Igbana Patrick Iorkohol
Assistant Livelihood And Economic Inclusion Officer
Ogoja
Summary
To Improve the Food Security and Livelihood Situations of Vulnerable Populations, through the application of proven Project Management Principles and Partnerships. Motto: Food Security is a Right, not a Privilege, and a Collective Responsibility
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer
UNHCR
07.2021 - Current
- Explore partnerships to facilitate the economic inclusion of refugees, such as line ministries, private sector and development actors in accordance with UNHCR Global and Country level policies, priorities, and strategies, in particular the Global Compact on Refugees. This includes advocating with public and private sector services providers to include UNHCR PoC in supporting services (business development, micro-finance, training, saving accounts, poverty alleviation and social protection, etc.)
- Work with the multi-functional team, more specifically with the Protection Unit, support the assessment of the legal framework for the right to work and rights at work and recommend/implement advocacy initiatives and policy reform to improve UNHCR PoCs economic inclusion, rights and access to work.
- Build on UNHCR databases to support regular information sharing and coordination among different humanitarian, developmental and governmental stakeholders, which includes supporting the implementation of socioeconomic and wealth ranking surveys, utilizing community-based strategies to inform targeting, monitoring and facilitation of development programmes.
- Conduct necessary assessments in collaboration with relevant private and public stakeholders, including impact assessments on local economies and surveys that help to identify investment and funding opportunities that enhance the economic inclusion of UNHCR PoC.
- In case UNHCR is implementing specific livelihoods activities, work closely with and provide technical assistance on livelihoods interventions to help ensure they are market-based, and that the role of UNHCR has been strategically determined in consideration of its comparative advantage vis-à-vis other partners.
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Key Achievements: I have been guiding Implementing Partners to identify, enroll and train Cameroonian Refugees in various Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ventures, graduating them and supporting them with Business Starter Packs, to establish their respective enterprises, to achieve self-reliance (2021 - date).
- Successfully led the Joint UN-UN partnership between UNHCR and FAO, to conduct a Rapid Livelihoods and Energy Needs Assessment, to provide the baseline to implement the DG-ECHO Grant, across Cross River, Benue and Taraba States, in Nigeria.
- Provided technical support to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the UN-UN partnership between UNHCR and FAO to implement the 2021 EU-ECH DG-supported Agricultural Production and Energy support Project in Taraba State Nigeria (3,300 Participants).
- Successfully conducted a One-Day 2022 Livelihood and Economic Inclusion (LEI) Planning Workshop for LEI partners in the UNHCR Sub-Office, Ogoja, to guide the IPs with their project planning process.
- Ensuring Quality Control with the ongoing Livelihoods and Economic Support for Refugees by the IPs.
- Facilitated the development of MoUs between UNHCR and two Implementing and one collaborating partners to support the implementation of LEI activities in the operation.
- Successfully collaborated with the Supply Unit of UNHCR and facilitated the procurement of Livelihood starter packs for Refugees and vulnerable members of the host communities in 2022 and 2023.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Terms of References (TORs) to support the selection and targeting of Livelihood and Economic Inclusion beneficiaries; Farmland Allocation for Refugee Households; Construction of Poultry and Livestock Pens; and, Supply of Goats and Pigs Project Implementation.
- Currently liaising with Government partners across the Refugee Hosting States in Cross River, Benue, Taraba and Akwa-Ibom States to ensure the inclusion of Forcibly Displaced Persons into Government policies to facilitate access to sustainable livelihood and other economic opportunities to enhance self-reliance.
Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Programme Manager/ Head of Project Sub-Office
Cuso International
04.2020 - 06.2021
- Company Overview: Nigeria Country Office
- Manage project resources and adequately align the resources to the program design to meet the overall objectives and, in compliance with Donor and Cuso International's Policies.
- Lead preparation of project reports for submission to donors according to the project timeline.
- Manage activities, including providing support to agricultural and livestock interventions, developing market linkages and value chains, building capacity of local producers, and supporting micro-projects.
- Provide management oversight to the implementation team, including development of work plans, monitoring implementation and impact, ensuring that program deliverables are completed.
- Sensitize key stakeholders, communities and participating households on the project objectives, timelines and general project activities.
- Lead collaboration with community stakeholders in beneficiary selection and project implementation.
- Represent Cuso International at donor and external stakeholders' coordination meetings.
