Hiring Organisation: Federal Government of Nigeria
Implementing Ministry: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)
Programme: Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme
Location: Wuse 2, Abuja
Employment Type: Contract
Reports To: National Programme Coordinator
Participating States: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano
About the Federal Government of Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programmes aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector, improving food security, creating employment opportunities and supporting economic diversification.
The Ministry implements agricultural development initiatives in collaboration with national and international development partners. One of these initiatives is the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme, implemented in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD).
About the VCN Programme
The Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme is a flagship Federal Government initiative designed to increase the incomes, food security and resilience of smallholder farmers and other value chain actors across Northern Nigeria.
The programme focuses on developing competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains, with particular attention to women, young people and vulnerable groups. It will be implemented through a National Programme Coordinating Office in Abuja and State Programme Implementation Units across nine participating states.
The programme is financed through multiple sources, including IFAD and AFD loans, and is scheduled to run until 31 March 2034, with financial closure on 30 September 2034.
Job Summary
The Finance Officer will provide operational support to the programme’s finance function, including payment processing, expenditure tracking, financial documentation, reconciliations and accounting data entry.
The officer will work under the supervision of the Financial Controller and in close collaboration with the Accountant to ensure that financial transactions are properly documented, recorded and processed in accordance with programme procedures, Government of Nigeria requirements and IFAD/AFD financial requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide operational support for payment processing, verification of supporting documents, expenditure tracking, filing and accounting data entry.
- Support bank reconciliations and follow up on advances and outstanding financial documentation.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting and expenditure monitoring under the guidance of the Accountant and Financial Controller.
- Process payment documentation and support fund disbursement procedures in line with approved budgets and authorization processes.
- Prepare supporting schedules, reconciliations and draft financial information for review.
- Ensure compliance with IPSAS cash basis, Government of Nigeria requirements and IFAD/AFD financial reporting requirements.
- Work with project staff to ensure proper documentation and justification of project expenditures.
- Check supporting documents and escalate discrepancies or exceptions to the Accountant or Financial Controller.
- Maintain physical and electronic financial records, including supplier, contract, fixed asset, advance and reconciliation files.
- Verify that supporting documentation provides adequate evidence that goods, works or services have been delivered, received or used by the intended beneficiaries or implementing units.
- Assist with financial data analysis and provide documentation required for external audits.
- Support the implementation of financial management systems, controls and procedures.
- Perform other finance-related duties as assigned by the Financial Controller or National Programme Coordinator.
Qualifications and Experience
- A Master’s Degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
- Membership of a recognised professional accounting body such as ACCA, CPA, ANAN or ICAN.
- At least 5 years of relevant post-qualification experience, including at least 3 years in a similar position.
- Practical experience working with the Government of Nigeria and donor-funded projects such as IFAD, AFD or World Bank projects is essential.
- Experience in project budgeting, financial reporting and donor compliance.
- Good knowledge of IPSAS cash basis and relevant Government of Nigeria, IFAD and AFD financial requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Fluency in English, with strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Good proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other financial/accounting systems.
- Strong technical accounting skills.
Terms and Conditions
- Contract Duration: Two-year staff contract, subject to annual performance evaluation and renewable based on satisfactory performance.
- Travel: Regular travel to State Programme Coordination Offices in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano, as well as occasional travel for IFAD/AFD missions and training.
- Work Location: Abuja, FCT.
- Remuneration: Competitive package based on qualifications and experience and in accordance with FGN/IFAD/AFD salary scales for nationally recruited project staff.
Application Closing Date
6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) applications in ten (10) copies, comprising one original and nine photocopies.
The application should be properly sealed and clearly marked at the top right-hand corner:
“EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT UNDER THE FGN/IFAD/AFD-VCN PROJECT.”
Each envelope should contain a CV and an application letter with a cover letter suited to the position being applied for.
Applications should be addressed and delivered 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.