Ongoing Recruitment at Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA)

Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, Belgium with offices in 16 countries throughout Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

We work with businesses, foundations, governments and communities to build customized local and global partnerships that meet the world’s growing demand for food. Since our inception in 1985, we have designed and implemented enterprise-based, agricultural development initiatives to facilitate market access, enhance agribusiness competitiveness, increase productivity and improve access to inputs and credit across 45 countries worldwide.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:

Job Title: Procurement Officer

Location: Nigeria

Position Description

• The Procurement Officer will work closely with and report to the Finance and Operations Director, and is responsible for managing a fast-paced procurement environment supporting the USAID Feed the Future Agribusiness Investment Activity in Nigeria.
• The Procurement Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring integrity, fairness, and openness in procurement processes as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls.
• The main responsibility for this position is to conduct procurement of goods and services. The position requires substantial work experience in the field of procurement and contracting across a variety of industry sectors, contract management, dispute resolution, managing interpersonal relationships and communication, and investigating/following up on vendor issues.
• The position requires knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars.
• The Procurement Officer will be responsible for gathering complete procurement related backup documentation and auditing prior to submission to Finance Team.  S/he will develop and release solicitations, and conduct price/cost/reasonability analyses.
• The position will require close coordination with partners, recipients and /or beneficiaries to accomplish project objectives.

Program Description

• The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture. To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations. In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
• Beginning in December 2018 and closing in 2023, this $15.6 million project aims to integrate thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations as high-performing commercial actors in the value chains for rice, maize, soy, aquaculture, and cowpeas. As a result of streamlined regulations, more effective policies, improved production and processing practices, and significantly increased finance and investment flows, the project will increase the competitiveness and returns of both large and small sale agricultural enterprises. Employing a value chain approach, the Agribusiness Investment Activity aims to facilitate $100 million in new lending and $100 million in new investment across the 5 crops in the following 7 designated States: Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Cross River.  The USAID/Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity is a 5-year year, $15 million-dollar project implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.
• The project’s goal is to strengthen the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture. Activities will encompass three broad but interrelated components. First, the Agribusiness Investment Activity will improve the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; second, the Activity will expand access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and third, the Activity will promote investment opportunities for agribusinesses to strengthen their readiness to expand and scale up their operations. Taken together, these efforts will increase the volume, added value, and diversification of agribusiness investments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare Requests for Proposals (RFP) /Request for Quotations (RFQ) independently without supervision and manage the RFP/RFQ process, contract preparation and execution of contracts.
• Review bids for completeness, accuracy and responsiveness.
• Prepare Purchase Orders/Subcontracts and Modifications and ensure proper documentation is collected throughout the procurement process.
• Prepare complete backup documentation for procurement purchases & submit to the Project’s Finance Team
• Conduct daily reviews of procurement related backup documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Confer with vendors and suppliers (local, regional and international sources) to obtain product or service information such as price, availability and delivery schedule.  Also, obtain estimate value of goods and services through multiple quotations from reliable and competitive suppliers.
• Conduct price/cost/reasonability analyses.
• Verify detailed tender specifications and performance standards with the Project and the operations teams to facilitate procurement of equipment, goods and services in strict compliance with the approved policy.
• Perform regular spot audits of procurement files using audit tools.
• Ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent and/or detect incidence of fraud, collusion, or corruption in procurement practices.
• Draft Source Selection Memos/Request to Subcontract Memos Ensure integrity, compliance, fairness, accuracy, and openness in procurement processes.
• Organize procurement selection meetings to consider tender applications against approved technical specifications and with due regard to market price, cost, quality and speed of delivery as well as economy of operations.
• Ensure adequate competition is achieved, as per USAID and CNFA policies and procedures.
• Ensure CNFA, USAID and FAR/AIDAR/CFR/OMB policies, and procedures are followed and enforced.
• Help other project staff become more familiar, and understand, Project policies and procedures as related to procurement.
• Maintain electronic procurement records & files in various CNFA system platforms as requested.
• Solicit bids and quotes from vendors in adherence with policies & approved requisitions and quarterly procurement plans.
• Monitor, track and expedite all project procurement activities and delivery status of goods/services.
• Gather current pricing information independently.
• Determine source selection methods for complex procurement to ensure compliance.
• Prepare cost evaluation data, and source selection documentation.
• Ensure procurements are approved by the required CNFA/Project authorities, and/or client approvals are received, before awards are made.
• Through market research efforts, identify and qualify potential suppliers (and products/services). Ensure that beneficial, ethical and open supplier relationships are created and maintained according to procurement policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience and progressive responsibility in procurement at the mid-level of an organization.
• Experience leading and managing the procurement & acquisition aspects of USAID funded projects, including a demonstrated understanding of applicable procurement-related USG & Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) regulations. Experience with procurement for USAID-funded programs is required.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor/subcontractor negotiations.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to prioritize multiple requests.
• Customer-service oriented.
• Proficiency in Microsoft excel, including the use of formulas.
• Proficiency using Microsoft office suite, and other relevant software.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent bids.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