- Identify and engage with technical, private and public-sector partnerships needed to execute program strategies and support the growth and formalization of partnership arrangements as necessary.
- Nigeria Country Office
- Key Achievements: Successfully led the implementation of the Farmer-Field School (FFS), for 1,089 beneficiaries among the Cameroonian Refugees in Nigeria.
- Successfully the Entrepreneurship Development and, the Technical and Vocational training for the selected Business Package beneficiaries to build capacity of 1000 beneficiaries in diverse Business Enterprises.
- Coordinated the distribution of Business Start-up Packs and Farm Inputs to all the 1,089 FFS beneficiaries, to enable them participate in the 2020 farming activities.
- Personally trained Cuso International's Field Officers as VSLA Master Trainers and, coordinated the implementation of the VSLA Training of Trainers (ToT) for Cuso's Community Volunteers across Benue and Cross River States; and, coordinated the formation and registration of 120 VSLA Groups, among the Cameroonian Refugees in Benue and Cross River States.
- Led advocacy to Refugee Host Communities and acquired over 25 Hectares of Land for the establishment of the Farm Villages and, also allocated plots of Farm Land to Refugees to enable them cultivate crops to feed themselves.
- Led the establishment of Cuso International's Farm Villages (Integrated Farm Steads) to provide standard training platforms in Agricultural Value Chain Businesses in Poultry, Fisheries, Goat rearing and Commercial Vegetable Farming for the Cameroonian Refugees in Benue and Cross River States. Farm Village completed at Adagom 1 and Refugees already assigned for training.
- Led the establishment of a Youth Resource Centre (YRC) at Ikyogen Community, in Kwande LGA, Benue State, to provide ICT skills and ICT-based Livelihood for Youths in Refugee Settlements and Catchments' Host Communities.
Deputy Head of Department (DHoD), Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL)
Action Against Hunger International (ACF)
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Company Overview: Nigeria Country Office
- Provided Support to the FSL-HoD to Consolidate, develop and strengthens ACF's strategic focus and technical leadership in food security and livelihoods.
- Provided technical support to project development and ensures program quality.
- Represented ACF and its positioning in external coordination, donor, and technical meetings/visits on technical and operational matters.
- Led programmatic integration and related capacity building.
- Nigeria Country Office
- Key Achievements: Successfully led, coordinated and reported the Rapid Assessment of Markets (RAM), for Gajiganna and Gajiram Markets, which has informed the switch of Food Assistance modality, from the previous General Food Distribution (GFD) to the Food Voucher modality.
- Introduced the VSLA Methodology in ACF and, supported the FSL Teams in Borno and Yobe States to organize and train their Officers and partner's extension staff on VSLA in March, 2019.
- Representative of AAH at the WFP/ FAO-supported bi-weekly Borno State FSS Coordination Meetings in Maiduguri, and Monthly National Meetings at Abuja.
- In liaison with the M&E Department, coordinated the 'Farm Land Access Survey for AAH Beneficiaries in Monguno, to inform effective inputs distribution in the 2020-farming season.
Food Security and Livelihood Programme Coordinator, EU/Oxfam GB Pro-Act Project Office
OXFAM GB
05.2016 - 08.2018
- Company Overview: Country Office
- Worked with partners to support food security, improve livelihoods and resilience of vulnerable small-scale farmers: including Cash and Assets Transfers, Food Loans, Farm Training Fields Schools, Agricultural Production intensification and diversification, Food Banking, value chain enhancement, linkages and networking and, Voices for food security.
- Strengthened State and Local Government Officials on how to support rural communities to improve food security and livelihoods.
- Country Office
- Key Achievements: Successfully organized the introductory meeting and introduced the EU/Oxfam PROACT Project to the implementing partner CRUDAN in Adamawa State and achieved successful signing of MoU.
- Has successfully advocated to key Project Stakeholders in the State, including MDAs, LGC Officials and the Traditional institution, to achieve project understanding, acceptance, and support in targeted communities.
- In collaboration with OGB Country Office and the HQ of the implementing partner, successfully recruited project staff to enhance effective project implementation in the state.
State Programme Manager (SPM)
NACA/SURE-P HIV/AIDS Project
04.2015 - 04.2016
- Company Overview: Liaison Office
- Provided Overall leadership to Liaison Office Team and, guided the Team Leader of the State Implementation Unit (SPIU) to ensure adequate support to the SPIU for effective implementation of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Care, Treatment and Support Services in supported Healthcare facilities and Community based Organizations.
