Deadline for ApplicationsNovember 5, 2025
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONS International
Target Start Date2025-11-01
Terms of ReferenceThe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is partnering with Sates Governments and private sector to pilot protection-based solutions through large-scale agriculture projects for the forcibly displaced persons and host communities in Nigeria. The main objective of the pilot projects is to create sustainable jobs in the selected agricultural value chains, enhance food and nutrition security, and build resilience and self-reliance for the communities affected by forced displacement. A key priority of these pilot projects where rain-fed irrigation is not sufficient, is to establish an effective and efficient irrigation system to enable year-long crop production including dry season farming and build the farmersโ resilience to climate change shocks and support beneficiaries on agribusiness activities in targeted locations.
The planned irrigation system is government-led and will facilitate the farmers to optimize production in various value chains including cash and substantive crops (soya, cotton, ginger, pawpaw, pumpkins, cassava, maize, vegetables). UNHCR is establishing the solarized irrigation system, provide solar powered pumps and participate in the coordination and monitoring of the project as well as identifying and selecting the beneficiaries for the project. The communities will be mobilised and sensitized, and their involvement through robust community engagement in the project will be organized to promote peaceful coexistence through investments in irrigation, and the commercial production of these vegetables.
These protection based solutions projects target refugees, refugee returnees, IDPs, and host communities in the targeted States. The capacities of the targeted beneficiaries will be built on more efficient agriculture, maintenance of the solarized irrigation system, irrigation panning and agrobusiness so that by the end of the project, the targeted community will be reliable contributors to Statesโ economy, with effective community participation and ownership.
In 2025, UNHCR launched these projects in Cross River, Borno and Katsina States, expecting to extend these projects in other states.
Therefore, UNHCR is seeking the consultant services of an irrigation and agrobusiness expert to establish efficient irrigation systems to enable year-long crop production in the targeted project locations in the country.
Living and Working Conditions:
UNHCR Nigeria consists of Country Office in the Federal Capital City, Abuja and two Sub-Offices in Maiduguri and Ogoja with 8 Field Units. While most of the cities in Nigeria are hugely populated, access to accommodation is relatively easier in Abuja with less security restrictions. Most food products, both fresh and processed are readily available in most urban centers. Abuja and Lagos were converted to B duty stations in early 2024, a position that has been hotly contested and is under review. The living conditions are above average, but the crime rate, kidnappings and risk factors associated with deteriorating living and socioeconomic dynamics in the country paint a pale picture of what would otherwise be fully comfortable cities. The cost of accommodation is very high (yearly rent payment required) and personal safety requires special attention. In 2025 and beyond, the security situation in Nigeria remains fragile and unpredictable, particularly in the NE, but also in the NW, the middle belt, south-south and in Abuja. The tensions range from actions related to a continued insurgency in the NE, famer-herder conflicts in the NW and middle belt and the separatist situations in the south-south. It is mandatory to obtain a visa prior travelling to Nigeria.
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Specific Occupational Safety and Health Considerations to this assignment (if applicable):
Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
The overall objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of large-scale agriculture projects including irrigation systems, and to strengthen agribusiness development to ensure sustainability, market linkages, and improved livelihoods of target communities. The role involves conducting technical assessments, preparing project designs, supervising installations, and providing technical support to ensure efficient and sustainable use of water resources. The consultant will also collaborate with UNHCR Programme Unit, technical colleagues in the field and stakeholders to achieve project objectives while ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
Responsibilities
Irrigation related tasks:
โข Conduct field assessments to evaluate soil, crops, and water conditions.
โข Support in the design and review of irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, surface, solar pumping, etc.) ensuring cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
โข Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for irrigation projects.
โข Develop and implement strategies for water conservation and efficient usage.
โข Together with UNHCR technical team, provide technical oversight during installation/rehabilitation of irrigation systems, including quality assurance and contractor supervision.
โข Build capacity of project staff and farmers on operation, maintenance, and water management practices.
โข Support in developing Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and tender documents for irrigation infrastructure.
Agribusiness-related tasks:
โข Conduct market assessments to identify profitable crops and value chains aligned with irrigation potential.
