Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd (Sahel), a premier management consulting firm. Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for transforming the agricultural landscape of Nigeria through evidence-based policy and high-level partnerships? We're currently seeking a highly skilled Policy and Partnerships Officer to join the impactful RISE (Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable Economies) project. Based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with opportunities for field travel, this role offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of international development and national policy. If you have the diplomacy and analytical depth to bridge the gap between grassroots agricultural needs and government decision-making, this position within a Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded initiative is the perfect stage for your professional expertise.
Job Summary
- Job Title: Policy and Partnerships Officer
- Company: Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd
- Location: Abuja (FCT) - (with occasional field travels)
- Employment Type: Contract
- Salary: Not Specified
- Application Closing Date: 28 March, 2026
About the Company
Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd is a leading management consulting firm dedicated to the transformation of the agricultural and nutrition sectors across Africa. With a reputation for delivering high-impact solutions, Sahel works with diverse stakeholders from smallholder farmers to international donors and government agencies to drive sustainable growth and food security. Their expertise spans value chain analysis, policy advisory, and the implementation of large-scale development programs.
In this specific role, Sahel is partnering with MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) to implement the RISE project. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the RISE project is a five-year mission aimed at fostering climate-resilient and inclusive economic growth in Northern Nigeria, specifically targeting the Rice, Maize, Groundnut, and Soybean value chains in Bauchi, Kaduna, and Kano states. The organization’s culture is rooted in excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving the livelihoods of women and youth in the African agricultural ecosystem.
Role Overview
The Policy and Partnerships Officer will serve as the primary link between the RISE project and the external policy environment. This role is designed for a seasoned advisor who can lead high-stakes engagements with both government and private sector stakeholders. You will be responsible for shaping policy dialogues that align with the program's goals of gender equality, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth. The objective is to ensure that the project's work on the ground translates into systemic changes at the national and regional levels.
This position requires a blend of political acumen, research capability, and relationship management. You won't just be analyzing policies; you will be actively influencing them by presenting evidence-based advocacy drawn from the project's findings. Working from the political heart of Nigeria in Abuja, you will champion the needs of smallholder farmers and agri-SMEs, ensuring their voices are heard within the halls of government and regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Policy and Partnerships Officer are multi-dimensional and critical to the project's long-term sustainability:
- Policy Analysis and Strategy: You will conduct in-depth analysis of sub-national and national frameworks relating to agriculture, trade, and climate change. By identifying constraints and opportunities, you will develop a robust stakeholder engagement strategy to foster a more enabling policy environment for women and youth in agriculture.
- Relationship Management: Building and sustaining strong ties with Federal and State Ministries, regulatory agencies, and civil society actors is paramount. You will represent the RISE project in high-level policy forums and multi-stakeholder platforms.
- Advocacy Leadership: You will design and execute targeted advocacy campaigns. This involves translating project data into clear, persuasive policy briefs, position papers, and communication materials that can influence decision-makers.
- Knowledge Translation: Working closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team, you will translate research findings into actionable insights. You will organize roundtables and workshops to share knowledge and facilitate inclusive policymaking between grassroots actors and high-level officials.
- Consortium Coordination: Collaborating with MEDA and other partners to ensure the project maintains a unified and strategic voice when engaging with external entities.
Requirements / Qualifications
To be successful in this high-level advisory role, candidates must possess the following qualifications:
- Educational Background: A Master’s degree in Public Policy, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, International Relations, or a related social science field.
- Professional Experience: At least 5 years of progressive experience in policy engagement, advocacy, or stakeholder relations, ideally within a development or public sector context.
- Proven Impact: A track record of successfully influencing public policies or coordinating multi-stakeholder advocacy efforts in Nigeria.
- Sector Knowledge: A strong understanding of the Nigerian agricultural landscape, particularly regarding trade, gender inclusion, and climate resilience.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to produce high-quality policy content, including reports and talking points, and the diplomacy required to navigate complex political environments.
- Desirable Experience: Previous experience working on projects funded by international donors (such as GAC, USAID, or FCDO) is highly preferred.
Benefits of Applying
Applying for this role at Sahel Consulting offers numerous professional advantages:
- Continental Impact: Be at the forefront of a major five-year initiative that is directly improving the lives of thousands of farmers in Northern Nigeria.
- High-Level Networking: Engage directly with top government officials, international development experts, and private sector leaders in Abuja.
- Professional Growth: Work within a world-class management consulting environment that values research, evidence, and intellectual rigor.
- Mission-Driven Work: Contribute to global goals regarding gender equality and climate sustainability through a project funded by Global Affairs Canada.
- Dynamic Work Culture: Join a team that encourages field travel and hands-on learning, providing a holistic view of the Nigerian agricultural value chain.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should prepare a professional application package. Please ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your specific experience with policy advocacy and stakeholder management in the Nigerian context.
Application Email: recruiting@sahelconsult.com
Email Subject Line: Policy and Partnerships Officer
Ensure that your application is sent before the closing date. Sahel Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified women and youth to apply.
Editorial: Career Insight for Development Professionals in Abuja
The Abuja Policy Space is a unique arena where the future of Nigeria is often decided. For a Policy and Partnerships Officer, success isn't just about what you know, but how you present it. In the development sector, knowledge translation is the current gold standard. Donors like Global Affairs Canada are looking for professionals who can take complex data from a farm in Kano and turn it into a 2 page brief that a Minister in Abuja can act upon.
If you are applying for this role at Sahel Consulting, focus your application on systems change. Don't just list your tasks, describe the policies you have influenced or the partnerships you have brokered. Sahel is a top-tier firm, so they will be looking for someone with political acumen, the ability to know when to be firm and when to be diplomatic. Given the March 28th deadline, you have ample time to refine your CV to match the specific value chains mentioned (Rice, Maize, Soybeans). This is a contract role, but the experience gained within a GAC-funded consortium is often a massive catalyst for a long-term career in international organizations like the UN or the African Development Bank.
Important Notice
This job announcement is provided by Thenationjob.com.ng as part of our commitment to quality employment information. Please be advised: Sahel Consulting and Thenationjob.com.ng will NEVER ask for payment for job applications, interviews, or recruitment processing.
Scams often target professionals in the FCT. If anyone contacts you claiming to be from Sahel Consulting and asks for money or personal financial details, please ignore them and report it. A professional recruitment process is based entirely on merit. Always use the official email provided (recruiting@sahelconsult.com) for your submissions. Protect your career and your information by staying vigilant.
Post a Comment
Kindly place your comment below to share your insights, but please avoid spam and self-promotion. Thanks for visiting our Community!