Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria is Recruiting for various positions

Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is a non-governmental organization that promotes demonstration and widespread adoption of improved pre-and post-production agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers. SAA assists host Country agricultural development program through its country program.

SAA Nigeria is seeking to recruit qualified candidates of Nigerian nationals for the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Coordinator, Agro-pastoral Development Project

Location: Kano

About the Project

  • The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) is a 5-year development project aims to develop agro-pastoral production systems in Kano State. The project directly addresses a fundamental root cause of low animal productivity and conflicts because of the transhumance in Nigeria and particularly in Kano State.
  • The project is implemented through five interrelated components: Crop Productivity Enhancement, promotion of improved Postharvest and Agro-processing technologies, promote Public-Private Partnerships in support of pluralistic extension delivery and market access, to develop agricultural extension advisory services and to establish a relevant, efficient and effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Sharing system.

Job Descriptions

  • The Agro-pastoral Project Coordinator (APC) will be in charge of coordination of the project and its activities.
  • S / he will facilitate the effective management of the project according to Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) organizations standards and reports to the SAA Country Director.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Provide management and leadership, guidance, cohesion, accountability, and profile to the project.
  • Provide technical leadership to a multidisciplinary team of actors in Agro-pastoral Development project management platforms in Nigeria
  • Support planning and coordination of the program and its activities
  • Ensure implementation of policies and SAA organizational standard and practices
  • Help build positive relations within the team and external parties
  • Schedule and organize project’s meetings / events and maintain agenda
  • Liaise with Subject Matter Specialists to prepare annual and quarterly work plans and budgets
  • Ensure that technical, financial and other required reports are produced in a timely manner and to high quality standards
  • Monitors and supervises the activities of the project program officers.
  • Liaise with SMS’s to revise project expectations to meet the changing needs of targeted beneficiaries.
  • Oversee daily operations of the project and determines priorities.
  • Liaise with the SMS’s to provide technical backstopping to the program officers of the project.
  • Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of the program and develop new methods aimed at greater success.
  • Liaise with the SMS’s to provide trainings to new employees, facilitates educational workshops, meetings and conferences,
  • Interacts with members of the community to help achieve project’s goals and objectives
  • Any other responsibilities assigned to him / her by the SAA Country Director

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • A strong management record together with superior interpersonal skills, and demonstrated performance in creating, motivating and leading diverse teams of highly qualified professionals;
  • M.Sc. in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics, Project Management, Business Administration or other relevant field(s); PhD is an added advantage
  • A minimum of 10 years management-related experience in agricultural development in, preferably in the area of extension
  • A proven track record in establishing and managing diverse and effective public / private R&D partnerships for development
  • A proven track-record of fund raising ability
  • An ability and willingness to travel within the country of assignment
  • Fluency in English, the working language of Sasakawa Africa Association, is required
  • Nigerian Nationals only

Job Title: Program Officer, Crop Productivity Enhancement (CPE)

Location: Kano

About the Project

  • The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) is a 5-year development project aims to develop agro-pastoral production systems in Kano State. The project directly addresses a fundamental root cause of low animal productivity and conflicts because of the transhumance in Nigeria and particularly in Kano State.
  • The project is implemented through five interrelated components: Crop Productivity Enhancement, promotion of improved Postharvest and Agro-processing technologies, promote Public-Private Partnerships in support of pluralistic extension delivery and market access, to develop agricultural extension advisory services and to establish a relevant, efficient and effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Sharing system.

Job Descriptions

  • The CPE PO assists the Project Coordinator in carrying out activities that contribute to the implementation of crop productivity within the value chain extension approach to attain SAA goals.
  • S / he complements the job of the Project Coordinator and is tasked with specific technical responsibilities.

Required Tasks

  • Assist Project Coordinator in planning and budgeting CPE activities of the organization.
  • Assist on CPE needs assessment and contribute to baseline survey in selected sites in collaboration with other themes.
  • Support Project Coordinator to develop and implement training programs to promote productivity enhancing value-chains in selected sites.
  • Support in planning, organizing, coordinating and conduct training on CPE for Subject Matter Specialists (SMS’s) / Extension agents (EAs) and farmers, especially women. youth & PwDs.
  • Support and participate in selection of project sites for implementation of planned activities, in collaboration with stakeholders, especially Agricultural Offices.
  • Ensure that inputs required for the Project activities are timely procured and distributed to the respective project sites.
  • Assist in implementing and managing CPE program including monitoring progress and ensuring timely completion of program activities.
  • Collect data and maintain the database of CPE activities.
  • Backstop project activities through regular field visits to provide technical guidance and advice to the extension field staff and other stakeholders on time and collect yield and economic data, analyze and produce field reports.
  • Assist in organizing and coordinating value-chain activities such as Farmers’ Field Days, Agricultural Shows and Experience sharing
  • Tours at appropriate sites, in collaboration with partner Agricultural Offices and other stakeholders.
  • Provide feedback to thematic colleagues and partners on technology selection, performance (agronomic and economic) and impacts through demonstrations, meetings and reports.
  • Assist Project Coordinator in preparing monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual technical reports.
  • Participate actively in inter theme activities along the value-chain.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Education Background and Experience

