Job Opportunity: Government Relations Assistant – Bauchi, Nigeria at One Acre Fund

Sustainable agricultural development relies heavily on the strength of the relationships built with the communities and leaders where we operate. In the humanitarian and development sector, navigating local governance and traditional hierarchies is the key to ensuring that life-changing resources reach the hands of smallholder farmers without delay. As a Government Relations Assistant, you will act as a vital link, ensuring our operations are respected, understood, and supported by local authorities and community heads alike.

Job Summary

The Government Relations Assistant is a strategic liaison role responsible for cultivating and maintaining high-level partnerships with Local Government Councils and traditional leadership within the Bauchi and Shendam districts. Reporting to the Government Relations Officer, you will facilitate the “social license” required for our programs to thrive, managing everything from high-stakes diplomatic introductions to the complex logistics of community field days. Your work ensures that our mission to empower farmers remains seamless and community-centered.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Diplomacy & Relationship Management

• Local Liaison: Serve as the primary representative for the organization when engaging with Local Government Council officials and traditional leaders (Village Heads, Mai Angwas, and the Long).
• Strategic Expansion: Lead the charge in entering new territories by conducting introductory visits and securing buy-in from District and Village Heads.
• Database Maintenance: Meticulously manage a database of local officials, ensuring all interactions, contact details, and follow-ups are tracked accurately.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential local bottlenecks or risks to program operations and work collaboratively to resolve them before they escalate.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Impact Communication: Spearhead bi-weekly sessions to update community stakeholders on program achievements, ensuring transparency and trust.
• Official Representation: Act as the face of the Government Relations team during “Meet & Greet” events and other community functions across multiple operational hubs.
• Safety & Protocol: Host stakeholder events and Field Days, ensuring all governmental protocols and safety standards are rigorously upheld.

Operational & Administrative Support

• Team Logistics: Provide comprehensive logistical backing, including booking venues, arranging secure transportation, and procuring supplies for field activities.
• Correspondence Management: Coordinate the professional delivery and collection of official documents, reports, and formal invitations to various partners.
• Field Mobility: Execute independent work plans that require regular travel across all operational sites and potential new districts.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: A University degree from a recognized academic institution.
• Experience: At least 2 years of professional experience, specifically in stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, or administrative roles within an NGO context.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present professionally to both government officials and rural community members.
• Technical Proficiency: Competency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Sheets, Docs) and a strong ability to manage digital communication.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to organize complex events and manage logistical workflows autonomously.
• Language: Professional fluency in English and Hausa is essential. Knowledge of other local languages (e.g., Goemai) is a significant advantage.
• Residency: A firm commitment to residing in and traveling within Bauchi or Shendam.

Desired Mindset

We are looking for “extraordinary” candidates who possess a Positive and Humble attitude. You must be deeply passionate about serving smallholder farmers and willing to work on the front lines of rural development.

Why This Role is Important

One Acre Fund operates on the principle that farmers deserve the best service possible. However, high-quality agricultural training and financing can only reach farmers if local leaders trust our intentions and methods. This role is the “gatekeeper” of that trust. By bridging the gap between global NGO standards and local traditional wisdom, you protect the organization’s reputation and ensure our impact is sustainable for generations to come.

Benefits of Applying

• Meaningful Career Path: Join a world-renowned social enterprise that is actively reducing hunger and poverty across Africa.
• Professional Growth: Gain unique experience in government relations and high-level community diplomacy.
• Autonomy: Enjoy a role that values structured independent planning and personal initiative.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary package and a culture that prioritizes the “Farmers First” mission.

About One Acre Fund

One Acre Fund is an innovative nonprofit social enterprise that supplies smallholder farmers with the tools they need to succeed: financing, high-quality seeds, and advanced agricultural training. Our mission is to help farmers increase their yields and income, effectively moving their families out of poverty and hunger. Founded in East Africa and now expanding across Nigeria, we use a market-based approach to deliver life-changing services directly to rural doorsteps. We are a team of dedicated professionals who believe that when farmers prosper, nations grow.

Application Details

• Location: Bauchi, Nigeria (with travel to Shendam)
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Application Deadline: Not Specified (Rolling Basis)

How to Apply: Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications through our official recruitment portal: APPLY NOW

Tips for Applicants

• Showcase your Soft Skills: This role is as much about how you talk as what you say. Highlight your experience in conflict resolution or consensus-building in your cover letter.
• Detail your Logistics Experience: If you have managed transport for a large team or organized a community event for 100+ people, make sure those details are prominent on your CV.
• Cultural Competence: Emphasize your understanding of traditional structures in Northern Nigeria; showing respect for local customs is a prerequisite for success in this role.