The Federal Government has opened applications for 18 positions under the Value Chain for Northern Nigeria (VCN) Programme, offering opportunities for experienced professionals in agriculture, finance, procurement, infrastructure, ICT, monitoring and evaluation, administration and other fields.
The recruitment is being carried out for the National Programme Coordination Office (NPCO) of the VCN Programme under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The VCN Programme is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD) and is focused on improving agricultural value chains, food security, incomes and resilience among smallholder farmers and other value-chain actors in Northern Nigeria.
The programme covers nine states: Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano.
Available VCN Programme Jobs
The 18 positions currently open for applications are:
- National Programme Coordinator
- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
- Agricultural Production Specialist
- Rural Infrastructure Engineer 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
Who Can Apply?
The requirements vary according to the position.
However, the recruitment is mainly targeted at qualified and experienced professionals, rather than fresh graduates.
Several of the specialist and senior positions require relevant postgraduate qualifications and significant professional experience. Recent reports indicate that many positions require a minimum of a master’s degree and about seven to 10 years of relevant experience, while specific finance and procurement roles have additional professional requirements.
Applicants should therefore check the detailed requirements for their preferred position before submitting an application.
Experience working on internationally funded agricultural development projects, particularly projects supported by organisations such as IFAD, the World Bank or similar development institutions, is relevant to several of the positions.
Procurement Assistant Position
The Procurement Assistant is one of the positions available under the VCN Programme.
The role supports the Procurement Unit with activities such as procurement documentation, filing, quotations and coordination with other programme components.
The stated academic requirement includes a bachelor’s degree in fields such as:
- Procurement Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Engineering
- Business Management
- Finance
- Related disciplines
Relevant professional experience is also required.
Where Will Successful Candidates Work?
The positions are based at the VCN National Programme Coordination Office in Abuja.
However, successful candidates may be required to travel regularly to the nine participating states where the programme is being implemented.
The participating states are:
- Sokoto
- Kebbi
- Jigawa
- Zamfara
- Borno
- Katsina
- Yobe
- Bauchi
- Kano
Contract Duration
Successful candidates are expected to be engaged on a two-year staff contract, with annual performance evaluation.
The contract may be renewed depending on satisfactory performance and the requirements of the programme.
How to Apply for the VCN Programme Jobs
The application process is different from the usual online government recruitment portal.
Interested and qualified applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in 10 copies.
This should consist of:
- One original copy
- Nine photocopies
- A current CV
- An application letter
- A cover letter tailored to the position being applied for
The application should be properly sealed and clearly marked on the top right-hand corner with:
“EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT UNDER THE FGN/IFAD/AFD-VCN PROJECT.”
Where to Submit the Application
Applications should be addressed and delivered to:
The Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
c/o Director, Federal Department of Development Partners
Fadama House, No. 1 Eldoret Close,
Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
6 September 2026 at 12:00 noon.
Applicants should ensure that their applications reach the designated office before the deadline.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
This recruitment is particularly suited to professionals with experience in agriculture, development projects, finance, procurement, infrastructure, ICT, climate change, social safeguards, monitoring and evaluation and programme administration.
Applicants should carefully read the requirements for their chosen position and make sure their CV demonstrates the relevant qualifications and experience.
Candidates should also provide accurate information. The recruitment notice warns that falsification of information can lead to disqualification.
About the VCN Programme
The Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria is designed to support poverty reduction, improved nutrition and greater resilience among rural populations.
The programme targets about 456,000 rural households across the nine participating states and is planned as an eight-year programme.
The Federal Government is implementing the programme with support from IFAD and AFD, with activities focused on strengthening agricultural value chains and improving opportunities for rural communities.
Important Point
The 18 VCN Programme vacancies provide an opportunity for experienced Nigerian professionals to work on a major agricultural development programme.
However, applicants should note that many of the positions have strict experience requirements, so candidates should apply only for roles for which they meet the stated qualifications.
The deadline is September 6, 2026, at 12 noon, and applications must be submitted physically in the required format.
Always verify the specific requirements for your preferred position before preparing your Expression of Interest.
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