Job vacancies at FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

CALL FOR CONSULTANTS

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT TO THE ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE SAFEGUARDS OFFICER

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security invites applications from suitably qualified consultants for the position of Technical Assistant to the Environment & Climate Change Safeguards Officer under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme.

LOCATION

Kano State

PROGRAMME

Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme

ASSIGNMENT DURATION

12 months, with the possibility of extension based on programme needs, satisfactory performance and conduct.

ABOUT THE SAPZ PROGRAMME

The Federal Government of Nigeria is implementing the SAPZ Programme with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The first phase covers Imo, Kano, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme aims to develop agro-processing clusters, strengthen agricultural value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, create sustainable markets for farmers, promote value addition and generate agriculture-related employment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technical Assistant will support the Environment and Climate Change Safeguards Officer to:

1. Standardize and update templates and guides for documenting Environmental and Social (E&S) project data.

2. Review draft SAPZ E&S safeguards instruments and action plans prepared by participating states.

3. Support E&S compliance monitoring visits to participating state projects.

4. Develop comprehensive E&S management and monitoring frameworks and plans.

5. Support the mid-term review of overall E&S performance, impacts and outcomes.

6. Maintain and update the E&S project progress tracker.

7. Support E&S workshops, training and capacity-building sessions.

8. Train project staff on E&S operational safeguards and compliance with loan covenants.

9. Review Terms of Reference for E&S studies for sub-project activities.

10. Review E&S monitoring reports and assess compliance with Environmental and Social Management Plans.

11. Support the consolidation of monthly E&S performance reports for programme funders.

12. Coordinate third-party E&S monitoring activities and assess the quality of data collected by external consultants.

13. Support preparation of annual work plans, budgets and E&S performance indicators.

14. Provide technical support for E&S information gathering, review and reporting.

15. Liaise with relevant national approving authorities regarding approvals and official disclosure of E&S documents.

16. Perform additional E&S safeguards tasks assigned by the National Programme Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants should possess:

1. A minimum of a Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Impact Assessment, Sociology, Economics, Agricultural Economics or a related field.

2. At least 10 years of experience in Environmental and Social Sustainability and review of E&S safeguards instruments, preferably within development-partner-funded projects.

3. At least 5 years of extensive experience in agricultural infrastructure projects.

4. Relevant experience in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and Environmental and Social Management.

5. Experience working on donor-funded development projects, particularly projects supported by AfDB, World Bank, IFAD or similar institutions.

6. Understanding and experience in stakeholder engagement, implementation of E&S safeguards and E&S framework development.

7. Demonstrated ability to independently review and assess E&S policies, procedures and action plans.

8. Excellent report writing, presentation, organizational, analytical, communication and technical skills.

9. Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

10. Experience working with a development financial institution is an advantage.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested consultants should submit:

1. Updated Resume/CV.

2. Description of similar assignments undertaken.

3. Evidence of experience in similar conditions.

4. Availability of relevant skills.

5. Written Technical Proposal of not more than 2 pages.

6. Financial Proposal.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Appropriate skills and qualifications: 25 points

Competency and experience in similar positions: 25 points

Similar experience working on donor-funded projects: 30 points

Communication skills in English: 20 points

TOTAL: 100 points

Only candidates who score 75 points or above will be considered for the assignment.

HOW TO APPLY

Expression of Interest must be delivered in person to:

Aminu A. Iliyasu

State Programme Coordinator

State Programme Implementation Unit

Kano State Programme Coordinator, SAPZ

State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources

No. 127 T/G Shanu, Beside Arewa Radio (Wazobia Cool FM)

Farm Centre, Kano State

EMAIL: aminu.iliyasu@kanosapz.org

PHONE: 08033958399

Applicants should clearly indicate the category being applied for on the envelope and mark it:

“ENGAGEMENT OF A TECHNICAL ASSISTANT TO SUPPORT THE SAPZ PROGRAM”

APPLICATION DEADLINE

NOT SPECIFIED IN THE PROVIDED ANNOUNCEMENT.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Further information may be obtained at the address above during office hours of 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

The eligibility criteria, shortlisting and selection procedure will be conducted in accordance with IFAD and IsDB Procurement Procedures.