Short Term Consultant-Soil Fertility Technical Specialist – Soil Values

Job title: Short Term Consultant-Soil Fertility Technical Specialist – Soil Values

Company: IFDC

Job description: About IFDCIFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.Position SummarySoil Values is currently seeking passionate individuals to join its team in Nigeria, as the program continues to expand its impact and work towards creating positive changes in agriculture and sustainable soil management. In view of this and to effectively carry out technical activities of the program, there is a need to recruit a short term consultant as a technical officer to provide short-term technical support on soil fertility management activities within the Soil Values Program, contributing to the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of technical activities with focus on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), soil health diagnostics, and farmer capacity building.ResponsibilitiesThe short term consultant will be responsible for delivering capacity-building programs and resources to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the intervention areas of the Soil Values Program at the country level. He / She will also be responsible for co-designing and implementing agricultural extension programs to support small holder producers in adopting bundled improved practices and technologies. This role involves close collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance productivity and sustainability. Other responsibilities include but not limited to the following:Capacity Building and Community Engagement

• Conduct workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations to train extension agents and farmers on bundled ISFM technologies to improve Soil health;
• Support identified national partners in conducting training on identified bundled ISFM & SWC technologies;
• Coordinate with local implementing partners, extension agents, and agro-input suppliers;
• Foster a collaborative learning environment among extension teams;
• Engage with local communities to understand their needs and challenges;
• Build trust and strong relationships with farmers and community leaders;
• Encourage community participation and feedback in extension programs.

Technical Support

• Contribute to the establishment and monitoring of demonstration plots in target communities;
• Offer on-site advice and support to farmers on issues such as pest control, integrated soil fertility management, soil and water conservation practices, crop selection, and irrigation practices;
• Promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable soil health management practices;
• Document field observations, success stories, and technical learning from field activities;
• Provide technical support to the MELS Coordinator by assisting in the review and collation of farmers database and farmer profiling;
• Any other duties assigned to the success of the project.

Implementation and Coordination

• Coordinate the delivery of extension services, including training, demonstrations, and field visits;
• Document field observations, success stories, and technical learning from field activities and advisory tools for digital dissemination of extension messages;
• Support the development of technical briefs, training materials, and field reports;
• Work with local extension agents and community-based organizations to reach target beneficiaries;
• Ensure timely and effective implementation of extension activities;
• Participate in regular team meetings and provide technical updates as required.

RequirementsTo be eligible to apply, candidate must have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, crop science or a related field;
• Strong knowledge of agricultural practices, crop management, and sustainable farming techniques;
• Excellent in communication, technical writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Proficiency in using computer applications and digital tools for communication / data analysis and be comfortable in presentations;
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region;
• Fluency in Hausa Language will be an added advantage.

Reporting and Work RelationshipsThe position will report to the Soil Values Country Coordinator, IFDC Nigeria or her designee.LocationThis is a national recruitment with a duty station in the IFDC office based in Kano, but candidate should be available to travel when called upon.StipendThe consultancy is expected to be carried out within a Six-month contract and will be paid (500 USD in local currency) on a monthly basis.Diversity ClauseIFDC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and offers equal employment opportunities based on ability, performance, and potential. Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at IFDC. IFDC recognizes the value in recruiting employees with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. IFDC recognizes and values the contribution of people with a diverse background in capabilities, experience, and perspectives. Diversity encompasses gender, age, experience, education, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds as well as other dimensions such as lifestyle and family responsibilities.About Program/ProjectSoil Values is funded by the Netherlands Directorate General for International Cooperation (D.G.I.S), this program addresses persistent soil fertility challenges in the Sahel region, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, northern Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Soil Values aims to strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change, with a focus on regional connectivity and strategic interventions. The program aims to achieve lasting impact in the fight against desertification and land degradation, landscape management – watersheds through participatory planning, effectively integrating soil, water and biodiversity. Efforts will be made to promote financial incentive instruments encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable soil management practices.Required SkillsRequired Experience

Expected salary:

Location: Kano, Kano State

Job date: Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:43:43 GMT

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