  • B.Sc. / M.Sc. in Agriculture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agriculture Extension, or relevant education.
  • 5 / 7 years working experience on relevant field respectively

Competences:

  • English Proficiency: Level B2 (Especially writing skills)
  • Microsoft Office: Intermediate knowledge of Word and Excel, Powerpoint should be intermediate
  • Basic knowledge of Biometry, Experimental Design and Statistical analysis and good reporting skill
  • Project implementation skills
  • Skills in using ICT (GPS and e-extension tool)
  • Basic agri-business skills.

Job Title: Program Officer (PO), Business Development (BD)

Location: Kano

About the Project

  • The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) is a 5-year development project aims to develop agro-pastoral production systems in Kano State. The project directly addresses a fundamental root cause of low animal productivity and conflicts because of the transhumance in Nigeria and particularly in Kano State.
  • The project is implemented through five interrelated components: Crop Productivity Enhancement, promotion of improved Postharvest and Agro-processing technologies, promote Public-Private Partnerships in support of pluralistic extension delivery and market access, to develop agricultural extension advisory services and to establish a relevant, efficient and effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Sharing system.

Job Descriptions

  • The PO BD, assists the Project Coordinator in carrying out activities that contribute to the implementation of value-chain extension approach to attain SAA goal.
  • S / he complements the job of the BD Coordinator and is tasked with specific technical responsibilities.

Required Tasks

  • In Collaboration with Project Coordinator, leading a team of extension officers, coordinating, supervising and monitoring field-based activities related to the value-chain Development;
  • Organize training of the Commodity Associations Trainers (CATs) to ensure that they are efficiently and appropriately trained to undertake the requirements of their responsibilities as trainers and developers. Share back to office reports with Project Coordinator;
  • Support the development and emergence of VC-business services providers to support CAs / FBO development;
  • Encourage the establishment of village saving and loan associations and facilitate linkages between finance / credit institutions and farmer groups;
  • Train farmers, CAs and FBOs on contract negotiation and management. Strengthen farmer access to extension services from input suppliers and project partners;
  • Assist Project Coordinator to develop Financial packages / models in collaboration with agro-processors, input dealers, traders, and Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) to increase farmers access to credit and other services;
  • Assist Project Coordinator to develop and strengthen market information system, e-extension among key stakeholders in the value chain;
  • Build strong farmers / CA / FBOs in villages participating in the value- chain;
  • Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisors.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or MA / M.Sc. degree in Agri-Business, Agriculture Economics, Agriculture Extension, Business Management, or in any other related field;
  • 5 / 7 years of experience on relevant field respectively

Competences:

  • English Proficiency: Level C2 (Especially writing skills)
  • English proficiency: Intermediate
  • Strong oral, analytical, writing and presentational skills.
  • Microsoft Office: Advance knowledge of Power point, Word and Excel
  • Knowledge of Econometrics and statistical analysis and good reporting skills
  • Excellent project coordination and management skills
  • Skills on using ICT (GPS and e-extension tools)
  • Agri-business skills

Job Title: Program Officer (PO), Post Harvest & Agro Processing (PHAP)

Location: Kano

About the Project

  • The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) is a 5-year development project aims to develop agro-pastoral production systems in Kano State. The project directly addresses a fundamental root cause of low animal productivity and conflicts because of the transhumance in Nigeria and particularly in Kano State.
  • The project is implemented through five interrelated components: Crop Productivity Enhancement, promotion of improved Postharvest and Agro-processing technologies, promote Public-Private Partnerships in support of pluralistic extension delivery and market access, to develop agricultural extension advisory services and to establish a relevant, efficient and effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Sharing system.

Job Descriptions

  • The Program Officer (PO) PHAP assists the Project Coordinator in carrying out activities that contribute to the implementation of value- chain extension approach to attain SAA goal.
  • S / he complements the job of the Project Coordinator and is tasked with specific technical responsibility such as promotion of PHAP machines, or developing nutrition-intervention, or other sub-sector of the post-production sub- sector of the value chain.