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

 

Job Title: Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Location: Nigeria

Position Description

• The Marketing and Communications Coordinator will contribute to, and manage as directed, all project client reporting and presentation requirements as well as all external communications in country.
• S/he will report directly to the Marketing and Communications Manager and liaise as needed with USAID Nigeria mission representatives, other USG organizations, and bilateral national partners and stakeholders.
• Working closely with CNFA’s Corporate Communications team based in Washington, DC, the Marketing and Communications Coordinator will actively participate in, and materially contribute to, planning, initiating and managing the full breadth of the marketing and outreach activities of the project, with a strong focus on capturing and promoting the reach and impact of the project.
• S/he will provide dayâ€�toâ€�day support to the Communications Manager in implementing the project’s communications, reporting, and outreach activities.
• S/he will additionally support project sponsored events, such as national and international conferences and events, by organizing, branding, and producing informational materials and facilitating business participation.
• This position works with all project components and stakeholders in helping them optimize their marketing strategies, including but not limited to collateral development, client outreach, web and mobile applications, and social media.

Program Description

• The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture.
• To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations.
• In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
• Beginning in December 2018 and closing in 2023, this $15.6 million project aims to integrate thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations as high-performing commercial actors in the value chains for rice, maize, soy, aquaculture, and cowpeas.
• As a result of streamlined regulations, more effective policies, improved production and processing practices, and significantly increased finance and investment flows, the project will increase the competitiveness and returns of both large and small sale agricultural enterprises.
• Employing a value chain approach, the Agribusiness Investment Activity aims to facilitate $100 million in new lending and $100 million in new investment across the 5 crops in the following 7 designated States: Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Cross River.
• The USAID/Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity is a 5-year year, $15 million-dollar project implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.  The project’s goal is to strengthen the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture.
• Activities will encompass three broad but interrelated components.
• First, the Agribusiness Investment Activity will improve the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; second, the Activity will expand access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and third, the Activity will promote investment opportunities for agribusinesses to strengthen their readiness to expand and scale up their operations.
• Taken together, these efforts will increase the volume, added value, and diversification of agribusiness investments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In coordination with USAID, help develop targeted messaging for the project to convey its impact and success in keeping with USAID guidelines and priorities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Working with the Communications Manager, develop a communications strategy for the project to highlight achievements and effectively communicate progress ensuring that the strategy is aligned with CNFA’s global approach.
• Execute the overall communications strategy (internally and externally).
• Contribute to the process of developing and delivering contractual deliverables including quarterly and annual reports.
• Coordinate with the ICT unit and other project subcontractors in using mobile and internet technologies in their communications and marketing and outreach strategies.
• Advise ICT staff and subcontractors as well as stakeholders on best marketing strategies for internet and mobile applications.
• Support the technical teams where applicable and as directed in developing SOWs for STTA to support the marketing requirements of project intermediary organization beneficiaries.
• Work alongside all project components and cross cutting team members in helping project beneficiaries better understand and market their services to target audiences.
• Provide advice, and implement international best practice models, on how entrepreneurs and
