Career Opportunity: Value Chain Development Officer – COOPI Nigeria

Yobe

Project: Strengthening Food Systems & Youth Employment (WFP & MasterCard Foundation Partnership)

Location: Yobe State, Nigeria (covering 6 LGAs)

Employment Type: Full-time

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

The Impact of This Role

In the recovery context of Northeast Nigeria, moving beyond basic aid toward sustainable economic independence is essential for long-term stability. The Value Chain Development Officer plays a pivotal role in this transition by transforming subsistence farming into profitable agribusiness ecosystems. By identifying market opportunities and bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and the private sector, the successful candidate directly contributes to job creation for youth and the reinforcement of food security across Yobe State.

Job Summary

We are seeking a commercially minded agricultural expert to lead the design and implementation of value chain interventions in Yobe State. This role focuses on analyzing market dynamics, upgrading agribusiness strategies, and fostering partnerships between local producers and private sector players to ensure the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Key Responsibilities

Market Analysis & Value Chain Strategy

  • Strategic Mapping: Lead the comprehensive mapping of selected value chains, analyzing technical capacities, economic benchmarks, and competitive advantages.
  • Upgrading Strategies: Formulate and implement intervention models to overcome performance constraints within the agribusiness sector.
  • Agribusiness Support: Enhance the business environment by improving access to business development services and strengthening the capacity of membership organizations.
  • Compliance & Standards: Ensure all supported enterprises comply with health, safety, environmental, and quality management requirements.

Community Mobilization & Field Implementation

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a primary link between COOPI and local communities, raising awareness about project objectives and fostering collaborative relationships with traditional leaders and authorities.
  • Beneficiary Selection: Work with local committees to identify and select participants for livelihood activities, ensuring the process is fair, transparent, and gender-sensitive.
  • Capacity Building: Facilitate technical training sessions for youth and MSME owners to improve their income-generating capabilities.
  • Work Plan Management: Execute detailed field-level work plans while collaborating with SEMA, extension workers, and community volunteers to restore local livelihoods.

Reporting & Data Intelligence

  • Progress Tracking: Collect and compile field data, including qualitative narratives and photographic evidence, to produce high-quality internal weekly reports.
  • Trend Analysis: Monitor programmatic achievements and challenges, providing proactive suggestions to the Project Manager for continuous implementation improvement.
  • Impact Assessment: Support the monitoring and evaluation team in measuring the long-term socio-economic impact of value chain upgrades.

Logistics & Risk Management

  • Operational Oversight: Coordinate the supply and proper use of materials at worksites in collaboration with the logistics department.
  • Security Monitoring: Maintain constant awareness of the local security situation in the LGAs, reporting any incidents or rumors to the Project Manager immediately.

Required Qualifications & Competencies

  • Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Agriculture Policy, or a related field.
  • Professional Experience: 2–3 years of proven experience in value chain development, market access research, or socio-economic development projects.
  • Private Sector Engagement: Demonstrated ability to negotiate and collaborate with exporters, traders, financial institutions, and processors.
  • Technical Knowledge: Understanding of Market Systems Change (MSC) and Climate-Smart Agriculture principles.
  • NGO Background: Strong familiarity with participatory approaches and the NGO operational landscape in Northeast Nigeria.
  • Analytical Skills: Outstanding negotiation, reporting, and problem-solving skills in English.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in Hausa and Kanuri is highly preferred.

About the Organization

COOPI (Cooperazione Internazionale) is an independent international humanitarian organization committed to fighting poverty and promoting sustainable growth. Since our founding, we have intervened in crises worldwide to provide immediate relief while building the foundation for long-term resilience. In Nigeria, our programs focus on the intersection of food security, protection, and economic development. By joining COOPI, you are entering a dedicated team that values self-initiative, flexibility, and a horizontal exchange of ideas to solve the most complex development challenges in the Lake Chad Basin.

Why Apply? (Benefits & Expectations)

  • Strategic Partnership: Work on a high-profile project funded by the World Food Programme and the MasterCard Foundation.
  • Regional Impact: Directly influence the economic trajectory of youth in Yobe State.
  • Career Growth: Expand your expertise in market systems and private-sector partnerships within a globally recognized NGO.
  • Salary Expectations: Competitive (aligned with NGO standards for senior field officers).

Application Instructions

Interested candidates who meet the requirements are invited to apply online.

Selection Note:

  • Priority Recruitment: Candidates who currently reside in Yobe State or the BAY (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) states will be prioritized.
  • Diversity: Female candidates and individuals from the project LGAs are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Rolling Basis: Applications are reviewed as they are received; early submission is advised.

Tips for Applicants

  1. Highlight Market Linkages: In your application, provide specific examples of how you have successfully linked smallholder farmers to buyers or financial institutions.
  2. Focus on Resilience: Explain your experience with MSMEs or income-generating activities in conflict-affected areas.
  3. Local Context: Mention your familiarity with the 6 LGAs in Yobe, as local knowledge is a critical asset for this role.