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 (VCN National Programme Coordination Office)
Employment Type: Contract
Reports to: National Programme Coordinator
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 suitable candidates for the National Programme Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme.
The VCN Programme is implemented by the Federal Government in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD). The programme aims to improve incomes, food security and resilience among smallholder farmers and other value chain actors in Northern Nigeria by developing competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains.
About the Position
The National Administrative and Human Resource Officer will oversee administrative support for the VCN Programme and facilitate the planning and implementation of personnel management activities at the national programme level.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate administrative support to State Programme Implementation Units (SPIUs).
- Facilitate the preparation and finalisation of the Programme Administrative Manual.
- Support staff discipline, welfare and employee relations in consultation with the National Programme Coordinator.
- Establish and maintain an employee database and prepare required administrative reports.
- Initiate recruitment procedures for local staff and consultants and prepare contracts.
- Support performance evaluation, reward, training and leave management.
- Advise the National Programme Coordinator on administrative matters and participate in administrative planning.
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of the project office, vehicles, furniture, equipment and other project assets.
- Maintain the project assets register.
- Resolve staff complaints and harassment issues in consultation with the National Programme Coordinator.
- Organise regular general meetings of project staff.
- Establish administrative systems in accordance with the Project Administrative Manual.
- Provide administrative and HR support required for effective implementation of project activities.
Qualifications and Experience
- At least a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Human Resource Management or another related Humanities discipline.
- Membership of a recognised professional body for management or human resources professionals is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 7 years’ post-qualification relevant professional experience.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role managing or supporting administration and HR activities for internationally funded agricultural development projects.
- Experience with IFAD, World Bank, AfDB or similar multilateral development organisations is preferred.
- Excellent computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency with email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and web applications.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal, coordination and management skills.
Personal Competencies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Reliability and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Ability to work under demanding professional circumstances and in an international environment.
- Strong coordination and negotiation abilities.
- Excellent planning, organisation and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
- Results-driven approach with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong integrity, professional independence and commitment to fiduciary standards.
Terms and Conditions
The appointment will be for an initial two-year staff 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) applications in ten (10) copies, comprising one original and nine photocopies, properly sealed and clearly marked at the top right-hand cover:
“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.
The sealed application 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.