plus lessons learned. Reward innovation in critical reflection and learning
• Ensure the planning of and participation in key reflection moments – in particular, the annual programme reviews.
• Sign implementation agreements with the implementing partners, defining the modalities for implementation and M&E. Ensure that participatory M&E and learning initiatives are specified in terms consistent with the direction of the programme.
• Make all efforts to engage key stakeholders in important external evaluations to ensure an understanding of locally perceived impacts and problems.
• See that all ad hoc evaluation studies needed to gain timely and relevant insights into emerging areas of concern are undertaken. Make sure the resulting data is shared with all those involved in decision-making and follow up on the implementation of any decisions
• Support external missions in ways that foster a joint learning process that identifies how the programme could be improved further to achieve impact.
• Ensure that mission recommendations are followed up and executed as intended to achieve maximum impact of  project objectives.
• Undertake any other responsibility that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of the Programme.

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 or donor-funded policies and procedures, including agriculture, nutrition, gender, climate change and environment, and general programme finance and administration.
• Proven record in the field of project preparation, coordination and supervision of agricultural projects, particularly agricultural Value Chains.
• Possess 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: Possesses very good computer literacy in Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Email Clients (Microsoft Outlook), Video Conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and Web Applications.

Personal Competencies:

• Management: Strong management skills, particularly the ability to provide strategic direction and technical supervision,
• Results-driven leadership: Ability to drive results in a time-constrained environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Problem-solving orientation: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues systematically.
• Excellent communication: Ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders and to engage constructively with government counterparts.
• Integrity and independence: Commitment to fiduciary standards with the ability to maintain professional independence.
• Team builder: Capacity to mentor staff, standardize practices across dispersed teams, and foster accountability.
• Reliable and responsible personality and capacity to work under demanding professional circumstances and in an international environment;
• Excellent coordination and negotiation skills;
• Language Skills. Fluency in written and spoken English and local Northern Nigerian languages.

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.

Undertaking:

• This is a full-time position, and the Project Coordinator for this assignment 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 by the Federal Ministry of  Agriculture and Food Security.
• Falsifying personal data will also lead to disqualification.
• The Project Coordinator should not have a current business relationship with potential FBOs or any other project partner.

Reporting and Location

• Located in Abuja, the FCT, and will report 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 Deadline 
6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Method of Application
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.