- Provided Technical Guidance to the State AIDS Control Agency (TACA) and State Management Team (SMT), for effective coordination of HIV/AIDS Programs in the State.
- Liaison Office
- Key Achievements: Supported the SPIU Team Lead to develop its FY15 Costed Work Plan to guide Program activities and also secured funds for the first quarter to support program activities.
- Facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NACA/SURE-P and the Government of Taraba State, to give legal backing to the program.
Senior Program Officer (SPO), SIDHAS Project Office
Family Health International (FHI360)
08.2013 - 03.2015
- Overall management of FHI's Program activities in Taraba State, including design of subproject activities, providing support to the State Office and Implementing Agencies on Work Plans, Sub-agreement management, fund management, capacity development for IAs, program evaluation and reporting, stakeholder management and, ensuring the provision of appropriate technical and management assistance for the programs.
- Oversaw the administrative and financial systems of the State office and ensured effective management, monitoring and evaluation of programs.
- Key Achievements: Successfully organized two (2) End-Of-Year and four (4) Quarterly Stakeholders' Meetings to review project implementation in the previous years and plan for program improvement.
- Successfully organized the FY14 and 15 Workplan Development Workshops, respectively, and facilitated the development of Costed Work plans for the State Office and all Implementing Agencies (IAs).
Community Care Specialist
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) Nigeria
02.2012 - 07.2013
- Coordinated all Community Mobilization activities to support increased uptake of supported services in Healthcare Facilities and Communities; Made advocacy to Senior Government Officials and other Stakeholders to ensure program acceptance and support; Identified Partners and created Network to ensure quality service delivery to the target populations; Supported partner CSOs and Support Groups of PLWHA with Organizational Development; Identified Capacity Gaps and Coordinated Capacity Building for stakeholders, staff of partner Facilities, CSOs and Community Volunteers; Monitored Sub-Grants Implementation with Partner CSOs in Communities; Program Focal Person for HTC, OVC, Clients' Adherence Counseling and the Community component of the Hyper-Accelerated PMTCT program in PHCs.
- Key Achievements: A Team Member and provided Technical Support for the Assessment and Engagement of 5 CSOs to provide services to households in OVC, Care and Support for PLWHAs and HIV/AIDS Prevention in targeted communities.
- Represented MSH Nigeria and coordinated the successful pilot of OVC Service Standards for Quality Improvement in service delivery in Taraba State.
Regional Network Coordinator
CIHP/CU-ICAP
11.2007 - 02.2012
- Company Overview: Nigeria Country Office
- Coordinated advocacy engagements with Senior Government Officials and other Stakeholders for program acceptance and support; Created Networks and Linkages with relevant Organizations for Quality Service Delivery to Target populations; Coordinated Capacity building for Health Care Workers and Community Service Providers (CBOs, PLWHA, volunteers) in all the technical areas for effective service delivery in Supported Hospitals and targeted Communities; Mobilized Communities and Organized Outreaches to increase uptake of supported Services in Facilities and Communities; Identified Partnership Opportunities, Participated in Organizational Assessment and Monitored Sub-Contract Implementation by Partner Facilities and CSOs; and, participated as MSH Point Person at Stakeholders Meetings.
- Nigeria Country Office
- Key Achievements: Collaborated successfully with the stakeholders in Benue State to enable the implementation of CIHP/ICAP supported Integrated Health Programs in Benue State.
- Successfully worked with relevant Central Office leads to plan and implement several Trainings for staff of Partner Facilities and CSOs and, Community Volunteers in HCT, OVC Service Delivery, CHBC Services, Abstinence and Be Faithful and Prevention with Positives (PwP).
Network Coordinator/ Project Manager
MIBSSFANET/Oxfam GB
07.2006 - 10.2007
- Headed of Secretariat of the Network; Developed Proposals and Sourced Funds to Support Network Activities; Coordinated Staff Activities at both the Head and State Offices (In 3 States of operation namely Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau States); Mobilized Communities, Identified Agricultural Ventures and formed Farmers into Commodity Cooperative Societies; Identified learning opportunities/ training needs at various levels and accordingly, coordinated the design and implementation of learning/ training events; Made Advocacy to Relevant Stakeholders for Program Support; Created Networks and Linkages for Market Access and Value Chain Management; Coordinated Program Monitoring and evaluation.
