Description:

The Rural Institutions Development Specialist will coordinate and monitor activities supporting MSMEs, Farmers’ Organisations and other rural institutions, with emphasis on institutional strengthening and sustainable rural development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate activities supporting Farmers’ Organisations, MSMEs and rural institutions.
• Support identification and selection of eligible beneficiaries and rural organisations.
• Strengthen institutional capacity of Farmers’ Organisations and other rural institutions.
• Coordinate with relevant government departments and stakeholders.
• Support development and implementation of institutional-strengthening strategies.
• Promote participatory approaches in rural institution development.
• Mainstream gender considerations into rural institution activities.
• Support MSME development and related strategies.
• Coordinate training and capacity-building activities.
• Work with State teams and implementing partners to monitor rural institution activities.
• Contribute to programme planning, reporting and M&E activities.
• Provide technical guidance and support to rural institutions and service providers.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher in Rural Sociology, Agricultural Economics or a related discipline.
• Membership of a recognised professional body in rural institutions development is an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years relevant post-qualification experience.
• At least 7 years in a similar role strengthening community development associations, rural institutions and Farmers’ Organizations.
• Experience mainstreaming gender in internationally funded agricultural development projects.
• Knowledge of participatory approaches and gender mainstreaming.
• Proven experience strengthening MSME activities and strategies.
• Strong writing and computer skills.
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Strong project management and basic M&E skills.
• Excellent coordination, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Applicants are required to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) in 10 copies — one original and nine photocopies. Each application should include:

• Updated CV
• Application letter/cover letter tailored to the position
• The envelope should be clearly marked: “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT UNDER THE FGN/IFAD/AFD-VCN PROJECT.”

Applications should be addressed to:

The Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Agriculture 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

“Click “APPLY FOR JOB ” to apply”