The West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use is an international organization set up by its 10 member countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d‘Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo together with Germany.  WASCAL is a leading academic and trans-disciplinary research organization serving policy makers in West Africa with science-based advice on adaptation to climate change of land use and management. It cooperates with many agencies and universities in the region, providing a knowledge platform of excellence for its partners. WASCAL is linked closely with other international organizations in its mandate zone.

WASCAL has its headquarters in Accra, Ghana from where it coordinates 10 graduate schools at different lead universities in the West African Region and a Competence Centre in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. WASCAL invites applications for the position of Director to lead the Graduate Studies Program of WASCAL. The position shall report to the Executive Director.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Capacity Building will provide technical leadership and management of the different Capacity Building Programs and, in collaboration with the Director of Research, develop work plans for the Capacity Building Department to fulfill the scientific  objectives of WASCAL. As Head of Department, he/she plans and oversees capacity needs assessments of the Graduate Schools and makes proposals for improvement.

He/She leads  the development and the delivery of the Curricula Training programs , manages and monitors the performances of his Department and make adjustments to work plans and quality of performance as necessary. He/She will ensure the quality of the Education and build up the Network with the WASCAL Research Program and among the lead Universities in the region and overseas. The smooth administration and accounting of the program is a central task in his portfolio.

He/She prepares status and Management reports  and other information as required by Donors to meet the deadlines.

Position Summary

•   Managing and coordinating the Capacity Building Programs of WASCAL from the Headquarters in all respect and developing strategies to ensure effective achievement of WASCAL vision and scientific objectives;
•   Collaborating with the regional and international scientific community for developing and maintaining effective partnerships and to ensuring that WASCAL’s Capacity Building Programs is well positioned, demand-driven and responsive to current and future adaptation/mitigation challenges.
•   Writing or editing and approving research proposals to be submitted to partners or donors for fund raising or joint research projects;
•   Writing, editing and approving manuscripts for publication;
•   Overseeing, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Curricula at the Lead Universities;
•   Organizing the Selection, the Supervision and the Evaluation of the Programs to ensure efficiency;
•   Overseeing the development and implementation of internal research policies and programs and ensuring the application of scientific ethics, codes, rules, standards and guidelines;
•   Any other duties that may be assigned to assist the Executive Director.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   PhD or its equivalent in Life, bio-physical or socio-economic sciences
•   At least 5 years working experience preferably in a multi-cultural environment
•   Strong academic record as evidenced in publications, with experience in interdisciplinary development research preferably with a climate focus.
•   Considerable experience in administration and networking with regional and national agencies is expected.
•   Extensive experiences in management of Capacity Building Programs in lead position
•   Experiences  in Fund Raising negotiation with international partners
•   Administrative and financial management skills
•   Ability to manage, motivate and develop staff and to maintain good working relationships with individuals of different national and cultural backgrounds;
•   Excellent interpersonal relationships and an ability to approach regional leaders and donors;
•   Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French;
•   Work experience in West-African countries and willingness to travel extensively in the region is of an advantage

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Applications including a covering letter (no more than two pages) with a statement of motivation, and highlighting the candidate's experience against the criteria listed above (desired skills and experience), and a curriculum vitae including a list a publications, with names addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional referees should be emailed to:-

candidature@wascal.org. Please indicate “Director of Capacity Building” in the subject line.

The successful candidate will be appointed for an initial term of three years starting on July  1, 2015, with a six month probation.

WASCAL offers an attractive tax-free remuneration package paid in Euros and a challenging working environment including a worldwide health insurance coverage, a pension scheme and an installation allocation and an educational allowance. WASCAL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women to apply.

Closing Date: 30 April, 2015

This is an international position and it will be based at the WASCAL Headquarters in Accra, Ghana.  Applications will be acknowledged but only short listed candidates will be contacted.