Job Vacancy For Reform Unit Director At Millennium Development Authority (MiDA)



The Government of Ghana was declared eligible for a poverty reduction grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation ("MCC"), a United States Government Agency. In connection therewith, the Government submitted Concept Papers to MCC, and after a successful outcome of due diligence, and the availability of funds, has resulted in a Compact between the Government and MCC pursuant to which MCC would provide a five-year, multimillion dollar poverty reduction grant to the Government of Ghana (a "Compact"). The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) will  be responsible for the management of the implementation of the Compact. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Compact, related agreements, and the availability of funds, the Government intends to use a portion of the funds provided through the Compact to procure professional personnel in MiDA to assist the Government with the management and implementation of the Compact program in a transparent, timely effective, efficient, results-oriented and fiscally sound manner,

Job Summary

Reporting to CEO, responsibilities include.

•   Act as principal liaison between MiDA and relevant line ministries in all efforts related to the implementation of reform activities, including sector policy reforms, support for the financial and operational turnaround of ECG and NEDCo, particularly with respect to the introduction of private sector participation This may involve developing strategy, writing background documents, analytical briefs, policy notes and updates; compiling and evaluating data identifying and assessing economic, social and political trends: mapping entry points for policy dialogue in public and private institutions, civil society organisations and donor organizations;: analysing the potential impact of various reforms; identifying capacity gaps in relevant institutions: contributing to the planning and delivery of technical assistance: and developing appropriate communication strategies, working in close coordination with other MiDA staff.
•   Serve as the lead interlocutor on all aspects of the introduction of private sector participation (PSP) in ECG and NEDCo. In so doing, prepare terms of reference for the procurement of consulting services lead the evaluation of bids and selection of service providers, and manage contracts for consulting and transaction advisory services related to the private sector participation activities. Develop the implementation plan to ensure completion of the ECG PSP activities ('achievement of financial dose) by the end of the second  year of the the compact.
•   In close coordination with MiDA Project Directors (most notably the Generation Project Director and the Distribution Project Director) and Project Managers, prepare a detailed implementation plan for the various reform activities under multiple projects, including identifying resource requirements, bottlenecks, risks and mitigation strategies. Assist the other MiDA Directors and Project Managers with the management of implementation by consultants and Government affiliates.
•   Support MiDA Project Directors with the development of terms of reference (TORs) or statements of work (SOW), evaluation of bids and selection of service providers, and management of contracts for consulting services related to the reform activities.
•   Provide strategic guidance and support to ensure efficient coordination with Government and utility officials, other consultants, and other parties, as may be needed.
•   Support the other MiDA Directors and Project Managers with the review of submissions from consultants, including work plans, timelines, and especially substantive deliverables.
•   Coordinate with MiDA's Communications and Outreach Director on communication strategy and plans related to reform activities.
•   Contribute to refining MiDA's M&E systems for monitoring progress on relevant policy indicators under the Compact and reporting on status of the implementation of agreed policy reform agenda.
•   Build, maintain and effectively leverage relationships with international and national partners, including Government entities that may assist in advocating or implementing sector reforms.
•   Provide dear updates and reports on the progress of implementation of reforms to MiDA's management team and Board of Directors and to MCC, as necessary for effective project management.
•   Serve as a principle point of contact between MiDA, Government and MCC, and prepare reports and provide information from time to time, as needed to keep all relevant stakeholders well-informed of progress, issues and risks,
•   From time to time, represent MiDA in meetings with other donors and in public forums with respect to the reform activities.
•   Other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the CEO

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A policy advisor with deep knowledge of the institutions and organisational dynamics in Ghana's energy sector who is able to provide analysis and effectively promote and lead policy and institutional reforms.
•   Advanced degree in any of the following: Public Administration / Public Affairs, International Relations, Engineering, Business Administration, Law (Master's degree or higher is preferred).
•   Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
•   Fifteen (15) or more years of relevant experience in public administration / programme management.
•   Deep familiarity and knowledge of GoG processes and organisational dynamics, with previous experience advising GoG entities on policy and legal issues.
•   Good understanding of public and private ownership and operations models, especially for the provision of essential public services.
•   Proven ability to liaise with other GoG entities to ensure smooth implementation of MiDA's activities.
•   Proven ability to work in a national and international context.
•   Demonstrated professionalism, good judgment, and flexibility to work, as may be necessary, outside normal work hours to meet needs of the position.
•   Strong supervisory and mentoring skills.
•   Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills evidenced by demonstrated capability of building and maintaining productive relationships and working collaboratively with a range of actors and stakeholders, including government officials, private sector partners, international donors, contractors, and counterparts.
•   Must demonstrate from previous work experience the ability to collaborate effectively with peers, as well as work across departments or divisions.
•   Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and institutions.
•   Advanced computer skills (MS Office, Internet).

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Applications should be sent by e-mail addressed to:-

jobcode070914@mida.gov.gh

Closing Date: 13 October, 2014

Citizens from any country will be considered, however, preference will be given to applicants with extensive working experience, knowledge of and/or living in Ghana. Knowledge of the Ghanaian economy, financial systems, development plans, priorities, interventions and programmes is highly valued. To receive consideration, applicants must include
i. their curriculum Vitaeof not more than (four) 4 pages stating their qualifications and experience, providing three professional references, contact phone number(s) and e-mail address(es) by which they can easily be reached,
ii.   a cover note (one page maximum) explaining what the applicant envisions as the challenges of the position applied for and how their experience and education would allow them to meet those challenges.

For further details on the roles and duties of the post, especially with regard to the principal accountabilities, applicants are advised to look at the MiDA website at www.mida.gov.gh/compact2
Applications must be sent by e-mail addressed to the job code shown against each post and must be received by MiDA no later than midnight on Monday, 13 October, 2014.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Telephone and fax enquiries on submitted applications will not be entertained. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend a number of screening interviews