Short Term Consultant - Soil Fertility Technical Specialist, Soil Values at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is an independent non-profit organization that combines innovative research, market systems development, and strategic partnerships to identify and scale sustainable soil solutions for improved food security and livelihoods around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Short Term Consultant - Soil Fertility Technical Specialist, Soil Values

Location: Kano
Employment Type: Full Time

Job Summary

• Soil Values is currently seeking passionate individuals to join its team in Nigeria, as the program continues to expand its impact and work towards creating positive changes in agriculture and sustainable soil management.
• In view of this and to effectively carry out technical activities of the program, there is a need to recruit a short term consultant as a technical officer to provide short-term technical support on soil fertility management activities within the Soil Values Program, contributing to the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of technical activities with focus on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), soil health diagnostics, and farmer capacity building. 

Responsibilities

• The short-term consultant will be responsible for delivering capacity-building programs and resources to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the intervention areas of the Soil Values Program at the country level.
• He / She will also be responsible for co-designing and implementing agricultural extension programs to support smallholder producers in adopting bundled improved practices and technologies.
• This role involves close collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance productivity and sustainability. Other responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

Capacity Building and Community Engagement:

• Conduct workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations to train extension agents and farmers on bundled ISFM technologies to improve Soil health;
• Support identified national partners in conducting training on identified bundled ISFM & SWC technologies;
• Coordinate with local implementing partners, extension agents, and agro-input suppliers;
• Foster a collaborative learning environment among extension teams;
• Engage with local communities to understand their needs and challenges;
• Build trust and strong relationships with farmers and community leaders;
• Encourage community participation and feedback in extension programs.

Technical Support:

• Contribute to the establishment and monitoring of demonstration plots in target communities;
• Offer on-site advice and support to farmers on issues such as pest control, integrated soil fertility management, soil and water conservation practices, crop selection, and irrigation practices;
• Promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable soil health management practices;
• Document field observations, success stories, and technical learning from field activities;
• Provide technical support to the MELS Coordinator by assisting in the review and collation of farmers database and farmer profiling;
• Any other duties assigned to the success of the project.

Implementation and Coordination:

• Coordinate the delivery of extension services, including training, demonstrations, and field visits;
• Document field observations, success stories, and technical learning from field activities and advisory tools for digital dissemination of extension messages;
• Support the development of technical briefs, training materials, and field reports;
• Work with local extension agents and community-based organizations to reach target beneficiaries;
• Ensure timely and effective implementation of extension activities;
• Participate in regular team meetings and provide technical updates as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, crop science or a related field;
• Strong knowledge of agricultural practices, crop management, and sustainable farming techniques;
• Excellent in communication, technical writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Proficiency in using computer applications and digital tools for communication / data analysis and be comfortable in presentations;
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region;
• Fluency in Hausa Language will be an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online