• MSME service providers market and communicate with each other, their stakeholders and clients.
• Provide quality assurance related to informational content and product development including PPTs, fact sheets, case studies, success stories, brochures, profiles, and the preparation of talking points.
• Coordinate high-profile events, delegations, and field visits by U.S. government agencies, international organizations and donors, regional economic communities (RECs), embassies, and local partners and stakeholders.
• Update the project website as needed to ensure information is up to date and progress and events are shared as is appropriate. This may include updating and uploading modules and developing resources for relevant stakeholders to use.
• Develop social media content for platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, with USAID/Nigeria’s Department of Communications (DOC) Office, to provide project updates and engage a network of stakeholders, in close association with CNFA’s home office Corporate Communications team.
• Develop outreach materials including banners, brochures, reports and other forms of internal and external communications, and manage clearance processes.
• Follow communications protocols as agreed upon with USAID, the Chief of Party, and CNFA’s Corporate Communications, including receiving approvals for outreach and deliverables.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, as requested, including institutional and private sector partners, to increase visibility and maximize coordination.
• Conduct interviews and capture quotes or stories as needed for reporting.
• Take notes at staff meetings and other internal meetings as requested.
• Support programmatic events, trade shows, exhibitions and initiatives (e.g., conferences and other vents).
• Support communications with the USAID Mission and other USG agencies regarding project implementation, knowledge management, and information dissemination.
• Ensure program materials are branded correctly and consistently in keeping with USAID standards and branding guidelines.
• Maintain an up to date and comprehensive project contact database that can be searched by component, institution, geography, or name.
• Collaborate with technical staff on integrated project plans; provide communications support to technical staff as needed.
• Assist with the building of the capacity of project’s staff to develop reporting and promotional content from project activities; support staff with templates and reporting guidelines as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested by the COP or DCOP as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be legally allowed to work in Nigeria;
• University graduate with a Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (Masters preferred);
• 3 years of experience in similar work;
• Previous experience in marketing in the field of development;
• Prior USAID experience strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to unpack and communicate complex concepts simply with a range of
• stakeholders and sectors;
• Demonstrated experience in program and event management;
• Demonstrated experience in designing communications plans, developing and implementing knowledge management tools or systems, and developing content for social media platforms;
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Proficiency with Prezi, Visio or other graphic arts and desktop publishing software a plus;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player;
• Ability to travel to support project work;
• Ability to facilitate e-marketing and web-based technologies for professional purposes;
• Experience working collaboratively with institutional and privateâ€�sector partners and stakeholders in Nigeria;
• Ability to work well in diverse teams but also productive working individually with minimum
• supervision;
• Well organized, strong analytical skills, creative thinker, innovative, demonstrated personal
• initiative, stress tolerance, integrity and ethics;
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English; and
• The ability to produce various informational products under tight deadlines.

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

 

Job Title: Human Resources Manager

Location: Nigeria

Position Description

• The Human Resources Manager is responsible for project administration and human resource management.  This includes ensuring that both technical and operational needs are met as well as ensuring that all operations are executed in accordance with USAID regulations.
• The Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the integrity of the administration and human resources including accurate documentation across both departments.

