Policy and Partnerships Officer Job in Abuja – Sahel Consulting

Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd (Sahel) is currently hiring for a Policy and Partnerships Officer Job in Abuja. This fixed-term opportunity is part of the RISE (Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable Economies) project, a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Sahel Consulting is a leading management consulting firm focused on agriculture and nutrition across Africa. The organization partners with governments, private sector companies, and international development institutions to design strategies, analyze policies, conduct research, and implement programs that promote sustainable food security and improved nutrition. Over the years, Sahel has delivered impactful projects across countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Rwanda, Tanzania, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

About the RISE Project

The RISE project aims to promote climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. It is implemented by MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) in partnership with Sahel Consulting.

The initiative focuses on improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs within the Rice, Maize, Groundnut, and Soybean value chains. Special attention is given to women and youth in Bauchi, Kaduna, and Kano states. Furthermore, the project aligns with Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Role Overview

The Policy and Partnerships Officer will lead engagement with government institutions, private stakeholders, and development partners to shape and influence policy dialogue under the RISE program.

The role requires strategic thinking and strong relationship management skills. The selected candidate will ensure alignment between project objectives and national or regional priorities while championing evidence-based advocacy to enhance long-term systemic impact. Although the position is based in Abuja, occasional field travel will be required.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Analysis and Strategic Engagement

The Officer will analyze national and sub-national policies related to agriculture, trade, gender, and climate change, particularly within the project’s focus value chains. In addition, the role involves identifying policy gaps and structural constraints affecting smallholder farmers, agri-SMEs, women, and youth.

The successful candidate will design and implement advocacy strategies that amplify the voices of women’s groups and youth-led enterprises in policy discussions and decision-making platforms.

Stakeholder Relations and Partnership

The role demands building and maintaining strong relationships with government ministries, regulatory agencies, civil society organizations, and regional institutions. The Officer will represent the RISE project in policy forums, working groups, and multi-stakeholder platforms.

Furthermore, the candidate will coordinate closely with MEDA and other consortium partners to ensure consistent and strategic external positioning.

Advocacy and Influence

The Officer will design and execute advocacy campaigns based on project evidence and field learnings. Responsibilities include preparing policy briefs, position papers, and stakeholder communication materials that influence decision-makers.

Additionally, the role requires facilitating dialogue between grassroots stakeholders and policymakers to ensure inclusive and participatory policymaking processes.

Knowledge Translation and Learning

The selected candidate will translate research findings and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) insights into actionable policy recommendations. The role also involves organizing policy roundtables, learning events, and knowledge-sharing workshops.

Moreover, the Officer will contribute to documenting lessons learned, case studies, and policy impact stories that demonstrate measurable change.

Requirements for the Policy and Partnerships Officer Job

Applicants must possess a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, International Relations, or a related field.

Candidates should have at least five years of progressive experience in policy engagement, advocacy, or stakeholder relations within development or public sector environments. A proven track record of influencing public policies and coordinating multi-stakeholder advocacy efforts is essential.

Strong knowledge of Nigeria’s policy landscape in agriculture, trade, gender equality, and climate resilience is required. In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to advocate for gender-responsive policies and foster partnerships that promote women’s and youth participation in economic systems.

Exceptional communication, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills are critical for success in this role. Experience working on donor-funded projects is desirable. Applicants must also show proficiency in producing high-quality policy documents, including briefs, reports, and talking points, as well as familiarity with inclusive policy development processes.

Important Note

Due to the high number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about influencing agricultural and economic policy in Nigeria, apply here.