The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for 18 positions under the National Programme Management Unit of the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme.
The recruitment is being handled by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects.
The programme is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD) and is focused on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving food security, increasing incomes and building climate resilience among smallholder farmers and other value-chain actors in Northern Nigeria.
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Successful candidates will be based in Abuja, with regular travel to the participating states.
Recruitment Details at a Glance
- Programme: Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme
- Recruiting Organisation: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
- Available Positions: 18
- Location: Abuja, with travel to participating Northern states
- Contract: Two-year renewable contract
- Supporting Organisations: IFAD and AFD
- Deadline: 6 September 2026, 12:00 noon
States Covered by the Programme
The VCN Programme will operate across nine Northern Nigerian states:
- Sokoto
- Kebbi
- Jigawa
- Zamfara
- Borno
- Katsina
- Yobe
- Bauchi
- Kano
Although the positions are based in Abuja, successful candidates should be prepared for regular field travel to these states as required by their roles.
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Available Positions
The recruitment covers technical, agricultural, financial, procurement, monitoring, communications and administrative functions.
The 18 available positions are:
- National Programme Coordinator
- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
- Agricultural Production Specialist
- Rural Infrastructure Specialist
- Food and Nutrition Specialist
- ICT4D Support Specialist
- Gender Inclusion/Social Safeguards Specialist
- Rural Institutions Development Specialist
- Climate Change and Environment Safeguards Specialist
- Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist
- Financial Controller
- Accountant
- Finance Officer
- Senior Internal Auditor
- Procurement Specialist
- Procurement Officer
- Procurement Assistant
- National Administrative and Human Resource Officer
Because the positions cover different areas of expertise, applicants should carefully identify the role that matches their qualifications, professional experience and relevant sector background before submitting an application.
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View allRequirements for the Federal Government VCN Recruitment
The specific requirements vary depending on the position.
However, most of the senior and specialist positions require candidates to have a minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field, together with substantial professional experience.
For many of the advertised roles, applicants are expected to have approximately 7–10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly experience working on internationally funded agricultural or development projects.
Additional Professional Requirements
Candidates applying for financial and audit positions may be required to possess relevant professional accounting qualifications.
Similarly, applicants for procurement positions are expected to have appropriate professional qualifications or memberships relevant to procurement practice.
Applicants should therefore carefully review the detailed requirements for their preferred position and ensure they meet the required academic and professional standards before applying.
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Contract and Working Arrangement
Successful applicants will be offered an initial two-year renewable contract.
Renewal will be subject to annual performance evaluation.
The positions are based in Abuja, but the nature of the VCN Programme means that successful candidates should expect to travel regularly to the nine participating states.
This is particularly important for roles involving agricultural development, monitoring and evaluation, infrastructure, safeguards and field-based programme activities.
Application Deadline
6 September 2026, 12 noon
How to Apply for the Federal Government Value Chain Programme Recruitment
Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the position they wish to be considered for.
The application process requires physical submission, so candidates should prepare their documents carefully before visiting the designated submission address.
Step 1: Choose the Position
Review the 18 available positions and select the role that best matches your academic qualifications, professional experience and expertise.
Avoid applying for a position for which you do not meet the stated requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your CV
Your application must include an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Your CV should clearly highlight your:
- Educational qualifications
- Professional experience
- Relevant agricultural/development project experience
- Professional certifications or memberships
- Previous roles and responsibilities
- Contact information
For senior positions, ensure your experience relevant to internationally funded development projects is clearly presented.
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Step 3: Prepare a Tailored Cover Letter
You must also provide a cover letter specifically addressing the position you are applying for.
Your letter should demonstrate your relevant qualifications, experience and suitability for the particular role.
Avoid using a generic cover letter for a specialist position.
Step 4: Prepare 10 Copies
Applicants are required to submit 10 copies of their Expression of Interest:
- 1 original copy
- 9 photocopies
Each application should contain the required CV and tailored cover letter.
Step 5: Clearly Mark the Application
The application should be sealed and clearly marked:
“EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT UNDER THE FGN/IFAD/AFD-VCN PROJECT.”
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Applications should be physically delivered to:
The Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Through the Director, Federal Department of Development Partners Projects
Fadama House, No. 1, Eldoret Close, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure that your application reaches the designated office before the closing time.
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Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should take the application requirements seriously, particularly the documentation and professional experience requirements.
The recruitment notice warns that falsification of personal data will lead to disqualification. Therefore, candidates should provide only accurate and verifiable information.
In addition, appointees, particularly the National Programme Coordinator, must not have another ongoing assignment when their contracts commence.
Candidates should also ensure that they have the relevant qualifications and experience before submitting an application rather than relying on inaccurate information or third-party claims.
About the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme
The Value Chain for Northern Nigeria Programme is designed to support agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and other actors within agricultural value chains.
The programme focuses on areas including:
- Agricultural productivity
- Food security
- Rural development
- Climate resilience
- Value-chain development
- Food and nutrition
- Rural infrastructure
- Institutional development
The programme is scheduled to run until 31 March 2034, while its financial closure is scheduled for 30 September 2034.
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Final Advice
If you have the required academic qualifications, professional experience and relevant expertise, this recruitment may provide an opportunity to work on a major agricultural development programme supported by international development institutions.
However, candidates should read the specific requirements for their preferred position carefully and ensure their CV and cover letter demonstrate the experience required for that role.
You can also visit Dailylight Channel Graduate Jobs Section, Internship Program, Recruitment Exercises, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk Section to explore and discover opportunities you are qualified to apply for.
