Rural Infrastructure Specialist – RIS (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: Rural Infrastructure Specialist – RIS (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme)

Location: Wuse 2, Abuja (VCN National Programme Coordination Office (NPCO))
Job Type: Contract
Reports to: National Programme Coordinator.
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

• The Rural Infrastructure Coordinator will provide technical guidance and backstop the State Rural Infrastructure Officers, the LGA Engineers, and the beneficiaries, and relate with relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation of all infrastructure development.

Key Responsibilities

• Jointly prepare the AWPB for VCN by providing reports and information on infrastructure investment.
• Participate in consultation and sensitization workshops for Farmer Organizations on eligibility criteria, application and selection procedure.
• Participate in the screening and ranking of sub-projects proposed by communities and give recommendations on selected sub-projects.
• Assess whether proposed civil works are the best fit for community requirements.
• Ensure preparatory activities and implementation of infrastructure interventions align with  project dictates and works schedule.
• Develop a detailed action plan to implement the various infrastructure activities in consultation with key stakeholders.
• Develop an operation and maintenance structure/system for market infrastructure with relevant partners.
• Prepare consolidated quarterly progress and monitoring reports.
• Participate in the procurement process (studies, works and supervision) for sub-project construction, including terms of reference, bid analysis, contract negotiation, and tender documents.
• Supervise and control the activities of consulting engineers responsible for feasibility and detailed design studies.
• Assist with supervision and quality control of contractors under the Value Chain Programme.
• Confirm and approve executed quantities reported in contractor’s payment certificates.
• Contribute to the provisional and final acceptance of works.
• Organize the “handover” of completed infrastructure facilities to user organizations.
• Assist with the formation and effective functionality of infrastructure users’ associations.
• Assist with developing a program of capacity building and training for facility user organizations.
• Assist with supervision of State and LGA-based training of community members in operation and maintenance (O&M).
• Develop an appropriate market infrastructure implementation manual.
• Prepare and vet engineering designs and estimates for market infrastructure.
• Provide assistance and practical advice to participating states and LGAs in the design of works, procurement of contractors, and supervision of works.
• Develop eligibility criteria for the selection of efficient, technically achievable and sustainable infrastructure  projects at state level.
• Identify skill gaps of engineers and other implementers and develop capacity building activities.
• Perform other duties as directed by the NPC.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Academic Education:

• At least a master’s or higher-level university degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

Professional Certification:

• Active membership in a recognized professional engineering body (the Engineers Registration Board of Nigeria, or equivalent) is required.

Professional Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in design and supervision of infrastructure projects.
• A minimum of seven (7) years working in a similar role implementing rural infrastructure activities of internationally funded  agricultural development projects, preferably with IFAD, World Bank, AfDB, or similar multilateral development organizations.
• A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in engineering design and construction supervision.
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Strong project management skills and basic knowledge of M&E.
• Experience working independently with a result-oriented approach.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders on multiple levels, including NGOs, people’s organizations, donors, and local government units.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Computer literacy in Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Email Clients (Outlook), Video Conferencing (Zoom, Teams), and Web Applications.
• Familiarity with IFAD or other international funding agency procedures and regulations is an added advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and local Northern Nigerian languages.

Personal Competencies:

• Results-driven leadership
• Problem-solving orientation
• Excellent communication
• Integrity and independence
• Team builder

Terms and Conditions

• Contract Duration: Two-year staff contract with annual performance evaluation, 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, FCT, and will report directly to the National Programme Coordinator.

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.