Gender and Social Development Expert at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)

The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a loan from the African Development Bank (AFDB) for the implementation of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase-I (ATASP-I), The ATASP-I will contribute to the objectives of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government by addressing the constraints of Rice, Sorghum and Cassava value ehai:ris in four staple crop processing zones of Adani-Omor, Bida-Badeggi, Kano-Jigawa and Kebbi-Sokoto. The Programme comprises three complementary and mutually reinforcing components viz: Infrastructure Development; Commodity Value Chain Development; and Programme Management, The specific objective of the programme is to contri1ute to food and nutrition security, employment generation, and wealth creation along the priority commodity value chains.

For effective programme take-off, the FMARD is constituting a National Programme Coordination Team (NPCT) at the Programme Headquarters in Abuja. Consequently, part of the proceeds of the ATASP-I loan will be applied to engage the services of the following officers at the Programme Headquarters, Abuja.

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) is recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Gender and Social Development Expert

Location: Abuja

Main Responsibilities
Responding to the National Programme Coordinator, the Gender and Social Development Expert will ensure effective gender main streaming in all project activities, including the -mobilization of project beneficiaries to understand the -philosophy and programme implementation arrangements so s to ensure their full participation.

Specific Responsibilities

• In collaharation with the M&E Specialist and othe specialists ensure effective gender mainstreaming
• Ensure that all training and capacity building activities take.
• Provide methodoiogical support to the formation and strengthening of Commodity groups to achieve programme objectives
• Support Consultants and staff to design mechanisms which facilitate gender sensitivity in programme Implementation especially amongst beneficiaries
• Carry out any tasks as may be assigned by the National Programme Coordinator.

Qualification and Experience

• At least Bachelor’s degree in Rural Development, sociology and relevant discipline. A Masters degree in post graduate cognate gender studies will be added advantage.
• At least 10 years work experience in rural-based agricultural development activities,
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, on ordinate monitor and report on his/her own work plan.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines,
• Self motivated, team player, able to work with minimum supervision.
• Willingness to work in rural settings.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication outreach skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
• Computer literacy with proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel).
• Familiarity with results-based management.
• Working knowledge of the operational modalities for national and international NGOs is desirable

Performance Criteria
Key performance includes the following:

• Acceptable Terms of Reference or, as applicable, specifications for procurement of goods, works and services in respect of infrastructure activities prepared in time to ensure compliance with approved procurement plans.
• Infrastructure and environmental management services contracts between PIU and service providers or other government agencies are efficiently supervised and implemented; acceptable deliverables obtained and contracts are completed on time. Consultant’s Reports or Contractor’s/Suppliers Work Statement or Bids in respect of all infrastructure and environmental management activities, reviewed and report/recommendations submitted to management within 5 days of receipt of the reports.
• Field visit reports on infrastructure and environmental management activities submitted to management within a minimum of two (2) days of returning from the field visit.
• Infrastructure and Environmental management activities Progress Reports prepared in recommended/agreed format (i) Quarterly and Annual report within five (5.) days of the end of the quarter or year; (ii) monthly reports for management within two (2) days of the end of the month; (iii) Reports for Bank supervision missions within a maximum of two (2) days of arrival of the mission, Management/or bank queries on infrastructure and environmental management activities responded to within a maximum of two (2) days of notification, Clear and measurable quarterly performance targets/milestones agreed. with the National project Coordinator at the beginning of each quarter. Performance appraisal form completed and submitted to Project Coordinator by 5th of June and 5th of January every year.

Failure to comply with the above listed time-based criteria in any one year and/or nonconformity to the prescribed plans, rules and standards, without documentary evidence of reasons thereof, shall disqualify the Gender and Social Development Expert from the post and lead to the cessation of the contract.

Terms of Appointment
Maximum of five years, renewable every year subject to satisfactory performance. The performance criteria will be the indicators for assessing every officer.

Application Closing Date
29th September, 2014

Method of Application
Applications are invited from suitable qualified candidates. Each candidate should submit ten (16) copies of his/her application. 
Qualified Women candidates are highly encouraged to apply. All application should be addressed to;

The Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Attention:
The Director,
Department of Rural Development
No. 1 Capital Drive, FCDA Secretariat,
Area 11, Gerki, Abuja

Note: All applications must be addressed and delivered to the above address. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, Applicants should ensure that the positions applied for are clearly written on the top right hand side of the envelopes.