Vacancies: Training and Technical Assistance Officer, Community Facilitator
The Federal Government of Nigeria has received a credit from the International Development Association, part of which has been on-lent to the Borno State Government for the implementation of the Third National Fedama Development Project in the State. Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacancies in the State Fadama Coordination Office (SFCO).
Position: Training and Technical Assistance Officer (TTAO)
Overall Function of the position
The TTAO will be responsible for coordinating capacity building, advisory services and through training and technical assistance in the state. S/he will further contribute to project-wide coordination of the technical advisory services activities through rotational with TTAOs of other States.
Specific Duties:
- Provides guidance in capacity building through training of Fadama Community Associations (FCAs), Fadama User Groups (FUGS) and Economic Interest Groups (EIGs) to equip them with skills and the know how to carry out participatory planning, implement, operate and maintain sub projects.
- Organizes training and technical assistance in socially inclusive and participatory development of Local Development Plans (LDPs).
- Facilitates the provision of technical assistance, training, experience sharing and knowledge exchange opportunities to service providers with the aim of building professionalism and technical capacity in the provision of advisory services.
- Facilitates periodic evaluation of the activities of this sub component.
- Contributes to the preparation of SFCO annual work plan and budget
- Ensures that operational guidelines for capacity building sub-component with respect to training and technical assistance are followed.
- Establishes and maintains linkages with relevant other projects and institutions operating in the State in the area of training and technical assistance with the aim of fostering complimentary interventions and ensuring cooperation if it enhances effectiveness
Reporting Location
The position will be based in the SFCO in the State capital, but will involve frequent travel to participating Local Government and communities The TTAO will report directly to the SPC.
Qualifications Required:
- Master degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Mechanization, or any related field. Persons with a first degree but with extensive relevant practical experience may also qualify.
- Minimum of 6 years relevant experience in increasingly responsible position.
- Substantial practical experience in extension initiatives, demonstrated familiarity and a flair for marketing and small-scale agro-enterprise management.
- Demonstrated abilities as a team leader, net worker and manager.
- Good communication and writing skills, Computer literacy an advantage.
Details of the Contract:
One-year contract, renewable, (up to end of project), and based on performance.
Position: Community Facilitator
Overall Function of the Position:
Facilitators will be responsible for providing support to Fadama User Groups (FUGs) and their apex organizations – Fadama Community Associations, FCAs – in Project approach and procedures, social mobilization, needs assessments, and local development planning, so that each FCA has prepared a Local Development Plan (LDP) with associated sub-projects which, may be financed by the Project to address the priority needs of fadama resource users. At least a woman and a man will be paired together for each LGA of the State to ensure that the voices of women and men are heard and expressed equally.
Specific Duties of the Position:
- Introduce the Project to existing and potential FUGs – explaining to them the rules, procedures, and basic approach of community-driven development;
- Help organize economic interest groups into legally registered FUGs;
- Facilitate the registration and creation of FCAs;
- Work with FCAs and their constituent FUGs to lead them through the local development and sub-Project process, including needs assessments, sub-Project appraisal, and drafting of the LDPs; and
- Ensure full participation of FUG members and adherence to Project rules.
Reporting and Location:
The position will report to the Community Development Officer at the SFCO in the State capital, but will be based at the participating Local Government Headquarters.
Qualifications Required:
- At least a Bachelor’s level or Higher National Diploma in Agriculture, Rural Sociology, Anthropology, Rural Development, or other relevant degree.
- Minimum of 3 years in local development, including direct field experience in social mobilization and working with civil society.
- Fluency in local language required.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and
- Good writing skills required; computer literacy an advantage.
Details of the Contract:
One-year contract, renewable, (up to end of project), and based on performance.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit ten copies of applications accompanied by the candidate’s curriculum vitae, photocopies of relevant credentials and three professional referees report to the Permanent Secretary/PM, Borno State Agricultural Development Programme, 2 Shehu Laminu Way, P.M.B. 1452, Maiduguri on or before 19th November 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