Program Description

• The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture.
• To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations. In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
• Beginning in December 2018 and closing in 2023, this $15.6 million project aims to integrate thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations as high-performing commercial actors in the value chains for rice, maize, soy, aquaculture, and cowpeas. As a result of streamlined regulations, more effective policies, improved production and processing practices, and significantly increased finance and investment flows, the project will increase the competitiveness and returns of both large and small sale agricultural enterprises. Employing a value chain approach, the Agribusiness Investment Activity aims to facilitate $100 million in new lending and $100 million in new investment across the 5 crops in the following 7 designated States: Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Cross River.
• The USAID/Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity is a 5-year year, $15 million-dollar project implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.
• The project’s goal is to strengthen the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture. Activities will encompass three broad but interrelated components.
• First, the Agribusiness Investment Activity will improve the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; second, the Activity will expand access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and third, the Activity will promote investment opportunities for agribusinesses to strengthen their readiness to expand and scale up their operations.
• Taken together, these efforts will increase the volume, added value, and diversification of agribusiness investments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all human resources operations on the project, including recruitment, hiring, employee onboarding, staff orientation, performance reviews, and disciplinary action in compliance with USAID rules and regulations and local labor laws.
• Facilitate and oversee recruitment and hiring processes from solicitation to post hire orientation in compliance with CNFA policies
• Responsible for any interfacing with the Department of Labor or any other relevant Government of Nigeria authorities on labor or other human resource issues.
• Management and training of supervisors charged with conducting performance evaluations of staff members in their units and monitoring to ensure compliance with the process.
• Mitigate and resolve human resources conflicts and issues, seeking assistance and guidance from the Director of Operations or other senior staff members as needed.
• Oversee personnel files management in hard copy and electronic for all long-term and short-term project staff.
• Ensure that contracts drawn up are in line with Nigerian Labor Law and Basic Conditions of Employment Acts.
• Manage the leave of all staff, including vacation, holidays, sick, bereavement, etc.
• Manage the contracting process for short term consultants
• Responsible for developing and implementing a Project level HR manual.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or a related field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience and progressive responsibility in human resource management at the mid to upper levels of an organization.
• Experience leading and managing the human resource/personnel aspects of USAID funded projects, including a demonstrated understanding of applicable personnel-related USG & Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) regulations. Experience with USAID-funded programs is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing short- and long-term contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in personnel negotiations and performance reviews.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting wage and other HR-related market surveys.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work in a highly dynamic environment.
• Customer-service oriented.
• Proficiency using Microsoft office suite, and other relevant software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

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

 

Job Title: Office Manager/PA to the COP

Location: Nigeria

Position Descriptions

• The Office Manager/PA to the Chief of Party (COP) is a job with dual reporting and responsibilities.  First, as the Office Manager, s/he is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the Agribusiness Investment Activity’s office headquarters in Abuja and the 7 State-based offices.
• In this role, the Office Manager will report to the Finance and Operations Director.  As the Personal Assistant to the COP, the main responsibility is supporting the COP with administration, research, and some management functions so that his productivity is optimized.
• In both, quickly gaining a thorough understanding of the relevant USAID rules and regulations, as well as CNFA’s policies and procedures, internal controls and operations reporting systems will be vital.

Program Description

• The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture.
• To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations. In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
• Beginning in December 2018 and closing in 2023, this $15.6 million project aims to integrate thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations as high-performing commercial actors in the value chains for rice, maize, soy, aquaculture, and cowpeas. As a result of streamlined regulations, more effective policies, improved production and processing practices, and significantly increased finance and investment flows, the project will increase the competitiveness and returns of both large and small sale agricultural enterprises.
• Employing a value chain approach, the Agribusiness Investment Activity aims to facilitate $100 million in new lending and $100 million in new investment across the 5 crops in the following 7 designated States: Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Cross River.  The USAID/Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity is a 5-year year, $15 million-dollar project implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.
• The project’s goal is to strengthen the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture. Activities will encompass three broad but interrelated components. First, the Agribusiness Investment Activity will improve the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; second, the Activity will expand access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and third, the Activity will promote investment opportunities for agribusinesses to strengthen their readiness to expand and scale up their operations. Taken together, these efforts will increase the volume, added value, and diversification of agribusiness investments.

