National Programme Coordinator (NPC) 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: National Programme Coordinator (NPC)

Location: Abuja

Reporting and Location
The position will be in the NPCT in Abuja. The NPC will report directly to Director, FDRD as well as Indirectly to the National Programme StreeringCommitte (NPSC). As the secretary to the NPSC, the NPC will also report to the NPSC.

Main Responsibilities

• The National Programme Coordinator will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase l (ATASP-I).
• He/She will also be responsible for managing the team of experts within the NPCT and ensuring their performance and that of the service providers hired to implement programme activities.
• A key element of the position will be to ensure that the programme achieves its development objectives

Specifies Duties

• Coordinate and supervise all activities of the ATASP-l, in direct liaison with the AfDB.
• Organize and conduct project coordination meetings, as well as. facilitating the National Steering Committee (NSC), including providing all information required by the committee and acting as the secretary for the committee,
• Responsible for efficient and effective management of project resources, including being signatory to the project special accounts,
•  Coordinate the recruitment of technical assistants and national technical specialists to fill the positions in the ATASP-l as well as short-term specialists and other service providers required for implementation of the project. Appraise ATASP-l technical staff on regular basis on job performance end otherwise, and ensure effective supervision of other contracted service providers.
• With the assistance and guidance of the procurement officer; take full responsibility for procurement of goods and services in project implementation, Approve contracts for all transactions Undertaken by the project in accordance with Bank procedures, and FGN procedures where applicable.
• As the head of the project implementation team, coordinate and supervise the activities of Implementing Partners, in particular NGOs and Consultant Technical Services Provider (TSPs) to ensure effective delivery of Project services.
• Promote collaboration with other partners, including the private sector, in the area of value chain development.
• Ensure effective planning and execution of project activities in. accordance with the appraisal report and. loan f grant agreements. Prepare Annual Work Plan and Budgets (AWPBs) and Procurement Plans for approval by the National Steering Committee; and ensure submission to AfDB for approval by October of every year Authorize the subsequent releases of funds for agreed activities and ensure timely and appropriate reporting on progress and problems of Project implementation, including Quarterly and Annual Progress Reports, a Mid-Term Review Report. Audit Reports anti Project Completion Report, in accordance with agreed reporting format.
• Coordinate and fully participate in the activities of the Bank’s supervision missions with all: national stakeholders in the mission activities.
• Ensure that all project staff’ prepare and agree on performance objectives and criteria at the beginning of every year. Appraise project staff performance on monthly and annual basis.
• Undertake any other responsibility that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of the Project.

Qualification and Experience

• Masters degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Rural Development, or a related science, Agricultural Economics Agribusiness together with postgraduate qualification or proven specialized training m project management.
• Minimum of 10 years post qualification experience in the coordination of donor fonded (preferably multilateral) projects/programmes with proven leadership, team building and effective communication qualities Experience with community-based and)or small holder-oriented development initiatives is desirable,
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor his/her own work plan and those of subordinate staff,
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and to make appropriate links in work processes and anticipate next steps.
• Self-motivated
• Excellent interpersonal mid team building skills including negotiation skills
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including presentation.
• Computer literacy with proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point applications.
• Well developed organization skills
• Proficiency in English language with excellent communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of Government and private sector institutional and organizational structures and operations iii general. Experience in Nigeria is required.

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.