Required Tasks

  • Assist Project Coordinator in development of PHAP program (monthly / quarterly / annual) work plan and budget.
  • Assist in conducting PHAP needs assessment and contribute to baseline surveys in selected sites in collaboration with other themes.
  • Assist Project Coordinator to develop an extension program to promote improved pos-tharvest handling, storage and other value- adding technologies, including the development of off-farm agro-processing enterprise and improving nutrition for rural families.
  • Specifically, advise on economic viability of selected technologies
  • Assist in Planning, organizing, coordinating and conducting business oriented training on economic analysis of PHAP technologies, development and management of agro-enterprises, skills development on market negotiations and product promotion, and basic business skills for farmers and agro-processor, especially women, youth and PwD.
  • Contribute to the development of PHAP training materials for use by trainers and farmers along with PHAP Project Coordinator and other members of the team.
  • Support PHAP Project Coordinators and the team to implement programs to promote PHAP technologies and agro-processing enterprises, specifically monitor the economic performances of the promoted technologies and agro-processing enterprises, and advise on using them profitably; identify market opportunities and link farmers and processor to these markets.
  • Backstop project activities through regular field visits to provide technical guidance and advice to the extension field staff and other stakeholders on time and collect yield and economic data, analyze and produce field reports.
  • Assist the team in conducting technology demonstrations, Farmers’ Field Days, agricultural show and experience-sharing tours on the use and management of the promoted PHAP technologies.
  • Provide feedback to thematic colleagues and partners on technology selection, performance and impacts through demonstrations, meetings and reports.
  • Assist Project Theme Coordinator in preparing monthly, quarterly biannual and annual technical reports.
  • Participate actively in inter theme activities along the value-chain
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Education Background and Experience

  • Minimum requirement: B.Sc. / M.Sc. in Agriculture Economics, Postharvest Management, Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, Rural Development, or any other relevant education
  • 5 / 7 years of working experience on relevant field respectively

Competence:

  • English Proficiency: Level C1 (Especially writing skills),
  • Microsoft Office: Intermediate knowledge of Power point, Word and Excel
  • Basic knowledge on Econometric and statistical analysis and good reporting skills
  • Works with minimum supervision on developing business plan and analyzing economic viability of agro- enterprises

Job Title: Program Officer (PO), Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Communication (MERC)

Location: Kano

About the Project

  • The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) is a 5-year development project aims to develop agro-pastoral production systems in Kano State. The project directly addresses a fundamental root cause of low animal productivity and conflicts because of the transhumance in Nigeria and particularly in Kano State.
  • The project is implemented through five interrelated components: Crop Productivity Enhancement, promotion of improved Postharvest and Agro-processing technologies, promote Public-Private Partnerships in support of pluralistic extension delivery and market access, to develop agricultural extension advisory services and to establish a relevant, efficient and effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Sharing system.

Job Descriptions

  • The PO supports the Project Coordinator in planning, implementation, coordination, supervision and reporting on all MERC related activities at state level.
  • S / he reports to the Project Coordinator on a day-to-day basis.

Required Tasks

  • Assist Project Coordinator in developing project documents including monthly / annual work plan and budget of MERC activities.
  • Assist in designing survey tools and methodologies (qualitative & quantitative) of MERC and lead data collection, analysis, documentation, reporting and information sharing.
  • Assist in designing and preparing training packages (leaflets, handouts, etc.) for use by staff and others in the field (e.g., survey enumerators and data entry technicians).
  • Assist Project Coordinator in planning, and monitoring activities by collecting relevant and reliable data / information.
  • Assist Project Coordinator in writing quarterly, biannual and annual technical reports.
  • PO drafts and submits all reports to Project Coordinator for review and vetting before final compilation into main report
  • Assist in developing publications including policy briefs and journal articles attributed to SAA work and share with key partners and stakeholders.
  • Assist in developing project documents including monthly / annual work plan and budget of MERC activities.
  • Monitor media outlets regularly and collect document and disseminate relevant information to staff.
  • Provide data and information for publications (Brochures, Newsletters, fact sheets etc.) and Information on Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
  • Help to organize Farmers’ Field Days, Agricultural Shows and Experience sharing tours, and Media Field Days.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Education Background and Experience

  • Minimum requirement: B.Sc. / M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, Management Information Systems and any related area
  • 5 / 7 years of experience respectively

Competences:

  • English Proficiency: Level C2 (Especially writing skills), Mali English proficiency should be intermediate
  • For Francophone Countries: French Proficiency: Advanced
  • Microsoft Office: Advance knowledge of Power point, Word and Excel
  • Abity to use data collection technologies, such as GPS, Arc-GIS,
  • Ability to use MS ACCESS, SPHINX, SPSS, Stata or any other data management software
  • Knowledge & econometrics and statistical analysis and excellent
  • Project implementation skills

Deadline: 27th August, 2020.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidate should send Applications including the following non-returnable documents:

  • Application letters stating intent of interest
  • Curriculum Vitae with three referees
  • Copies of Credentials

All Applications must be submitted electronically to: claraogbe@saa-safe.org
Or
Via the postal address below:
The Country Director,
Sasakawa Global, Sasakawa Global 2000,
No. 8, Kura Road, Off Magajin Rumfa,
P.M.B. 5190 – Kano State.

Note

  • Candidates will be pre-screened and only shortlisted ones will be invited for an interview.
  • Female candidates are encouraged to apply.