Agribusiness SpecialistThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN)

• The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, pro programs projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainably ensure zero hunger in the country.
  
• FAO provides support in three priority areas: sustainable increase in production and productivity, agriculture-based economic growth, and increased resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises.
• The current portfolio of projects in Nigeria includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource Management, and Food Security Information Management and Analysis.
• The incumbent will contribute to the country’s program and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Reporting Lines:

• The Agribusiness Specialist will report to the FAO Representative (FAOR) under the direct supervision of the Head of Office of the FAO Northeast office and in close collaboration with the emergency and resilience program specialist

Technical Focus:

• Contribute to FAO Nigeria's efforts in designing and implementing of emergency agricultural and resilience-sensitive programs.   

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and day-to-day delivery of all FAO agribusiness/enterprise development-related program activities in Nigeria.
• Conduct market assessments (RMA) to determine the feasibility of proposed enterprises to support jobs and income generation in the urban and peri-urban areas and undertake continuous market scanning to identify emerging market opportunities to inform inclusive market-based program design.   
• Promote the adoption of good agri-business practices that can be extended through various implementation platforms including the Farmer Field Schools (FFS)/Agro pastoral Field Schools (APFS) approaches and how to effectively support beneficiaries engage in agri-business and marketing, especially by women and youth.
• Contribute to resource mobilization including the development of project concept notes and proposals.
• Coordinate the delivery of assigned projects and ensure effective and efficient management for results and timely reporting.  
• Propose an action plan and strategies/approaches for the implementation of the selected project interventions including the identification of partners to improve livelihoods, diversify diets and strengthen resilience to external shocks.
• Contribute to the design, content, delivery, and supervision of the training packages for value chains actors Farmer Field School training and the training on Integrated Business Model (IBM) planned under the project;
• Provide technical leadership in the procurement process of the agri-business component of the program including the definition of technical specifications for various program inputs and services and seek technical clearance from respective technical units at HQ, RAF, or Sub regional Office for West Africa.
• Work closely with the procurement unit for solicitation of agribusiness inputs and services and lead in the development of Letters of Agreement.
• Lead in the formation and running of sustainable farmer producer groups/cooperatives for seed and grain and develop inclusive rural business models to enable smallholder farmers to access quality inputs and market for their produce.
• Collaborate with crop production component to transform Farmer Filed schools into Business Field Schools and transition them into rural micro enterprises
• Provide support to processing and trade enterprises/cooperatives to the identified beneficiaries in the targeted area.
• Support the scale-up of rural financial literacy and inclusion models including the GSLA and linkages with financial institutions.
• Support coaching and mentorship activities for the established businesses
• Prepare case studies, guidelines, reports, publications, and presentations in support of program delivery.
• Perform any other related duties as required.
• Other tasks as required by the supervisor.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements:

• Master's (or Higher) Degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics with specialization in enterprise development and/or marketing,
• At least five years of postgraduate (MSc, MBA) relevant experience related to both entrepreneurial development, small-scale enterprises development, and agricultural commodities marketing with an emphasis on rural development within smallholder production and marketing schemes.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in working in a humanitarian context in the field of agriculture and with deep understanding of emergency agriculture concepts and programming
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with communities and diverse stakeholders in conflict-affected areas.
• Familiarity and proven experience in project management and development
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent computer skills, communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Readiness to carry out visits to project sites and duty travel as required.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in emergencies with tight deadlines.
• Excellent team-building and cross-cultural skills.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the ongoing emerging policy issues in the areas of Agriculture, Food Security, Rural Development, Poverty Eradication, and social protection
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in working with a wide range of individuals at high levels in government, the private sector, and civil society.
• Experience of working with government counterparts, national or international financial institutions, and private sector/ civil society in the field of economic and social development in Nigeria.
• Experience in Market Systems Development (MSD) in the agricultural sector is an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
8th February, 2023 (11:59:00 PM).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Additional Information

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/  
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

Note

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, and complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military, and police records to ascertain any information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks, and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to apply well before the deadline date.