Value Chain Development Expert NTFPs

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values

FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The primary goal of FAO Country Offices is to aid governments in creating policies, programs and projects that secure food security and diminish hunger and malnutrition. They also support the development of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.

The position is located in Sokoto.

Reporting Lines

Under the technical guidance of the LTO and operational supervision of FAOR Nigeria, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programs, through the National Project Coordinator, the value chain development expert appointed by FAO will work closely with the FAO Representation in Nigeria

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for training events for presenting to trainees and the data collection from communities’ consultation, their analyses and reporting with focus on wild food/NTFP. More specifically, the expert will carry out the following tasks: 

Tasks and responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Team Leader, prepare and present a communication on the contribution of wild foods and forests to healthy diets, and nutrition for the most vulnerable, as well as on bio-economy for sustainable food and agriculture, based on AAD/GGW publications (socioeconomic baselines) and published materials on northern Nigeria. 
• Contribute to the content preparation, revising technical documents and facilitate logistical organization of training and regional workshops with partners.
• Supervise and facilitate communities’ consultations and the preparation and restoration of degraded lands in the planned ACReSAL States and/or other localities. 
• Prepare and deliver appropriate learning needs and tools for the target audience and provide on-demand technical and advisory support requested by ACReSAL for the development, implementation, and reporting on project activities. 
• Review all the task and activities contained in the project document and produce a comprehensive matrix to clearly indicate the training needs and modules for the promotion of NTFP’s and reporting modalities. 
• Carry out a comprehensive base line assessment on NTFP’s.
• Facilitate training at community level to explain in depth the restoration process from both a technical (development of proposals of sub-projects on landscape restoration investments and of NTFP value chain strengthening) and organizational standpoint.
• Train the communities on how to establish the NTFP nursery and to oversee and participate in all steps of the restoration.
• Technical Lead to produce handouts and reports on strengthening ACReSAL/country capacities to enable forest-base contributions to healthy and sustainable agrifood systems in Nigeria and backstopping as required. 
• Oversee assessments on capturing consumption of wild/forest foods in dietary and on a global methodology for assessing ecological sustainability of NTFP harvest and production in ACReSAL States and capacity strengthening for improved data on NTFPs.
• Provide technical guidance/guidelines for ACReSAL project on wild food/NTFP in collaboration with implementing States and national partners. 
• Participate in Technical Meetings Workshops related to the project and or other Environment projects in the representation.
• Prepare and submit all progress reports linked to the deliverable. 
• Support the Representation in any other technical area as delegated by the FAOR

Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Environmental studies or other related discipline. 
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in Forestry/Community mobilization on Non-Timber Forest Products
• Excellent working knowledge of English.
• National of Nigeria

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Strong stakeholder engagement and fieldwork skills.
• Previous experience in Nigerian coastal areas, specifically in mangrove ecosystems.
• Familiarity with international donors' projects is preferred.
• Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet).
• Fluent in English and intermediate proficiency in any main Nigerian language (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin)

Selection Criteria

• Extensive and relevant experience in data analysis to support Biodiversity and Climate Research, 
• Experience in facilitating workshops, and training courses in improvement of knowledge and returns for climate smart traditional crops (e.g., millet, sorghum, cowpea, etc) often planted between the restored rows,
• Excellent skill on training to enhance the effectiveness and equity in the distribution of NTFP value chain benefits •

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)

Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted

Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at

For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website:

 Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.