Graduate Outreach Specialist At Federal Ministry of Agriculture&Rural Development-Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a loan from the African Development Bank (AFDB) for the implementation of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase-I (ATASP-I), The ATASP-I will contribute to the objectives of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government by addressing the constraints of Rice, Sorghum and Cassava value ehai:ris in four staple crop processing zones of Adani-Omor, Bida-Badeggi, Kano-Jigawa and Kebbi-Sokoto. The Programme comprises three complementary and mutually reinforcing components viz: Infrastructure Development; Commodity Value Chain Development; and Programme Management, The specific objective of the programme is to contri1ute to food and nutrition security, employment generation, and wealth creation along the priority commodity value chains.
For effective programme take-off, the FMARD is constituting a National Programme Coordination Team (NPCT) at the Programme Headquarters in Abuja. Consequently, part of the proceeds of the ATASP-I loan will be applied to engage the services of the following officers at the Programme Headquarters, Abuja.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) is recruiting to fill the position of:
Job Title: Outreach Specialist
Location: Abuja
Main Responsibilities
Reporting to the National Programme Coordinator-, the Outreach Specialist will plan, coordinate and supervise implementation of agricultural activities, particularly the agronomic aspects, in addition to delivery of agricultural services in the field, including research and extension.
Specific Duties
Support the work of the (FMARD) in the area of food crops, especially rice, sorghum, cassava and vegetables.
Support the work of the FMARD in the area of tree crops.
Support the Seed Bank program in the area of ripe seed production and certification, Work with the Agriculture Research Institutes to assemble or collate information on all seed varieties tested and approved previously in Nigeria and facilitate the tasting of new seed varieties;multiplication, adaptation testing and observation nurseries in farmers’ fields during the growing period. Train Agriculture staff and newly hired staff as needed.
Participate in the development of manuals on agronomic practices of major food crops in Nigeria. Guide and supervise activities of private sector/NGO service providers in the field, in addition to contributing to the process of the recruitment.
In collaboration with Research Institutes, guide and supervise the introduction of new food crop varieties and planting materials from the Africa Rice centre and the International institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other regional research centers.for adaptation to the local environment Propose agronomic and environmental implementation guidelines for various agriculture activities; Participate in environmental impact assessment of project activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant stakeholders.
Participate in technical discussions and activities pertaining to the design of agriculture activities and programs and in the implementation of programs and projects in the field.
Assist in carrying out other tasks as assigned by the National Project Coordinator.
Qualification and Experience
At least Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. A Masters degree in Agronomy will be added advantage.
At least 10 years work experience in rural-based agricultural development activities,
Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, on ordinate monitor and report on his/her own work plan.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines,
Self motivated, team player, able to work with minimum supervision.
Willingness to work in rural settings.
Excellent interpersonal and communication outreach skills.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
Computer literacy with proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel).
Familiarity with results-based management.
Working knowledge of the operational modalities for national and international NGOs is desirable
Performance Criteria
Procedures for implementation of crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities (which are considered with appraisal report) are prepared and included in draft Project implementation Manual within one month of assumption of duty or as agreed with project management
Annual Workplan and Budget (AWPB) for crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities prepared in accordance with recommended format and submitted to M&F. officer within the agreed time after assumption of duty and thereafter every 5th day of October
Schedule of required Consultants’ and/or other Agency services for crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities prepared and provided to procurement specialist for inclusion in the procurement plans on quarterly and annual basis.
Specific and Quantifiable quarterly milestones (in implementation of crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities as well as associated environmental management activities) agreed withProj ect Management within 5 days prior to the beginning of each quarter on the basis of the approved
AWPB.
Acceptable Terms of Reference or, as applicable, specifications for procurement of goods,and services in respect of crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities prepared in fistic to ensure compliance with approved procurement plans.
Crop production, productivity and marketing improvement services contracts between PCT and service providers or other government agencies are efficiently supervised and implemented,- acceptable delivetables obtained andcontracts are completed on time. Consultant’s Reports or Contractor’s/Suppliers bids or claims in respect of crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities. reviewed and report/recommendations submitted to management within 5 days of receipt of the consultants reports or suppliers’ claims.
Field visit reports on drop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities submitted to management within a maximum of two(2) days of returning from the field visit.
Crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities Progress Reports prepared in recommended/agreed format; (i) Quarterly and Annual report within five(5) days of the end of the quarter or year; (ii)monthly report for management within two (2) days of the end of the month; (iii) Reports for Bank supervision missions within a Maximum of two (2) days of arrival of the mission.
Management/or bank queries on crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities responded to within a maximum of two (2) days of notification.
Clear and measurable quarterly performance targets/milestones agreed with the National Project Coordinator at the beginning of each quarter. Performance appraisal form completed and submitted to Project Coordinator by 5th of June and 5th of January every year.
Failure to satisfy agreed quarterly progress criteria and subsequent failure to satisfy above global criteria and/or non conformity to the prescribed plans, rules and standards, without documentary evidence for reasons thereof shall disqualify the Outreach Specialist from the post and lead to the cessation of the contract.
Terms of Appointment
Maximum of five years, renewable every year subject to satisfactory performance. The performance criteria will be the indicators for assessing every officer.
Application Closing Date
29th September, 2014
Method of Application
Applications are invited from suitable qualified candidates. Each candidate should submit ten (16) copies of his/her application.
Qualified Women candidates are highly encouraged to apply. All application should be addressed to;
The Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
Attention:
The Director,
Department of Rural Development
No. 1 Capital Drive, FCDA Secretariat,
Area 11, Gerki, Abuja
Note: All applications must be addressed and delivered to the above address.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, Applicants should ensure that the positions applied for are clearly written on the top right hand side of the envelopes.
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