- Key Achievements: Mobilized Small Scale Farmers in communities in the 3 supported states and formed them into 37 Commodity Cooperative Societies (15, Nasarawa; 12, Plateau and 10, Plateau, respectively) and registered them with the State Ministries of Cooperative Affairs, as a basic unit for project implementation.
- Supported 22 Commodity Cooperative Societies (10, Nasarawa; 7, Benue and 5, Plateau, respectively) with micro-credit facility to enhance farm production for the period.
State Project Manager (Schedule Officer)
NYSC/UNICEF RH & HIV/AIDS Project
04.2004 - 06.2006
- Responsible to the NYSC State Director and the UNICEF Program Officer (Protection and Prevention); Head of Project Management Team; Developed Proposals and Sourced Funds for Program Implementation; managed Secretariat and Field Staff; Coordinated Corps Volunteerism and Peer Education Training for TOT and In- and Out-of School Youths and, other Training programs for project Staff and Stakeholders; Sourced and established Relevant Collaborations and Linkages for effective project implementation and sustenance in the state; and, Coordinated Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting.
- Key Achievements: Organized a One Day Sensitization Workshop for key Stakeholders (Commissioners and Directors of relevant Ministries, LGC Chairmen, School Principals, PTA Chairmen, Traditional and Religious leaders to enable effective implementation of the project in the State.
- Program was Accepted and Established in 210 Secondary Schools in Oyo State.
Agricultural Officer/ Farm Manager
NYSC (CDS) Farm Project
01.1992 - 03.2004
- Farm Planning and Implementation; Proposal Development and Fund Raising; Management of Farm staff, Corps Members and Casual Hands; Agricultural Extension Services to Rural Farmers in the Catchments' communities; Monitoring of Commodity Value Chains and Market Access Creation; and, Preparation of Periodic Reports.
- Key Achievements: Established the Beef Fattening Cattle Ranches at Katarko, in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
- Set up the Arabic Gum Tree Nursery Project at Katarko and distributed 200,000 seedlings to farmers in the catchment's communities, Free of Charge.
Education
Master of Technology - Agronomy
FUT
01.1999 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Agriculture - undefined
University of Agriculture
01.1984 - 01.1989
Certificate in Computer Science - undefined
FCE
01.1995 - 01.1996
GCE/ WASC O' Level - undefined
G.S.S.
Pankshin, Plateau State 01.1978 - 01.1983
Skills
Programme/ Project Management
Program Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Research
Excellent Report Writing Skills
Team Leadership
Programme Coordination
Partnership Development
Stakeholder Management
Inter-Agency coordination
Advocacy Engagement
Gender Mainstreaming
Master Trainer in Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA)
Certified IGA/ Master Trainer
Household Economic Strengthening
Livelihoods Diversification Strategist
Training and Capacity Building
Livelihoods
Economic Inclusion
Food Security programming
Agribusiness Development
Market linkage creation
Business Development Services Support
Technical Agricultural production
Establishment of Agricultural Technology Incubation Centres
Large-scale mechanization
Community Mobilization
Organizing
Coordination of Agricultural Extension Services
Conflict resolution
Excellent Organizing Skills
Coordination of HIV/AIDS Programming
Organizing/ facilitating partners' Review Meetings
Excellent Presentation Skills
Computer Software application in MS Office packages
Affiliations
- Member, Agricultural Society of Nigeria
- Member, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA)
- Member, Professionals in Humanitarian Assistance and Protection (PHAP)
Motto
Food Security is a Right, not a Privilege, and a Collective Responsibility
Major Skills And Competencies
- Programme/ Project Management, including Work plan, Proposal and Budget Development and Funds Management.
- Program Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)/ Research, including Baseline Studies, Household Economic Analysis and Community Poverty Mapping, Program Impact Assessment; Agricultural Value Chain Analysis; and Market Surveys.
- Excellent Report Writing Skills, including the development of special documents like Terms Of reference, Concept Notes, Research Proposals and Consultancy Reports.
- Team Leadership/ Programme Coordination among multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural and diverse partners to implement Development Projects.
- A formal Civil Servant, with special Skills in Working with Senior Government Officials.
- Partnership Development/ Stakeholder Management.
- Inter-Agency coordination and organizational representation.
- Advocacy Engagement with Stakeholders, including Senior Government Officials and Community Leaders.
- Gender Mainstreaming (Skilled in the use of Rapid Care Analysis (RCA) Tool for Gender Analysis);
- Master Trainer in Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA).
- Certified IGA/ Master Trainer and, a Household Economic Strengthening/ Livelihoods Diversification Strategist.
- Training and Capacity Building for project and partner staff.
- Livelihoods, Economic Inclusion, and Food Security programming for Vulnerable Populations and Smallholder Farmers.
- Agribusiness Development and Market linkage creation for Smallholder farmers.
- Business Development Services Support for setting up SMEs in rural environments.
- Technical Agricultural production in both Crops and Livestock.
- Establishment of Agricultural Technology Incubation Centres (Farm Villages).
- Large-scale mechanization of smallholder farmers' fields.
- Community Mobilization and Organizing, employing the formation of Commodity Cooperatives/ Village Savings and Loans Groups.
- Coordination of Agricultural Extension Services using the Farmer-Field School Modality.
- Conflict resolution in Communities (Community dialogue; Use of electronic media).
- Excellent Organizing Skills: Meetings/ Seminars; Community Outreaches and other Outdoor activities (e.g., Rallies; Trade fairs).
- Coordination of HIV/AIDS Programming in Healthcare facilities and communities.
- Organizing/ facilitating partners' Review Meetings and Trainings/ Seminars.
- Excellent Presentation Skills.
- Computer Software application in MS Office packages (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access and Outlook).
- I speak English, Pidgin English, Hausa and Tiv Languages fluently and, some Basic French.
Certificates Obtained
- Master of Technology, Agronomy, FUT, Yola, 09/1999 - 06/2003
- Bachelor of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, 09/1984 - 06/1989
- Certificate in Computer Science, FCE, Yola, 09/1995 - 06/1996
- GCE/ WASC O' Level, G.S.S., Pankshin, 09/1978 - 06/1983
Contact
+234 803 929 7979, +234701 009 0040, igbana2002@yahoo.com, igbana2002@gamil.com, igbana@unhcr.org
Local Government Area
Obi
Publications
- Advances on soybean Research in Nigeria in the last Two Decades and Strategies for Sustainable Production, Igbana, P.I., Okusanya, B.A.O., Nigerian Journal of Trop. Agric., 1, 58-64, 1996
- Effects of Planting Date on the Performance of Two Medium-Maturing Varieties of soybean in Yola, Igbana, P.I., Okusanya, B.A., Jada, M., Akpa, H.C., Nigerian Journal of Trop. Agric., II, 2000
Personal Information
- Number of Children: 5
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Marital Status: Married
- Place of Birth: Nasarawa
Timeline
Assistant Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer
UNHCR
07.2021 - Current
Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Programme Manager/ Head of Project Sub-Office
Cuso International
04.2020 - 06.2021
Deputy Head of Department (DHoD), Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL)
Action Against Hunger International (ACF)
08.2018 - 03.2020
Food Security and Livelihood Programme Coordinator, EU/Oxfam GB Pro-Act Project Office
OXFAM GB
05.2016 - 08.2018
State Programme Manager (SPM)
NACA/SURE-P HIV/AIDS Project
04.2015 - 04.2016
Senior Program Officer (SPO), SIDHAS Project Office
Family Health International (FHI360)
08.2013 - 03.2015
Community Care Specialist
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) Nigeria
02.2012 - 07.2013
Regional Network Coordinator
CIHP/CU-ICAP
11.2007 - 02.2012
Network Coordinator/ Project Manager
MIBSSFANET/Oxfam GB
07.2006 - 10.2007
State Project Manager (Schedule Officer)
NYSC/UNICEF RH & HIV/AIDS Project
04.2004 - 06.2006
Master of Technology - Agronomy
FUT
01.1999 - 01.2003
Certificate in Computer Science - undefined
FCE
01.1995 - 01.1996
Agricultural Officer/ Farm Manager
NYSC (CDS) Farm Project
01.1992 - 03.2004
Bachelor of Agriculture - undefined
University of Agriculture
01.1984 - 01.1989
GCE/ WASC O' Level - undefined
G.S.S.
01.1978 - 01.1983