Technical Assistant to the National Gender & Soclal Safeguards Officer (G&Sso) (SAPZ Programme) at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security - 2 Openings

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) is the government agency responsible for formulating and implementing policies to ensure food security and agricultural sustainability in Nigeria. Formerly known as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), it was renamed to reflect its heightened focus on combating hunger and stabilizing food supply chains.

We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position below for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program:

Job Title: Technical Assistant to the National Gender & Soclal Safeguards Officer (G&Sso) to Support the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program

Locations: Kano and Ogun

Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria has received a Facility from the African Development Bank (ADB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to finance the cost of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program (SAPZ), and intends to apply part of the proceeds under IFAD towards engagement of prospective candidates to support the National Coordination Office, State Programme Implementation Units in Kano and Ogun States.
• The use of any IFAD financing shall be subject to IFAD's approval, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the financing agreement, as well as IFAD's rules, policies and procedures. IFAD and its officials, agents and employees shall be held harmless from and against all suits, proceedings, claims, demands, losses and liability of any kind or nature brought by any party in connection with Special Agro - Processing Zones Program.

Scope of Service and Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination and implementation of agricultural productivity-related interventions across SAPZ sites.
• Support the preparation and review of technical documents, concept notes, reports, and training
• Assist in data collection, collation, and entry related to GAPs (Good Agronomic Practices), input distribution, and productivity monitoring.
• Support in the maintenance of a comprehensive database of beneficates, demonstration plots, and performance indicators.
• Support monitoring and evaluation activities by ensuring timely reporting of field activities.
• Assist in lialson with farmer organizations, extension agents, service providers, and private sector partners.
• Support any additional tasks assigned by the APO or the National Program Coordinator to ensure the effective execution of productivity activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of a Master's Degree In Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural programmes, preferably in donor-funded or public sector agricultural initiatives.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, farmer cooperatives, or rural agribusiness initlatives is an advantage.
• Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and familiarity with basic data tools (Excel, Kobo, etc.).
• Willingness to travel to field locations at short notice.

Application Closing Date
17th July, 2026 by 12:00 noon (Local Time).

How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates should submit the following:

• Resumes, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, a written technical proposal (maximum 2 pages) and a financial proposal.
• The estimated duration of the assignment is twelve (12) months with the possibility of extension based on program needs, satisfactory performance and conduct.
• Eligibility criteria, establishment of the shortlist and selection procedure shall be in accordance with the individual consultant selection (ICS) method set out in IFAD' Project Procurement Handbook that can be accessed via the IFAD website at www.ifad.org/project-procurement
• The proposals to be submitted by the consultants will be evaluated on the basis of the following technical criteria:
  • Appropriate skills and qualifications (academic record and general work experience) - 20 points
  • Quality of the proposed methodology and workplan (2 paged) - 20 points
  • Technical Competency and Experience in undertaking similar assignment- 25 points
  • Similar Experience working with any donor funded project (AfDB and World Bank, IFAD, etc) - 25 points
  • Communication skills in English - 10 points
  • Making a total of 100 points.

Expression of Interest must be delivered to the address below in person. Clearly indicate on your envelop the category you are applying for and marked "Engagement of a Technical Assistant ..............to Support the SAPZ Program at the .........."

Dr. Kabir Yusuf,
National Program Coordinator, SAPZ,
National Program Co-ordination Office (NPCO),
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,
No. 3, Aguleri Street, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja.
Contact: admin@sapz.gov.ng , +2348168088308, +2348035949354

Note

• Only candidates scoring a mark of 75 points or more will be considered for the respective assignment.
• The consultant scoring the highest in each of the categories will be selected provided that the financial offer is within the limits of the available budget.
• Late submissions will NOT be accepted.
• Candidates may obtain further information at the address above during office hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (local time Mondays to Fridays)
• Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.