State Coordinator - Abuja

About the Role

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is inviting qualified Nigerian nationals to apply for the position of State Coordinator based in Abuja on a 2-year renewable contract. This role involves leading and managing the implementation of I-Youth 2.0 activities at the state level in alignment with project plans, budgets, and schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day execution of I-Youth 2.0 activities within Abuja according to approved plans and timelines.
• Manage and supervise the state project team, including technical and field staff, ensuring effective performance and quality of work.
• Coordinate training, enterprise development, and incubation initiatives targeting youth entrepreneurs in priority agricultural value chains, including recruitment, selection, and monitoring of participants.
• Administer operations of the state's Agribusiness Park or incubation hub if available.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with state government bodies, traditional authorities, private sector stakeholders, and financial institutions.
• Ensure accurate collection and reporting of monitoring and evaluation data and maintain connections with trained youth agripreneurs and alumni networks.
• Handle state-level budgeting and procurement while ensuring compliance with IITA and donor financial policies.
• Prepare and submit timely narrative and financial reports to the Country Coordinator.
• Guarantee adherence to safeguarding, ethics, and other organizational policies at the state level; escalate any risks or challenges to the Country Coordinator.
• Represent the project during meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements within Abuja.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• At least five years of relevant experience in program or project implementation, with a minimum of two years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Required Competencies

• Proven experience in youth employment, enterprise development, agribusiness, workforce development, or agricultural extension, preferably within the state's priority value chains.
• Competence in managing project budgets, work plans, and donor-funded initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with state government institutions, community organizations, and private sector partners.
• Understanding of the socio-economic and agricultural environment of the state is advantageous.
• Strong skills in program coordination and team leadership.
• Good knowledge of youth employment, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness development concepts.
• Solid financial and operational management capabilities.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and community mobilization skills.
• Strong analytical, planning, and reporting abilities.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the predominant local language of Abuja/state.

Remuneration and Benefits

The organization offers a highly competitive salary with attractive benefits and excellent working conditions within a pleasant campus environment.