Niger State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recruitment April 2014

The Niger State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Value Chain Development Programme in the Niger State Programme Management Unit (SPMU) invites candidates to fill the vacant position of:


Job Title: State Accountant
Location: Niger
Qualification and Experience

• First degree or Higher National Diploma In any numerate discipline.
• A higher degree will he an added advantage. -
• Professional qualification (ACA, ANAN, Acca) with at least 5 years experience in Management team of donor funded projects
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in management team of donor funded projects.
• Strong working knowledge of both national and international procedure.
• Strong computer skills, spread sheets, and other accounting packaging.
• Working knowledge of banking and financial control procedures.

• Ensuring the programmes financial procedures as detailed In the Programme Implementation and Financial Manuals are strictly adhered to by all programme stall and implementing partners at tire State level.
• Facilitating the timely disbursement of programme funds to the various accounting units mainly the service providers and farmers group.
• Compiling SOEs for the PMU and other implementing partners for timely preparation of withdrawal applications.
• Ensuring adherence to international Financial Reporting System as watt as Government of Nigeria financial practice and circulars as issued from time to time.
• Maintaining Sound accounting system that ensures installation of good and complete short of accounts and maintaining all relevant books of accounts that ensures complete recording and reporting of all financial and non financial transaction of the programme at the State level.
• Facilitating and ensuring that external auditors are availed all necessary documents and information during the audit as detailed in the Financing Agreement.
• Preparing financial reports and advising programme Coordinator on the programmes financial status and trends.
• Supporting the Financial Controller in the installation to and management of sound Integrated Financial Management Information System (Computerized Accounting) for SPMU
• Undertaking any other duties (related to programmes activities) as may be assigned by the Programme Coordinator.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.

• A minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma in any of the Management or Social Sciences including Agricultural Economics.
• At least 3 years work experience on matters or projects relating to agricultural marketing, agro-processing and agro-industrial development and MSME promotion.
• Strong background in business and marketing blended with practical skills.
• Good negotiation, inter-personal and communication skills.

• Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of State and Local Government level VCDP activities and actions in the organization of public-private dialogue forum for enabling business environment.
• Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of Plate and Local Government of state end Local Government - level VCDP activities and processes for strengthening mechanisms for public private dialogue forums for enabling business environment.
• Coordinate the implementation of State and Local Government-level VCDP activities and action in supporting the establishment and enforcement of quality norms, grades and standards for processed products.
• Broker inter-agency collaboration between relevant state and local government agencies for the establishment and enforcement of regulations on agricultural commodity quality norms, grades and standard.
• Implements action and processes for the brokerage and facilitation of market exchanges and/or contractual agreement between VC operators (farmers end agro-processors and traders).
• Work with VC operators to organize commodity fairs and other interactive events for VC operators and the state government.
• Implement actions and processes for are brokerage and facilitation of links between VC operators (agro- processor and trade organization) and financial institutions for the purpose of Increasing access to financial services including credit, Insurance and saving/deposit facilities.
• Assist service providers in preparing and disseminating appropriate strategies and approaches for saving mobilization, opening of bank accounts, membership in financial institutions and applications for loans based on local socio-culture value systems
• Assess different financial service providers prepared so extend their services to programme target groups.
• Negotiate terms and conditions With service providers and conclude, where opportune and appropriate, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the financial institutions, through which programme target groups will be able to access financial institutions.
• Monitor, evaluate and document the results of the linkage programmes.
• Supervise technical assistants in financial linkage.
• Deal and interact with state and local government agencies in consultative and collaborative activities.
• Work with VC chain operators including producers, processors and traders to identity needs and actionable items for capacity building in market development.
• Supervise the work of service providers in the areas of business and market
• Source and use information from Serious sources for the implementation and coordination of activities and measure for the promotion of market linkages and market information among VC operators.
• Broker and arrange linkages end contractual transactions/agreements between VC operators including producers, processors, and market participants.
• Participate in the formulation and implementation of lbs VCAP and supervision of activities under the business and market development segment of the VCDP.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.

• M.Sc. degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or other related disciplines
• Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience including at least 3 years in management position
• Proven track record in the field of agriculture or rural development.
• Good writing skills and computer literacy will be an advantage.
• Fluency in local language is a major.

• Head the secretariat of the State Steering Committee (OSC).
• Oversee the Implementation of the Programme within the State.
• Supervise the Staff of SPMU office.
• Liaise with other relevant programmes, technical departments and the participating Local Government council to ensure synergy for effective implementation of field activities.
• Oversee contracting of support staff, consultants, and services providers.
• Prepare the state annual work plan and budget based on the consolidated commodity cluster action plan and submit to PMU and IFAD for approval.
• Facilitate regular meeting of Farmers Organizations in the area of production, processing and marketing.
• Coordinate regular monitoring visits and technical support by SPMU experts to Farmer Organizations.
• Ensure regular meetings of the Local Government Local Chain Advisory Committee (LGVCAC).
• Ensure timely reporting and quality at reports to SSC and PMU.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.