โข Develop agribusiness models linking smallholders to markets, cooperatives, and private sector actors.
โข Support farmer groups/cooperatives with business planning, financial literacy, and market linkages.
โข Provide technical advice on crop diversification, climate-smart practices, and post-harvest handling.
โข Facilitate partnerships with input suppliers, off-takers, and financial institutions.
โข Coordinate implementation of field activities under the agriculture component (e.g., training sessions on sustainable practices, demonstration plots), ensuring synergies with other project components such as livestock, fisheries, and livelihoods support.
Technical and Capacity Building:
โข Conduct capacity-building sessions on water resource management and irrigation best practices.
โข Develop user manuals and guidelines for irrigation systems and equipment in humanitarian settings.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:
โข Ensure irrigation projects comply with environmental standards and regulatory requirements in Nigeria.
โข Conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation strategies for irrigation projects.
โข Promote sustainable water management practices to minimize environmental degradation.
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
โข Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day implementation of the projectโs agriculture and irrigation components, proposing timely corrective actions when needed.
โข Identify Government priorities in agriculture for the refugee hosting areas.
โข Identity private actors in agriculture value chain in Nigeria.
โข Explore opportunities for refugee inclusion in agriculture investments and policies.
โข Explore business opportunities such as contract farming, buying of agriculture products, input supplies and provision of financial services.
โข Create links/partnerships to relevant Government and other stakeholderโs programs and initiatives.
Research and Development:
โข Conduct research on innovative low-cost irrigation technologies and practices.
โข Evaluate and recommend modern irrigation techniques to enhance project outcomes.
Other Responsibilities:
โข Perform any other duties commensurate with the position as assigned by management.
โข Prepare technical reports, monitoring, guidelines, and knowledge products as required.
โข Provide recommendations for scaling up and sustainability of irrigation-agriculture-business linkages.
Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:
โข University Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Sustainable Agriculture, Crop Science, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field. Master degree in any of these areas above will be considered as an asset.
โข Minimum of 5 years of experience in agriculture and food security interventions, irrigation system design and implementation.
โข Proven experience in managing agricultural/irrigation projects, particularly in rural or semi-arid areas.
โข Familiarity with non-profit or donor-funded project environments is an added advantage. Work experience at the United Nations is a plus
Technical Skills:
โข Proficiency in irrigation system design software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS).
โข Strong knowledge of irrigation technologies, including drip, sprinkler, and surface irrigation systems.
โข Understanding of soil science, hydrology, and water resource management.
โข Experience in conducting environmental impact assessments.
โข Competence in data analysis and technical report writing.
Professional Competencies:
โข Strong project management and organizational skills.
โข Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
โข Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders.
โข Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
โข High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Additional Requirements:
โข Commitment to UNHCRโs mission and values.
โข Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Working Conditions:
โข Frequent travel to project locations,
โข The service will involve working in remote or rural areas with limited resources.
โข Requires flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and priorities.
Minimum years of work experience (NOTE: candidates with less years of experience cannot be short-listed or recommended):
Language: Required: English Desirable: Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo
EVALUATION, MONITORING, SUPERVISION
Monitoring and Progress Controls
The consultancy will be monitored through regular progress reviews and verification of deliverables over the six-month period. The following milestones are expected:
โข During the first month: Define the consultancy objectives, confirm the scope of work, collect baseline information, and develop a detailed work plan and timeline with milestones.
โข Continuously: Progress monitoring through field visits, surveys, consultations, and review of technical documents to ensure that activities are on track and aligned with the agreed plan.
โข Monthly: Conduct progress review, challenges, and next steps. Prepare concise monthly progress reports highlighting achievements, constraints, and corrective measures taken. Adjust plans based on findings.
โข As required: Undertake technical assessments, document lessons learned and provide advice or recommendations to improve irrigation projects implementation quality and efficiency.
โข During the final month: Conduct a final review and assessment of the consultancy outcomes, summarize key findings and lessons, and prepare a final report with recommendations for follow-up or scale-up.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
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Desired Languages
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
RemoteNo