National Administrative and Human Resource Officer (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Prog…

AI summary

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is recruiting a National Administrative and Human Resource Officer for the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme in Abuja. The contract role reports to the National Programme Coordinator and supports a donor-backed initiative implemented across nine northern states.

• Contract position within a federal ministry programme
• Based at the National Programme Coordination Office in Wuse 2, Abuja
• Reports directly to the National Programme Coordinator
• Supports a multi-state agricultural value chain programme
• Backed by IFAD and the French Development Agency

Original source description

National Administrative and Human Resource Officer (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme) at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) ⏲ Aug 27, 2026, 9:14 AM ⋕ View all Human Resources & Recruitment 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: National Administrative and Human Resource Officer (Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme) Location: Wuse 2, Abuja (VCN National Programme Coordination Office (NPCO)) Job Type: Contract Reports to: Directly to the 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 The Project Administrative Specialist will oversee the administrative support to the VCN project and also facilitate the planning and implementation of the personnel management requirements: of the project. Key Responsibilities: Coordinate the administrative support to SPIUs; Facilitate the preparation of the project’s administrative procedure manual; Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the office building, project vehicles, furniture, and equipment, and other assets of the project. Advise the NPC in all areas of administration as well as participate in administrative planning in consultation with management staff to support project activities. Facilitate staff discipline and welfare in consultation with the NPC; Set up an employee database and prepare other reports stipulated in the Manual. In consultation with the NPC, manage performance evaluation, reward, training and leave of staff. Initiate recruitment procedures for both local staff and consultants and raises contracts. Maintain project assets register; Resolve staff complaints and harassment in consultation with the NPC Set up the administrative system as provided in the Project Administrative Manual. Facilitate the finalization of the draft Project Administrative Manual. Arrange for a general meeting of project staff to be chaired by NPC regularly; Required Qualifications and Experience: Academic Education: At least a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Human Resource Management, and other related disciplines in Humanities. Professional Certification: A member of a recognized professional body for management and/or human resources professionals, such as the Chartered Management Institute, is an added advantage. Professional Experience: Computer Literacy: Possesses very good computer literacy in Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Email Clients (Microsoft Outlook), Video Conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and Web Applications. Minimum of 7 years post-qualification relevant professional experience, including five (5) years in a similar role managing/supporting administration and HR-related activities of internationally funded agricultural development projects, preferably with IFAD, World Bank, AfDB, or similar multilateral development organizations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong interpersonal and management skills. Personal Competencies: Excellent planning, organizing and recordkeeping skills; Integrity and independence: Commitment to fiduciary standards with the ability to maintain professional independence. Reliable and responsible personality and capacity to work under demanding professional circumstances and in an international environment; Results-driven leadership: Ability to drive results in a time-constrained environment with multiple competing priorities. Good team player while being independent and able to work autonomously. Excellent coordination and negotiation skills; Excellent communication skills and ease in interpersonal relationships; Terms and Conditions 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. Remuneration: Competitive package commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with FGN/IFAD/AFD salary scales for nationally recruited project staff. Contract Duration: The duration of the assignment will be a two-year staff contract with annual evaluation of performance in line with the respective job description in accordance with the recommendation of the FMAFS and renewable depending on satisfactory performance. Reporting and Location: Located in Abuja, the FCT, and will report directly to the National Programme Coordinator. 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