Agricultural Production Specialist - APS (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme)

AI summary

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is recruiting an Agricultural Production Specialist for the National Programme Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme. The contract role is based in Wuse 2, Abuja and reports to the National Programme Coordinator, supporting smallholder farmers and value chain actors across participating Northern Nigeria states.

• Contract role within a federal ministry programme coordinated from Abuja.
• Supports the IFAD- and AFD-supported Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme.
• Focus on competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains.
• Reports to the National Programme Coordinator at the NPCO.

Original source description

Agricultural Production Specialist - APS (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme) at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) ⏲ Aug 27, 2026, 9:14 AM ⋕ View all Agriculture & Agro-Allied jobs The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies in the Nigeria’s agricultural sector, to sufficiently provide food for an increasing population, adequate supply of raw materials to a growing industrial sector, effectively expand the market for crop, livestock, agro and agro-allied products, continually create employment opportunities, and to widely diversify the economy, for national development. The Ministry provides resources to the sector for the implementation of various projects and programmes. The efforts is complemented with the support and funding from donor partners in the implementation of various agricultural projects and programmes in the country. Applications are invited from suitable candidates to fill the position below for the National Programme Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme: Job Title: Agricultural Production Specialist - APS (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme) Location: Wuse 2, Abuja (VCN National Programme Coordination Office (NPCO)) Job Type: Contract Reports to: National Programme Coordinator. Participating States: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Background The Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD). The overall development objective of VCN is to increase incomes, food security, and resilience of smallholder farmers and other value chain actors in Northern Nigeria through competitive, climate‑resilient, and inclusive agricultural value chains. Specifically, the Programme aims to transform priority agricultural value chains in Northern Nigeria to drive food security, employment, and inclusive economic growth, with a strong focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups. The Programme is financed through multiple financing sources, including IFAD and AFD loans and will run until 31 March 2034 (financial closure: 30 September 2034). Implementation of the programme will be based on a decentralised approach through federal and state programme implementation units under the coordination of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects (FD‑DPP). The National Programme Coordinating Office (NPCO) will be based in Abuja, and the State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU) in each participating state. The participating states are: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. The NPMU will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including: National Programme Coordinator, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Agricultural Production and Rural Infrastructure Specialists, Rural Institutions Development Specialist, Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist, Food & Nutrition Specialist, ICT4D Support Specialist, Gender & Social Inclusion and GALS Specialists, Climate & Environment Specialist, Financial Controller, Accountant, Finance Officer, Senior Internal Auditor, Procurement Specialist and Officers, and National administrative and HR support staff. State Programme Implementation Unit will mirror these functions (with a few exceptions) at the state level, ensuring strong fiduciary oversight, timely reporting from SPIU, and harmonized accounting procedures resulting in an effective last‑mile delivery. Governance and accountability will be anchored in a National Steering Committee, supported by technical committees as required, to provide policy guidance, ensure alignment with national priorities, and resolve strategic bottlenecks. The implementation of the project will include high-risk operating environments, hence project staff/specialists at both National and State levels must possess the skills and expertise to work in fragile areas, demonstrating a high level of sensitivity to conflict and crisis situations. Additionally, prior experience: of project staff/specialist in remote project monitoring and implementation using dedicated tools to effectively track project activities would be crucial. Position Overview Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Coordinator (NPC), the APS will be responsible for the overall management of activities related to productivity enhancement of smallholder farmers, working in close collaboration with the Food and Nutrition Specialist, Value Chain Specialist, Gender, Youth & Social Inclusion Specialist, Environment & Climate Specialist at the NPCO, and the State Agricultural Production Officers (SAPO) and State Rural Infrastructure Officers at the SPIU. Key Responsibilities: Perform other duties as directed by the NPC. Oversee the contracting of private sector extension service providers to strengthen existing CASP extension agents, State government extension agents (ADPs), and lead farmers on GAPs. Work closely with other technical departments in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, the National Agricultural Seed Council, public and international research institutions, the private sector, etc. Provide guidance and supervision to the SAPOs in the implementation of all production activities. Liaise with relevant service providers in the timely procurement and distribution of inputs (seeds, fertilizers) to farmers. Facilitate the introduction and cultivation of climate-resilient, high-yielding, and pest/disease tolerant crop varieties. Consolidate the state AWPBs for the Subcomponent and contribute to the drafting of yearly Programme progress reports of the NPCO. Represent the NPC and speak at periodic meetings on production activities and during field visits to the states. Required Qualifications and Experience: Academic Education: At least a Master's or higher-level university Degree in Agronomy, Crop Production, and other relevant disciplines. Professional Certification: Active membership in a recognized professional project management, management or agricultural body is an added advantage. Professional Experience: Good writing skills and computer literacy. Minimum of ten (10) years relevant professional experience: including seven (7) years in similar role implementing agro-productivity enhancement activities of internationally funded agricultural development projects, preferably with IFAD, World Bank, AfDB, or similar multilateral development organizations. Strong project management skills and basic knowledge of M&E. Computer literacy in Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Email Clients (Outlook), Video Conferencing (Zoom, Teams), and Web Applications. Experience: in training and capacity building. Experience: with international organisations, public sector institutions, and/or donor funding agencies in implementing agricultural projects. Experience: interacting with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Fluency in written and spoken English and local Northern Nigerian languages. Personal Competencies: Problem-solving orientation Excellent communication Results-driven leadership Integrity and independence Team builder Terms and Conditions Contract Duration: Two-year staff contract with annual performance evaluation, renewable depending on satisfactory performance. Travels: Regular travel to State PCOs in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. Occasional travel for IFAD/AFD missions and training. Reporting and Location: Located in Abuja, FCT, and will report directly to the National Programme Coordinator. 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, including one original and nine (9) 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 include a CV and an application letter with a cover letter suited for the position being applied for. The sealed envelope should be addressed and delivered to: The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agricultural 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 Deadline: 6th September, 2026 at 12:00 noon. View all Jobs in Nigeria Abuja and 1 other location Abuja , Wuse