• A minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma in Agricultural/food Engineering or food Science and technology.
• Strong background in engineering and technological aspects at agro-processing and agricultural product handling (storage, preservation and packaging).
• Practical skills and at least 3 years work experience on matters relating to food and agricultural processing agro-industrial development and MSME promotion.
• Good negotiation, inter-personal skills and communication abilities.

• Coordinate the implementation and monitoring at state end local Government -level VCDP activities and actions in the provision of agro-processing and related equipment and technologies.
• Work with VC operators such as agro-processor organizations to arrange for the acquisition and sustained efficient management and one at new agro-processing measures and related equipment.
• Supervise the Setting Up and operation of demonstration of improved technologies and equipment and the provision of equipment for standard measures and weights.
• Work with the SBMDO to organize commodity fairs and other interactive events for VC operators and the State Government.
• Supervise the setting up and management at demonstration exercise and activities for the promotion of the use of improved agro-processing equipment and technologies.
• Supervise and coordinate the technical assistance in the areas of food processing system (incl. GAP, GMP and HACCP principles).
• Deal and interact with the State and Local Government agencies in consultative and collaborative activities.
• Supervise the work of service providers in the areas of value addition equipment and technologies and providing informations about their performances
• Source and use information from various sources for the Implementation and coordination of activities and measures for the promotion value addition.
• Supervision state-level capacity building and technical assistance measures and activities in the area of acquisition and use of value addition equipment and technologies.
• Participation in the formulation and implementation of the VCAP and supervision of activities under the value addition segment of the VCAP.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.

• Masters or Higher Level University Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture and other relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years post — qualification experience including at least 2 years in implementation of productivity enhancement.
• Knowledge in participatory approaches, gender mainstreaming and farmers ‘Field school approaches will be appreciated.
• Proven record in the field of project implementation of productivity enhancement projects and.
• Good writhing skills and computer literacy will be an advantage.

• Responsible for the coordinating and supervision of the component of the project, Support to smallholders product at state level.
• Work in close collaboration with the Rural institutional and Gander Mainstreaming officer at state level in periodic meetings held at SPMU and during joint and periodic field visit.
• Provide periodic to NGOs/services providers hired to implements the activities and oversee the overall process of selection of target FOs use beneficiaries in close collaboration with the Rural Institutions and Gender Mainstreaming Officer,
• Liaise with other relevant programmes and technical departments is the public sector at State level suck as AGP, the National Agricultural seed council , the National Root and Tuber Crop Research Institute, the National Cereals Research Institutes.
• Liaise with any other stakeholder such as seed companies, agro-dealers (distributors and sub-distributors) equipment supplies at state level and local level government.
• Contribute to the design of overall distribution scheme of certified seed/improved cassava cuttings, fertilizer, and herbicides and equipment at state and local government area level.
• Supervise and coordinate the distribution of certified seeds/improved cassava cutting, fertilizer and herbicides and equipment a state and local government area level including the delivery of goods at local government area level.
• Supervise the service provider is charge of Implementing the activity, Promotion and dissemination of sustainable agricultural practice through the FFs approach,
• Contribute to the drafting of periodic project progress reports at State Level and,
• Contribute to the state annual work plan and budget for component.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.

• A higher-level degree in agricultural economics, rural development or other relevant field, University-level studies at is a field related to statistics or a relevant field should be an advantage.
• A minimum 10 years experience working in M&E and/or project management in areas such as agriculture, marketing, rural finance and policy matters.
• Proven experience in designing and Implementing Successful M&E systems.
• Solid understanding of use of modern Information and communication technology (ICT)in development.
• Proficient in the use of databases and spread-sheets.
• Demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis and data management.
• Proficient in the one of statistical and ether software packages for both quantitative and qualitative on analysis, experience analyzing complex programmes or policies.
• Experience in facilitation, in particular of learning processes.
• Strong written and Oral communication skills in English.

• Develop the programme MSE system on the basis of the programmes Logical Framework taking into account Government monitoring frameworks.
• Organize and supervise focused baseline surveys at at the beginning of the programme to be undertaken by a contracted institution.
• Contribute to preparing an M&E Plan, including the programmes monitoring formats.
• Establish indicators for outputs, and impact, monitor implementation processes end performance, and assess output and outcomes.
• Foster participatory planning and M8E by training and by involving stakeholder groups.
• Oversee design of a field-based system for the programme monitoring that incorporates the logical frame work approach.
• Prepare essential data to be included in quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports.
• Monitor financial and physical progress as well on reporting back to stakeholders to create a better learning environment, undertake project and thematic evaluation.
• Integrate the M&E system into the overall programme coordination and organization function and With other information and knowledge systems.
• Ensure capture of intended impact as well as successes end failures; prepare reports and golds staff in preparing their progress reports.
• Ensure capture at intended impact as well as successful and failures; prepare reports and guide staff in preparing their progress reports.
• Organize and oversee annual review and planning workshops and preparation of annual work plans and budgets.
• Inform and join supervision missions by screening and analyzing reports.
• Support advocacy efforts through providing evidence of impact gathered through the M&E system, closely linked to knowledge management .
• Undertake any other duties that maybe assigned to him/her by the National Programme Coordinator.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.

