Organization: Action Against Hunger (AAH)
Location: Damaturu, Yobe State
Reporting to: Programme Manager
Category: Programmes – FSL (Food Security & Livelihoods)
Application Deadline: 23rd April, 2026 (05:00 PM)
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Agricultural Officer is responsible for coordinating the rehabilitation of community agricultural infrastructure and promoting climate-adaptive farming systems. The role focuses on resilient livelihoods, including market gardens, drip irrigation, greenhouse agriculture, and sustainable fish farming in the North East Nigeria context.
KEY MISSIONS
- Sustainable Development: Coordinate infrastructure rehabilitation (irrigation, fish ponds); promote climate-smart practices (agroforestry, drip irrigation); lead farmer training sessions.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Track project outputs/outcomes; conduct field visits; contribute to donor reporting and documenting “Success Stories.”
- Community Engagement: Liaison with Damaturu community leaders and local authorities; facilitate targeting and registration of vulnerable households.
- Performance Management: Supervise and mentor Assistants, conducting regular appraisals and feedback sessions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or related fields.
- Experience: Minimum 3 years in FSL, agro-interventions, and climate adaptation projects.
- Technical: Knowledge of North East Nigeria (Hausa/Kanuri preferred); expertise in productive asset rehabilitation; combined agronomy/engineering profile.
- Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Soft Skills: High autonomy, disciplined, and strong English writing skills.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
- 100% Health coverage.
- Talent Soft e-learning access.
- Maternity/Paternity & Compassionate leave.
- Creche facilities for nursing mothers.
Strategy Guide: Agricultural Officer (Damaturu)
1. The “Hybrid” Profile
This is not a traditional farming job. AAH is looking for a “Combined agronomy and engineering profile.”
- In your CV: Don’t just list crops you know. Highlight experience with infrastructure: “Designed and supervised the construction of drip irrigation systems” or “Managed the rehabilitation of community fish ponds.”
- Climate Focus: Use keywords like Climate-Adaptive, Greenhouse Agriculture, and Mitigation.
2. Tailoring for the RESILAC Project
The RESILAC project is about Resilience. Your application should show you understand the “Nexus” (linking emergency aid to long-term development).
- Fish Farming: This is a major mission point. If you have experience in aquaculture (pond management/fingerling production), make it a centerpiece of your cover letter.
3. Cultural Competency (Yobe Context)
- Language: Damaturu is a multilingual environment. If you speak Hausa or Kanuri, list this prominently under “Languages” on the first page of your CV.
- Gender & Protection: The advert mentions “Child and gender protection.” Mention how you ensure women and youth are actively included in your agricultural producer groups.
4. Navigating the Online Application
AAH uses a strict form-based system.
- The “Must Answer” Rule: The advert explicitly states: “All applicants MUST answer every question.” Leaving even one optional-looking box empty can lead to automatic disqualification.
- Reference Checks: They conduct “thorough” checks. Ensure your referees are aware and have active phone numbers/emails.
5. Interview Preparation (Technical Questions)
- Q: “How would you promote drip irrigation in a community used to traditional flooding?”
- A: Focus on “Demonstration Plots,” training local “Lead Farmers,” and showing the cost-benefit analysis of water conservation in the Yobe climate.
- Q: “How do you handle a pest outbreak in a communal greenhouse?”
- A: Discuss Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and community-based monitoring.
To: The Recruitment Manager,
Action Against Hunger (AAH),
Damaturu, Yobe State.
RE: APPLICATION FOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICER (DAMATURU)
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Agricultural Officer position in Damaturu. With a Bachelor’s degree in [Your Degree, e.g., Agricultural Engineering] and over [Number] years of experience in Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) within North East Nigeria, I am prepared to contribute to the success of the RESILAC project.
My background uniquely bridges the gap between agronomy and agricultural engineering. In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I successfully led the rehabilitation of [Number] community-based irrigation units and market gardens, directly increasing the climate resilience of over [Number] households. I am particularly skilled in promoting climate-adaptive farming systems, such as drip irrigation and greenhouse agriculture, which are vital for the environmental context of Yobe State.
Key achievements I bring to AAH include:
- Technical Expertise: Proven ability to train farmer groups in sustainable fish farming techniques and post-harvest handling.
- Community Engagement: Successful liaison with local authorities in the North East to identify and register vulnerable beneficiaries while ensuring gender-inclusive participation.
- Reporting & Data: Extensive experience in documenting success stories and tracking FSL indicators for international donors.
I am fluent in [Hausa/Kanuri] and have a deep understanding of the social and operational environment in Damaturu. I am a disciplined professional, capable of making autonomous decisions to ensure project milestones are met. I am excited about the prospect of bringing my technical skills to Action Against Hunger to foster long-term economic recovery for vulnerable communities.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
