National Value Chains and Rural Finance Specialist - SURAGGWA

AI summary

FAO Nigeria is hiring a National Value Chains and Rural Finance Specialist to support food security and sustainable agriculture programs. The role involves technical support, training facilitation, and project coordination on non-timber forest products and community mobilization. The position is a national consultancy based in Nigeria with a deadline of September 24, 2026.

• National consultancy with FAO Nigeria supporting food security programs
• Focus on non-timber forest products and community mobilization
• Requires advanced degree in Environmental studies or related field
• Minimum five years experience in Forestry or Community mobilization
• Must speak English and Hausa; Nigerian nationals only
• Application deadline is September 24, 2026

Original source description

National Value Chains and Rural Finance Specialist - SURAGGWA | FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations National Value Chains and Rural Finance Specialist - SURAGGWA FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Nigeria National Consultant - Contractors Agreement level Speaks Hausa, English Application deadline: September 24, 2026 (13 days) Apply Summary by Impactpool FAO is seeking a National Value Chains and Rural Finance Specialist to support the development and implementation of programs aimed at enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. The role involves providing technical support, facilitating training, and coordinating project activities related to non-timber forest products and community mobilization. The incumbent will work closely with local stakeholders to assess needs, develop frameworks, and ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards. This position requires a strong understanding of local conditions and effective communication skills. Candidate Requirements: Advanced university degree in Environmental studies or related discipline At least five years’ experience: in Forestry/Community mobilization Working knowledge of English and Hausa National of Nigeria Experience: in environmental and social safeguards implementation Experience: in stakeholder engagement and community participation Experience: in land restoration and sustainable landscape management Experience: in non-timber forest product value chains IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. Organizational Setting The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and 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 sustainable manner to 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 crisis. 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 programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will be assigned to provide technical support. Reporting Lines Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks: Technical Focus Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment. Effective and efficient coordination and provision of technical and operational support of the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation. Tasks and responsibilities: • In collaboration with the Team Leader, prepare and present a communication on the contribution of wild foods and forests to healthy diets, and nutrition for the most vulnerable, as well as on bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture, based on AAD/GGW publications (socio-economic baselines) and published materials on northern Nigeria. • Prepare and deliver appropriate learning needs and tools for the target audience and provide on-demand technical and advisory support requested for the development, implementation and reporting on project activities. • Review all the task and activities contained in the project document and produce a comprehensive matrix to clearly indicate the training needs and modules for the promotion of Non-Timber Forest Products NTFP’s and reporting modalities. • Carry out a comprehensive base line assessment on NTFP’s. • Facilitate trainings at community level to explain in depth the restoration process from both a technical (development of proposals of sub-projects on landscape restoration investments and of NTFP value chain strengthening) and organizational standpoint. • Train the communities on how to establish the NTFP nursery and to oversee and participate in all steps of the restoration. • Act as Technical Lead to produce handouts and reports on strengthening country capacities to enable forest-base contributions to healthy and sustainable agrifood systems in Nigeria and backstopping as required. • Oversee assessments on capturing consumption of wild/forest foods in dietary and on a global methodology for assessing ecological sustainability of NTFP harvest and production in SURAGGWA States and capacity strengthening for improved data on NTFPs. • Provide technical guidance/guidelines for the project on wild food/NTFP in collaboration with implementing States and national partners. • Participate in Technical Meetings Workshops related to the project and or other Environment projects in the representation. • Support the Representation in any other technical area as delegated by the FAOR. • Prepare and submit all progress reports linked to the deliverables. • Coordinate the preparation of technical reports, terms of reference, reports, presentations and any other document required as technical support that is necessary within the framework of the implementation of the Project and the MGAS. • Assess institutional gaps and propose capacity-building strategies • Develop frameworks for inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement. • Support establishment of monitoring and reporting systems at institutional level • Facilitate training programs for government, NAGGW and community actors. • Provide technical support for institutional reforms and governance improvements. • Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO. FAO Standards and guidelines: • Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. • All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). • Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements: • Advanced university degree in Environmental studies, Value Chain Development or other related discipline • At least five years’ experience: in Forestry/Community mobilization • Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Hausa • National of Nigeria FAO Core Competencies • Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience: in field implementation of environmental, land restoration or natural resource management programmes. • Extent and relevance of experience: in environmental and social safeguards implementation, including environmental and social risk management. • Extent and relevance of experience: in gender mainstreaming and social inclusion within community-based environmental and livelihood initiatives. • Demonstrated understanding of environmental and social management frameworks, safeguard information systems and compliance requirements: in development programmes. • Extent and relevance of experience: in stakeholder engagement, community participation and coordination with relevant institutions. • Extent and relevance of experience: in grievance redress, accountability and community feedback mechanisms. • Extent and relevance of experience: in land restoration, sustainable landscape management and ecosystem rehabilitation initiatives. • Extent and relevance of experience: in non-timber forest product value chains and climate-resilient livelihood interventions. • Extent and relevance of experience: in programme monitoring, safeguards reporting and results tracking. • Extent and relevance of experience: working in Northern Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by land degradation, climate variability and environmental challenges. Selection Criteria • Extensive and relevant experience: in data analysis to support Biodiversity and Climate Research, • Experience: in facilitating workshops, and training courses in improvement of knowledge and returns for climate smart traditional crops (e.g., millet, sorghum, cowpeas, etc) often planted between the restored rows, • Excellent skill on training to enhance the effectiveness and equity in the distribution of NTFP value chain benefits. • Working knowledge of at least two predominant languages spoken within the project area (e.g. Hausa, Kanuri and/or Fulfulde) is added advantage ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing) 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 in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. HOW TO APPLY • To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, 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 • 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/ . These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education: (ISCED) mappings . • 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 and all 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 submit the application well before the deadline date. If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead. Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements: for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager. Summary by Impactpool FAO is seeking a National Value Chains and Rural Finance Specialist to support the development and implementation of programs aimed at enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. The role involves providing technical support, facilitating training, and coordinating project activities related to non-timber forest products and community mobilization. The incumbent will work closely with local stakeholders to assess needs, develop frameworks, and ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards. This position requires a strong understanding of local conditions and effective communication skills. Candidate Requirements: Advanced university degree in Environmental studies or related discipline At least five years’ experience: in Forestry/Community mobilization Working knowledge of English and Hausa National of Nigeria Experience: in environmental and social safeguards implementation Experience: in stakeholder engagement and community participation Experience: in land restoration and sustainable landscape management Experience: in non-timber forest product value chains Fellowship Master the recruitment process of the impact sector! Become a fellow and gain access to Impactpool's premium material that will boost your career in the impact sector Explore fellowship Show FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that you are interested in them Recruiters from the organization will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest. Connect with organization National Value Chains and Rural Finance Specialist - SURAGGWA FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Nigeria National Consultant - Contractors Agreement level Speaks Hausa, English Apply