Job Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities – Office Manager:

• Ensure payment of office rent and utilities is completed on time.
• Manage and maintain office access controls including key records, access card records, and   other means used to enter and exit the office and building.
• Liaise with office suppliers, including landlord, cleaning service, utilities, internet and telecommunications provider, security provider, and others.
• Maintain office supplies, including stationary, groceries, washroom products, and water.
• Maintain chain of custody for office phones and access cards for visiting staff.
• Oversee administrative support staff.
• Maintain inventory and ensure that asset labels are affixed to all tracked property.
• Ensure airtime is allocated to staff per policy on a monthly basis (as applicable).
• Manage relationships with landlord and service providers ensuring that all items are invoiced and paid on time.
• Provide or organize the maintenance necessary to obtain high quality of production and the most useful service life of office equipment.
• Ensure the office is always clean, safe, and adequately stocked with operational supplies.
• Oversee the filing of project administration files and official CNFA and Project correspondence.

Duties and Responsibilities – Personal Assistant to the COP:

• Support the COP in booking, managing and maintaining his schedule; taking accurate messages, arranging for logistics for all trips local, regional and international; and more generally proving the necessary assistance to optimize his efficiency and effectiveness, including conduct web-based research and basic analysis, as needed.
• Assist in the greeting, logistical needs, and orientation of all visiting international and Nigerian short-term staff, including maintaining a safe, clean, organized and presentable reception area by complying with all security and other policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the creation and upkeep of the Project Master Contact List.
• Assist, when requested, in Project events planning, by creating and sending invitation emails to guests, tracking RSVPs and following up by email and phone on attendees.
• Organize and take minutes at staff meetings and other meetings as requested.
• Provide support to the Components & STTAs for accomplishment of their administrative requirements.
• Manage and maintain the Project master filing system, including being responsible for managing the SharePoint platform.
• Provide additional administrative support as needed (e.g. typing, photocopying, scanning, binding); and other duties as requested by the COP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5 years of relevant work experience
• Experience with donor-funded projects, and especially USAID, is an advantage
• A proven ability to be accurate, diligent and follow up on tasks until they are completed successfully
• Punctual and detail oriented;
• Ability to manage complex activities and complete tasks on short notice

Required Skills:

• Microsoft Office Skills – MS Windows, Excel, Word; and formatting letters and documents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A friendly and outgoing nature able to support a large and international team of professionals
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks as well as not hesitate to ask for guidance when needed
• Fluency in written and verbal English; other Nigerian languages is an advantage

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

 

Job Title: Communications Manager

Location: Nigeria

Position Description

• The Communications Manager will oversee project communications, including all of the project’s client reporting and presentation requirements as well as all external communications in country.
• S/he will report directly to the Chief of Party and liaise as needed with USAID Nigeria mission representatives, other USG organizations, and bilateral national partners and stakeholders.
• Working closely with CNFA’s Corporate Communications team based in Washington, DC, the Communications Manager is responsible for planning, initiating and managing the full breadth of the marketing and outreach activities of the project, with a strong focus on capturing and promoting the reach and impact of the project.
• S/he will provide dayâ€�toâ€�day management of the project’s communications, reporting, and outreach to various stakeholders.
• S/he will additionally support project sponsored events, such as national and international conferences and events, by organizing, branding, and producing informational materials and facilitating business participation.
• This position works with all project components and stakeholders in helping them optimize their marketing strategies, including but not limited to collateral development, client outreach, web and mobile applications, and social media.
• The Communications Manager will manage one (1) staff member, the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