• A minimum of BSC. University degree in Civil Engineering.
• At least five years of practical capacitance in agricultural and/or viral development project.
• A Civil Engineer with strong background of practical experience in agricultural and/or rural development project.

• Ensure that the preparatory activities and implementation of the infrastructure interventions are progressing according to the work schedule.
• Develop a detailed action plan to implement the various activities prepared under the sub-component for the state and local government areas in close consultation with the key stakeholders
• Select contractors and consultant as per the programme nation Manual (PIM) and oversee the the work of this services providers
• Identify the target communities using the eligibility criteria development for the subcomponent. Relevant agencies such as the state Ministry at Works, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry at Agriculture, River Basin Development Authorities (REOAs) where applicable, Water Board, and the local government areas should has consulted in this process.
• Ensure that contracted consultants prepare the Local Government Area level Chain Action Plan (VCAP) . The VCAP will identity critical challenges.
• Supervise the construction/rehabilitation of roads, provision of water supply & flood protection.
• Ensure the timely procurement of agro-processing equipment and machineries for sub-component Quality standards indicated in the Programme Design report (PDR) should be maintained and the handover of the procured item to the target VC operator is as per the PIM and applicable matching grant modality.
• Oversee that training and capacity building activities related to the infrastructure aspects of sub-components are implemented. Establish assets/infrastructure management and maintenance procedures. This include ensuring that proper O&M is carried out by the local government, the VC operators and communities using the development procedures as supported by the local Government Areas Engineers.
• Supervise/co-supervise the local Government Areas engineers and the supports staff working with them.
• Provide technical technical guidance to participating institutions on the approach of carrying out their functions related to the infrastructural aspects of the VCDP.
• Ensure that the consultants give necessary technical support to the participating organizations by working closely with them and contribute to the programme.
• Establish modalities for coordination and proper working relationship with participating institution.
• Prepare measurement of work and certificate of payment for all infrastructure activities as supported by the local government areas Engineers.
• Ensure proper management, timely utilization and reporting of the budget for the sub-component is undertaken by the state. Liaise with the concerned budget holders within the state programme management unit (SPMU) when it comes to the support activities provided to other sub-components.
• Assist the SPM in ensuring that the programmed focus on the poorest of the poor, especially women, is pursued.
• Undertake other related activities as directed by SMP.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.

• Masters or Higher Level University Degree in Sociology, Economics and other relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years post — qualification experience including at least 2 years in implementation of productivity enhancement.
• Knowledge in participatory approaches, gender mainstreaming and farmers ‘Field school approaches will be appreciated.
• Proven record in the field of project implementation of productivity enhancement projects and.
• Good writting skills and computer literacy will be an advantage.

• Responsible for the coordinating and supervision of the component of the project, Support to smallholders product at state level.
• Work in close collaboration with the Rural institutional and Gander Mainstreaming officer at state level in periodic meetings held at SPMU and during joint and periodic field visit.
• Provide periodic to NGOs/services providers hired to implements the activities and oversee the overall process of selection of target FOs use beneficiaries in close collaboration with the Rural Institutions and Gender Mainstreaming Officer,
• Liaise with other relevant programmes and technical departments is the public sector at State level suck as AGP, the National Agricultural seed council , the National Root and Tuber Crop Research Institute, the National Cereals Research Institutes.
• Liaise with any other stakeholder such as seed companies, agro-dealers (distributors and sub-distributors) equipment supplies at state level and local level government.
• Contribute to the design of overall distribution scheme of certified seed/improved cassava cuttings, fertilizer, and herbicides and equipment at state and local government area level.
• Supervise and coordinate the distribution of certified seeds/improved cassava cutting, fertilizer and herbicides and equipment a state and local government area level including the delivery of goods at local government area level.
• Supervise the service provider is charge of Implementing the activity, Promotion and dissemination of sustainable agricultural practice through the FFs approach,
• Contribute to the drafting of periodic project progress reports at State Level and,
• Contribute to the state annual work plan and budget for component.

• An Officer from the public service shall be on secondment for two years duration at the first instance and subsequent two year term, renewals up to the life of the project based on performance and conduct.
• Furthermore, a candidate from the public service who is disengaged from the project for whatever reason shall be reabsorbed to his/her parent Ministry in line with extent rules and regulations. For a candidate from the private sector, the duration shall be for two years at first instant and subsequent annual renewal based on performance and conduct in accordance with the terms of contract. Generally, the contract terminates at the end of the project life.
• The salaries and condition of service are as applicable to the post appointed for in Niger State Civil Service as approved by the Niger State Government.