Vacancy at The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)
IFDC Recruitment 2026: Integrated Soil Fertility Management Specialist – Soil Value Programme
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is seeking qualified and experienced professionals to fill the position of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Specialist under its Soil Value Programme in Nigeria.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership in designing, implementing and scaling sustainable soil fertility management interventions to improve soil health, agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Job Details
- Organisation: International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)
- Position: Integrated Soil Fertility Management Specialist
- Programme: Soil Value
- Job ID: 20121618
- Location: Kano State, Nigeria
- Employment Type: Full-Time/Regular
- Recruitment Type: National
- Salary: USD 2,598.90 monthly
- Salary Grade: BG 9
- Experience Required: Minimum of 7 years
- Application Deadline: Not specified in the supplied vacancy details.
About IFDC
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organisation that promotes soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation.
For over 50 years, IFDC has developed practical solutions to improve nutrient-use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen agricultural markets and create opportunities for smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people.
The organisation works with governments, farmers, research institutions and private-sector partners to build resilient agricultural systems and promote sustainable food production.
Position Summary
The Integrated Soil Fertility Management Specialist will provide country-level technical leadership for the design, implementation, monitoring and expansion of integrated soil fertility management interventions in Nigeria.
The role focuses on translating technical knowledge and research into practical agricultural solutions that improve soil health, crop nutrition, fertilizer efficiency, organic resource management and climate resilience.
The successful candidate will also work with government institutions, research organisations, extension services, private-sector stakeholders and farmer organisations to strengthen technical capacity and promote sustainable soil fertility practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the country’s Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) portfolio, including technical design, planning, implementation, quality assurance and performance reviews.
- Provide technical expertise in soil health, site-specific nutrient management, fertilizer-use efficiency, organic amendments, improved germplasm, water management and climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Coordinate soil and crop diagnostics, adaptive research, on-farm trials and demonstrations to generate evidence and identify locally appropriate agricultural solutions.
- Develop farmer-focused ISFM packages, technical guidelines, training materials and advisory tools.
- Organise capacity-building activities for extension personnel, private-sector partners and producer organisations.
- Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, research organisations, financial institutions, development partners and agricultural businesses.
- Support sustainable delivery models that improve farmers’ access to agricultural inputs, services, technologies and markets.
- Monitor programme results and prepare technical reports.
- Promote knowledge management, learning and the scaling of successful soil fertility management practices.
- Integrate gender equality, social inclusion and climate resilience into programme activities.
- Represent IFDC in relevant technical platforms and stakeholder engagements.
Requirements and Qualifications
Interested applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop Nutrition, Natural Resource Management or another closely related discipline.
- A doctorate degree is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in soil fertility management, soil health, crop nutrition or agricultural development.
- Significant field experience in West Africa.
- Demonstrated technical expertise in integrated soil fertility management, soil and plant diagnostics, nutrient management planning, mineral and organic fertilisers, improved germplasm and climate-smart agriculture.
- Experience designing, supervising and analysing on-farm trials, demonstrations, surveys, extension activities and capacity-building programmes.
- Ability to interpret soil, crop, agronomic and monitoring data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
- Strong experience building partnerships with government institutions, universities, research organisations, development partners, private companies and farmer organisations.
- Excellent project coordination, work planning, budgeting, facilitation, analytical, technical writing and presentation skills.
- Good knowledge of common office applications.
- Experience with data-management, statistical, geographic information system (GIS) or digital advisory tools is an advantage.
- Sound knowledge of Nigeria’s agricultural institutions, farming systems, fertiliser sector, soil fertility challenges and rural development context.
- Fluency in French and strong professional proficiency in English.
- Knowledge of relevant Nigerian languages is an added advantage.
Work Location and Reporting
The position is based at the IFDC office in Kano State, Nigeria.
The successful candidate will report to the Soil Values Country Manager Nigeria or another designated technical supervisor and work closely with the programme team and relevant IFDC departments.
The role requires frequent travel to project implementation locations and occasional regional travel.
Salary and Benefits
Monthly Salary: USD 2,598.90
The position is classified under salary grade BG 9.
Other benefits include:
- Annual leave and sick leave.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Group life insurance.
- 13th-month salary.
- Social security and pension contributions in line with local laws.
- End-of-contract benefits.
Diversity and Inclusion
IFDC is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Employment decisions are based on applicants’ abilities, performance and organisational needs, in line with the organisation’s values of fairness, respect and equal opportunity.
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How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official IFDC careers portal, review the complete job description and submit their applications through the recruitment platform.
Job ID: 20121618
Location: Kano State, Nigeria
Note: The application deadline was not indicated in the supplied vacancy information. Applicants are encouraged to visit the official careers portal for further details and application instructions.