Program Description

• The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture.
• To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations.
• In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
• Beginning in December 2018 and closing in 2023, this $15.6 million project aims to integrate thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations as high-performing commercial actors in the value chains for rice, maize, soy, aquaculture, and cowpeas.
• As a result of streamlined regulations, more effective policies, improved production and processing practices, and significantly increased finance and investment flows, the project will increase the competitiveness and returns of both large and small sale agricultural enterprises.
• Employing a value chain approach, the Agribusiness Investment Activity aims to facilitate $100 million in new lending and $100 million in new investment across the 5 crops in the following 7 designated States: Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Cross River.
• The USAID/Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity is a 5-year year, $15 million-dollar project implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.
• The project’s goal is to strengthen the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture. Activities will encompass three broad but interrelated components.
• First, the Agribusiness Investment Activity will improve the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; second, the Activity will expand access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and third, the Activity will promote investment opportunities for agribusinesses to strengthen their readiness to expand and scale up their operations.
• Taken together, these efforts will increase the volume, added value, and diversification of agribusiness investments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In coordination with USAID, develop targeted messaging for the project to convey its impact and success in keeping with USAID guidelines and priorities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop a communications strategy for the project to highlight achievements and effectively communicate progress ensuring that the strategy is aligned with CNFA’s global approach.
• Execute the overall communications strategy (internally and externally).
• Manage the process of developing and delivering contractual deliverables including quarterly and annual reports.
• Coordinate with the ICT unit and other project subcontractors in using mobile
• and internet technologies in their communications and marketing and outreach strategies.
• Advise ICT staff and subcontractors as well as stakeholders on best marketing strategies for internet and mobile applications.
• Support the technical teams where applicable in developing SOWs for STTA to support the
• marketing requirements of project intermediary organization beneficiaries.
• Work alongside all project components and cross cutting team members in helping project beneficiaries better understand and market their services to target audiences.
• Provide advice, and implement international best practice models, on how entrepreneurs and
• MSME service providers market and communicate with each other, their stakeholders and clients.
• Provide quality assurance related to informational content and product development including PPTs, fact sheets, case studies, success stories, brochures, profiles, and the preparation of talking points.
• Coordinate high-profile events, delegations, and field visits by U.S. government agencies, international organizations and donors, regional economic communities (RECs), embassies, and local partners and stakeholders.
• Update project website as needed to ensure information is up to date and progress and events are shared as is appropriate. This may include updating and uploading modules and developing resources for relevant stakeholders to use.
• Develop social media content for platforms such as Twitter and Facebook for the DOC based in the USAID/Nigeria Mission to provide project updates and engage a network of stakeholders, in close association with CNFA’s home office Corporate Communications team.
• Develop outreach materials including banners, brochures, reports and other forms of internal and external communications, and manage clearance processes.
• Follow communications protocols as agreed upon with USAID, the Chief of Party, and CNFA’s Corporate Communications, including receiving approvals for outreach and deliverables.
• Represent the project (as needed) at events and meetings as required and liaise with relevant stakeholders, including institutional and private sector partners, to increase visibility and maximize coordination.
• Conduct interviews and capture quotes or stories as needed for reporting.
• Support programmatic events, trade shows, exhibitions and initiatives (e.g., conferences and other vents).
• Support communications with the USAID Mission and other USG agencies regarding project implementation, knowledge management, and information dissemination.
• Ensure program materials are branded correctly and consistently in keeping with USAID standards and branding guidelines.
• Maintain an up to date and comprehensive project contact database that can be searched by component, institution, geography, or name.
• Manage the Communications Assistant.
• Perform other duties as requested by the COP or DCOP as needed.
• Collaborate with technical staff on integrated project plans; provide communications support to technical staff as needed.
• Assist with the building of the capacity of project’s staff to develop reporting and promotional content from project activities; support staff with templates and reporting guidelines as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be legally allowed to work in Nigeria;
• University graduate with a Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (Masters preferred);
• 5 years of experience in similar work;
• Previous experience in marketing in the field of development;
• Prior USAID experience strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to unpack and communicate complex concepts simply with a range of
• stakeholders and sectors;
• Demonstrated experience in program and event management;
• Demonstrated experience in designing communications plans, developing and implementing knowledge management tools or systems, and developing content for social media platforms;
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Proficiency with Prezi, Visio or other graphic arts and desktop publishing software a plus;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player;
• Ability to travel to support project work;
• Ability to facilitate e-marketing and web-based technologies for professional purposes;
• Experience working collaboratively with institutional and private’ sector partners and stakeholders in Nigeria;
• Ability to work well in diverse teams but also productive working individually with minimum
• supervision;
• Well organized, strong analytical skills, creative thinker, innovative, demonstrated personal
• initiative, stress tolerance, integrity and ethics;
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English; and
• The ability to produce various informational products under tight deadlines.

