Hiring Organisation: Federal Government of Nigeria
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 / Financial Controller
Participating States: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), is recruiting for the National Programme Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme, a flagship agricultural development initiative implemented in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD).
The programme is designed to increase incomes, food security and resilience among smallholder farmers and other agricultural value chain actors in Northern Nigeria while promoting competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains.
About the Position
The Accountant will support the day-to-day financial and accounting operations of the VCN Programme. The role involves maintaining accounting records, preparing reconciliations and financial documentation, supporting withdrawal applications and ensuring compliance with applicable government, donor and programme financial procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Record financial transactions and maintain accurate books of account.
- Prepare bank reconciliations, Statements of Expenditure (SOEs), schedules and supporting documentation.
- Support the preparation of withdrawal applications and financial reports.
- Prepare draft financial statements and financial analysis for review by the Financial Controller.
- Ensure expenditures are supported by complete documentation confirming delivery, receipt and acceptance of goods, works or services.
- Review financial documentation received from State Programme Coordination Offices (SPCOs) and implementing partners.
- Maintain a complete audit trail, including systematic filing, scanning and electronic archiving of financial documents.
- Maintain supplier and contract registers, fixed asset records and other financial control records.
- Ensure regular reconciliation of accounting records, bank statements, procurement records and payment documentation.
- Ensure compliance with the Programme Implementation Manual and Financial Management Manual.
- Facilitate timely disbursement of programme funds to service providers and farmers’ groups.
- Compile SOEs for the National Programme Coordinating Office (NPCO) and implementing partners.
- Ensure compliance with IPSAS cash basis, applicable Government of Nigeria requirements and IFAD/AFD reporting requirements.
- Maintain a sound accounting system and relevant books of accounts.
- Support the implementation and management of the Programme’s computerised accounting and financial management system.
- Facilitate the provision of documents and information required by external auditors.
- Support the Financial Controller with accounting, reconciliations, withdrawal applications and financial reporting.
- Prepare monthly budget forecasts and supporting documentation for replenishment requests.
- Maintain programme financial reports and records.
- Perform other programme-related duties assigned by the National Programme Coordinator.
Qualifications and Experience
- At least a Master’s Degree or higher university qualification 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.
- Good knowledge of tax and statutory compliance requirements.
- Knowledge of computerised accounting systems.
- Strong technical accounting skills.
- Ability to prepare financial reports, reconciliations and budget forecasts.
- Good presentation and analytical skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Terms and Conditions
The appointment will be for an initial two-year contract, subject to annual performance evaluation and renewal based on satisfactory performance.
The position is based in Abuja and requires regular travel to State Programme Coordination Offices in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Occasional travel may also be required for IFAD/AFD missions and training.
Remuneration
Competitive package commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with FGN/IFAD/AFD salary scales for nationally recruited project staff.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) application in ten (10) copies, comprising one original and nine photocopies, 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.
Application Closing Date: 6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon.