Income Generating Activities (IGA) Officer - Food Processing and Value Addition at Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI)

COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in Milan in 1965. COOPI aims to help the world’s poorest to improve their access to healthcare, food, and financial security, and to overcome their special vulnerability to wars, civil conflicts and natural disasters. For 50 years of long-term support and constant presence in the field, COOPI has been engaged in breaking the cycle of poverty and responding to specific emergencies in numerous sectors, including Food Security, Humanitarian Aid, Health, Socio-Economical Services, Water and Sanitation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Human Rights, Education and Training, Migrations and Sustainable Energy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Income Generating Activities (IGA) Officer - Food Processing and Value Addition

Location: Potiskum, Yobe
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Deputy Program Manager

Job Summary

• The IGA Officer will be responsible for promoting and supporting income-generating activities (IGAs) in food processing and value addition for women and youth groups in rural Potiskum.
• The focus will be on high-impact value chains such as rice milling, groundnut processing, vegetable dehydration/canning, and oil extraction using shared processing facilities.
• The officer will provide technical training, business development support, and market linkages to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of rural enterprises.
• This role is critical to reducing post-harvest losses, creating jobs, and improving rural incomes through sustainable agro-processing. The IGA Officer will empower women and youth to transform raw produce into profitable, market-ready products

Key Responsibilities
Program Implementation and Capacity Building:

• Conduct assessments to identify viable food processing opportunities for women and youth groups.
• Train beneficiaries on improved processing techniques, food safety, packaging, and quality standards.
• Facilitate access to and efficient use of common processing facilities (e.g., rice mills, oil presses, dehydrators).
• Promote cooperative models for shared resource utilization and collective marketing.

Business and Market Development;

• Support groups in developing business plans, cost analysis, and pricing strategies.
• Link producers to buyers, agro-processors, and financial institutions for sustainable market access.
• Introduce value-added products (e.g., fortified rice, groundnut paste, dehydrated vegetables) to increase income.
• Organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meetings to enhance market visibility.

Technical and Operational Support:

• Oversee the maintenance and optimal use of processing equipment in rural hubs.
• Advise on energy-efficient, climate-smart processing technologies (e.g., solar dryers, low-cost oil extractors).
• Monitor compliance with hygiene, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., NAFDAC, SON).

Monitoring, Reporting and Advocacy:

• Track group performance, sales, and income growth using digital tools.
• Document success stories and challenges for program improvement.
• Advocate for policies supporting rural agro-processing and women/youth economic empowerment.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Work with government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, SMEDAN), NGOs, and private sector actors.
• Mobilize stakeholders to invest in rural processing infrastructure and training.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of beneficiaries trained and utilizing processing facilities.
• Increase in group income and product diversification.
• Number of market linkages established.
• Adoption of improved processing technologies.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Agribusiness, Agriculture, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in agro-processing, livelihood programs, or MSME development.
• Strong knowledge of rice, groundnut, vegetable, and oil value chains.
• Proficiency in Hausa/Kanuri (local language) and English.
• Gender-sensitive approach with experience working with women/youth groups.

Application Closing Date
4th August, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified canddiates should:
Click here to apply online