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

 

Job Title: State-level Agribusiness Coordinator

Location: Nigeria

Position Description

• CNFA is recruiting for six (6) state-level Agribusiness Coordinators to be based in and responsible for the following regions: Kaduna State; Niger State; Kebbi State; Benue State; Ebonyi State and Cross River State; and Delta State.
• Reporting to the Agribusiness Specialist, the Agribusiness Coordinator will work with agricultural enterprises of all sizes along the rice, maize, soy, fish and cowpea value chains. Based at the State level, the Agribusiness Coordinator will become familiar with the agribusiness sector; develop an effective and participatory network of agribusiness stakeholders, including public and private sector value chain participants; conduct needs assessments; report on policy constraints; and identify opportunities for the project to facilitate agribusiness finance and investment transactions.
• The Agribusiness Specialist will work directly at the State level with established agribusinesses (‘Lead Firms”) in the target value chains, in addition to their key suppliers, distributors, service providers, MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and other service providers within their value chains.
• Serving as the Project’s main lead generation engine, the Agribusiness Coordinator will help identify (i) the most critical legal and/or regulatory burdens constraining the partner firms’ growth and competitiveness, (ii) valid and justified access to finance requirements of the Lead Firms and their value chain partners (e.g. smallholder farmers, farmer associations, inputs dealers, aggregators, transport and storage firms), and (iii) potential agribusiness investment opportunities.
• The Agribusiness Coordinator will also communicate and coordinate with the other State-based Agribusiness Coordinators as well as with the 3 Component Leaders, M&E Specialist, and Strategic Communications team.

Program Description

• The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture.
• To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations. In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
• Beginning in December 2018 and closing in 2023, this $15.6 million project aims to integrate thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations as high-performing commercial actors in the value chains for rice, maize, soy, aquaculture, and cowpeas. As a result of streamlined regulations, more effective policies, improved production and processing practices, and significantly increased finance and investment flows, the project will increase the competitiveness and returns of both large and small sale agricultural enterprises. Employing a value chain approach, the Agribusiness Investment Activity aims to facilitate $100 million in new investment and $75 million in finance across the 5 crops in 7 designated States: Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Cross River.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in economics, agricultural economics, business administration, finance, or another related field;
• At least (5) years of relevant, progressively responsible experience is required;
• Experience in agricultural finance and in working with MSMEs, financial institutions, and investors;
• Proven track record in developing, analyzing, and implementing projects focused on agribusinesses, agricultural finance, and agricultural value chains;
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating private-sector investments and familiarity with the workings of government legal and regulatory frameworks at the State level;
• Experience in overseeing and working with short-term domestic and international specialists;
• Able to maintain a rigorous focus on project deliverables, indicators and results, including being able to engage stakeholders to capitalize on any shared efficiencies;
• Experience with Monitoring and Evaluation or MEL processes; and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (knowledge of local languages is an advantage).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent the project at the State level.
• Advise the Agribusiness Specialist and Component Leads on state-specific challenges related to the challenges and opportunities for improvements in the business enabling environment, access to agribusiness finance, and opportunities for agribusiness investment.
• Serve as the primary lead generator for investment and financial transactions in the respective State (e.g. Benue, Ebonyi/Cross River, Delta, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger).
• Organize forums and meetings, including but not limited to project launches, policy reform focus groups, and agribusiness lending stakeholder roundtables, with Nigerian government officials, business associations, business development service providers, investors, financial institutions, and SME’s at the State level.
• Ensure stakeholders and beneficiaries are aware of and interested in collaborating with the project, resulting in the project’s ability to capitalize on any shared efficiencies.
• Meet with agribusinesses to develop a strong understanding of the legal, regulatory, and other barriers constraining agribusiness finance and investment in each value chain, and in association with the Enabling Environment Unit, actively contribute to the development of a clear and coherent vision for the reduction of these barriers.
• Closely coordinate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to collect and utilize data to adaptively manage the effort and report on project achievements.
• Backstop and support domestic and international short-term specialists.
• Other ad-hoc duties as assigned by the Agribusiness Specialist.

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