Senior Rural Market Systems Specialist

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Technical Where people prosper.

Lead the co-design and execution of inclusive market linkages, digital financial tools, and equitable value-chain partnerships for smallholders and NMSMEs. About The Role Lead the co-design and execution of inclusive market linkages, digital financial tools, and equitable value-chain partnerships for smallholders and NMSMEs. Key Responsibilities & Duties

Design and execute MSD (Market Systems Development) strategies tailored to northern agricultural corridors. Structure commercial partnerships between smallholder farmer clusters, bio-input suppliers, and institutional off-takers. Supervise field assessments on post-harvest aggregation, cold-chain logistics, and digital traceability systems. Co-create catalytic de-risking mechanisms, including blended finance tools and micro-guarantee facilities for female agri-entrepreneurs. Conduct periodic market analyses, price monitoring, and regulatory reviews affecting smallholder market participation.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Development Finance, or related field. 6–8 years of demonstrated experience implementing donor-funded (FCDO, USAID, World Bank, AGRA) MSD market programs. Deep knowledge of northern Nigerian rural economies and cooperative governance structures. Fluency in English and Hausa.

Core Competencies

Systems Thinking: Ability to identify underlying market failures rather than addressing superficial symptoms. Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated success mentoring multidisciplinary field teams and local enterprise partners. Data-Driven Adaptation: Skillful application of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) findings for agile pivot decisions.

Safeguarding & Ethical Standards GIDA is dedicated to preserving a zero-tolerance environment regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH), child protection, and financial fraud. All appointed personnel undergo exhaustive background checks, criminal vetting, and reference verification, and must strictly abide by the GIDA Code of Conduct and Anti-Extractive Development Mandate. Ready to Apply? Submit your CV, a comprehensive cover letter detailing relevant market systems achievements, and contact details for three professional referees. Send Application Email Back to All Vacancies Position Summary Reference Code GIDA-VAC-2026-01 Department Market Systems & Livelihoods Location Kano (HQ), with field travel Employment Type Full-Time

Technical

Closing Date 15 October 2026 Reports To Executive Director Apply Now Equal Opportunity Employer GIDA actively encourages applications from qualified female professionals, young development leaders, and candidates with disabilities. Direct Recruitment Inquiries To careers@gida-action.org <