Young Professional - Technical – Soil Values Program - Office of Programs

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.    

 

• The successful applicant will be responsible for delivering capacity building programs and resources to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the intervention areas of the Soil Values Program at the country level. The incumbent will be responsible for co-designing and implementing agricultural extension programs to support small holder producers in adopting bundled improved practices and technologies. This role involves close collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance productivity and sustainability. Other responsibilities include, but not limited to, the following:
• Conduct workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations to train extension agents and farmers on bundled technologies to improve Soil health;
• Support identified national partners in conducting trainings on identified bundled technologies;
• Foster a collaborative learning environment among extension teams;
• Engage with local communities to understand their needs and challenges;
• Build trust and strong relationships with farmers and community leaders;
• Encourage community participation and feedback in extension programs;
• Offer on-site advice and support to farmers on issues such as pest control, integrated soil fertility management, crop selection, and irrigation practices;
• Promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable soil health management practices;
• Provide technical support to the MELS Coordinator;
• Coordinate the delivery of extension services, including training, demonstrations, and field visits;
• Work with local extension agents and community-based organizations to reach target beneficiaries;
• Ensure timely and effective implementation of extension activities;
• Any other duties assigned to the success of the project. 

 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, or a closely related field;
• Strong knowledge of agricultural practices, crop management, and sustainable farming techniques;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Proficiency in using computer applications and digital tools for communication / data analysis and be comfortable in presentations;
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region;
• Fluency in Hausa Language will be an added advantage. 

 

The position will report to the Soil Values Country Coordinator, IFDC Nigeria or their designee. 

 

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Kano Nigeria. The candidate should be available to travel when called upon.  

 

The Young Professional will benefit from a Six-month contract and will be paid at the normal Stipend paid to IFDC Young professional (500 USD in local currency).  

 

IFDC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and offers equal employment opportunities based on ability, performance, and potential. Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at IFDC. IFDC recognizes the value in recruiting employees with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. IFDC recognizes and values the contribution of people with a diverse background in capabilities, experience, and perspectives. Diversity encompasses gender, age, experience, education, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds as well as other dimensions such as lifestyle and family responsibilities. 

 

Soil Values is funded by the Netherlands Directorate General for International Cooperation (D.G.I.S), this program addresses persistent soil fertility challenges in the Sahel region, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, northern Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Soil Values aims to strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change, with a focus on regional connectivity and strategic interventions. The program aims to achieve lasting impact in the fight against desertification and land degradation, landscape management - watersheds through participatory planning, effectively integrating soil, water and biodiversity. Efforts will be made to promote financial incentive instruments encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable soil management practices.