State Rural Infrastructure Officer (srio)

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise - Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and an additional six years to be financed in the future by other partners and/or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri-business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths and women using sustainable agri-business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The State Rural Infrastructure Officer will manage market infrastructure development in the state, working closely with relevant stakeholders and ensuring timely and quality implementation.

Specific Duties

• Monitor preparatory and implementation activities for infrastructure interventions.
• Identify cost-efficient and sustainable market infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies.
• Supervise the preparation of LGA-level action plans.
• Oversee construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads, agro-processing centers, and markets.
• Ensure timely procurement of agro-processing equipment.
• Coordinate capacity building on infrastructure management.
• Develop and implement asset maintenance procedures.
• Supervise LGA Engineers and technical staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Minimum of a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering.
• Professional Certification: COREN certification is mandatory.
• Experience:
• At least 5 years of experience in agricultural or rural infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience in civil works and agro-processing infrastructure.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO), Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be a 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.