{Masara N’Arkizi Farmers Association,Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Background

Masara N’Arkizi Farmers Association (MAFA) is an association for farmers located in Northern, Upper West and East Regions of Ghana. At the moment Masara holds over 10,000 members and plans to grow even bigger. The association is providing several services to its members including provision of agro inputs on credit via Wienco and Yara, extension services, and offering fair market for extra maize produced from members at a guaranteed price.

Masara is managed by professional staff and on elected Executive Council. Masara therefore is looking to employ Technical Trainers and an accountant who can operate independently.

Masara provides several types of training to staff and members. Field Officers and trainers receive technical training once or twice before the commencement of the cropping year. Members receive extension services delivered by the trainer on a regular basis as a group in the field

Job Title: Technical Trainers

For 2015, Masara has developed a new training strategy and training materials for the training of Field Officers and the training of members. Therefore, Masara is looking for Technical Trainers that can implement the training strategy. The Technical Trainers would be responsible for the training of farmers, as well as field officers, and the updating of training materials whenever needed. The Technical Trainers will report to the Extension Manager. The job will be a fulltime job for a period of 1 year renewable upon achievement.

Required Skills

The Trainers will have the following responsibilities:

•   Train Members and Field Officers in the following fields
1) Technical aspects on cultivation of Maize, Cotton, Soya Bean and Sorghum
2) Association management including what is Masara, services of Masara, responsibilities of members (i.e repayments of loans), leadership, group dynamics, organising meetings, motivating farmers etc.
3) Facilitation and training skills including the social aspects of extension, adult learning, facilitating discussions, questioning, etc it will also be discussed how best technical topics and topices on association management can be transferred to farmers without using class-room style training programmes.
4) Management including planning, record keeping, report writing, and monitoring of results
•   Conduct impact assessments by evaluating the change of behaviour and results among members
•   Update training manuals by whenever needed

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in agriculture
•   Training and facilitation skills and at least 2 years experience in facilitating training programmes or change processes in rural areas of the Northern Regions
•   Speak at least one of the main local languages of the Northern Regions
•   Excellent oral, written and inter personal communication skills in English
•   Ability to work with minimum supervision and to take initiative
•   Ability and willingness to live in the rural areas of the Northern Regions
•   Young and dynamic with high level of initiative and enthusiasm
•   Capability of riding a motor bike
•   Available to start work on the 1st of March 2015
•   Female trainers are encouraged to apply

Location: Upper West Region

How To Apply For The Job

Interested candidates can send an application letter and curriculum vitae of maximum 2 pages to the following email address below:-

masara@masaranarziki.com

or mail to:-

The Human Resource Manager
Masara N’Arkizi
P.O.Box 724
Tamale

Closing Date: 15 December, 2014

{Farm Radio International (FRI),Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Farm Radio International (FRI) is a Canadian non-profit organization with a mission to support broadcasters in developing countries to strengthen small scale farming and rural communities. For detail information’s please visit our web site; www.farmradio.org

•   Job Title: Agricultural Value Chain Officer
•   Project Affiliation: (DFATD Radio for Value Chain Development)
•   Supervisor Title: Programs Manager
•   Type of Employment: Contract position renewable every year based on project funding and performance.
•   Salary scale and range: As highlighted in the employment contract.
•   Position Location: Tamale Field Office

Job Summary

•   This position will contribute towards the Radio for Farmer Value Chain Development project in Ghana by analyzing specific agricultural value chains and working with radio
•   stations to create radio programs that will support smallscale farmer involvement in these value chains.
•   The position will mobilize and engage agricultural sector players and knowledge partners related to specific value chains.
•   The position will also be responsible for helping radio station partners and other stakeholders understand value chains and how radio can play a role.
•   The position will assist in connecting with market actors to support the implementation of a radio based market information program.
•   The position will also contribute to the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools for the value chain approach.

Key Responsibilities

•   analyze specific agricultural value chains (i.e. local poultry andlegumes) in order to support radio programs focusing on these value chains
•   mobilize and engage with agricultural sector players and knowledge partners related to specific value chains in order to ensure technical accuracy and relevance of information for smallscalefarmers
•   coordinate and provide capacity building of radio station partners and other stakeholders on how radio programming can help smallscale farmers be better involved in specific value chains.
•   connecting with market actors to support the implementation of a radio based market information systems known as the Radio Market Place
•   contribute to the design and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation tools with particular focus on measurement of farmer acquisition of knowledge, uptake of practices and impact on livelihoods.
•   design and implement process for documentation and knowledge management for the project.
•   Any other duties as may be assigned by supervisor from time to time.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A minimum of first degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural extension and/or Social Sciences.
•   Related 35 years experience in implementing value chain approach
•   Experience in agricultural marketing
•   Indepth understanding of the legumes and local poultry value chains
•   Training and experience in gender sensitive approaches to agricultural development

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Aptitudes

•   Excellent skills in value chain approach and analysis
•   Skills in training design and implementation
•   Good communication, writing, networking and interpersonal skills and ability to translate into vernacular languages key agricultural terms
•   Skills in participatory research approaches and methods, facilitation and community mobilization
•   Deep respect for the traditional knowledge, wisdom and capabilities of women and men farmers
•   Commitment to gender equality
•   Skills in data and word processing computer packages e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
•   Skills in designing monitoring and evaluation tools

Decision Making Authority

•   General: The job requires making sound decisions pertaining to the effective and efficient implementation of the value chain approach under the DFATD project.
•   Financial: The job requires sound financial management, analytical skills, and budgeting to support program development and also support stakeholders in managing grants for the value chain approach and field activities.

Contacts/Key Relations

Internally: The position requires mutual partnership and understanding with other FRI Ghana staff implementing other projects such as the RING, CHANGE II, OFSP, New Alliance ICT Extension and any other related project.

The position works in close partnership with Program Officer IIRadio/ICT Officer as the two technical positions under the DFATD Radio for Farmer Value Chain Development project.

Externally: The position has responsibility for partnerships with knowledge partners and other stakeholders especially related to value chain issues.

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Applications and supporting documents sent by e-mail should be directed to:

office@farmradiogh.org

Closing Date: 07 January, 2015

•   FRI is an equal opportunity employer.
•   Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
•   No telephone calls please

{Confidential,Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

A farm complex located in Lower-North of the Volta Region needs the services of an Assistant Farm Supervisor(Crops)

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Diploma / Degree in Agriculture with specialization in crops and vegetables

Location: Volta Region

How To Apply For The Job

Interested persons with the qualification should contact:-

0208-423200 / 0541-975669

Closing Date: 09 January, 2015

{Grameen Foundation,Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Grameen Foundation (GF) helps the world’s poorest people reach their full potential, by connecting their determination and skills with the resources they need.  In Ghana, Grameen Foundation develops mobile phone based solutions to strengthen health care delivery and improve health behaviors, particularly for the rural poor, and is starting up a new program that will use mobile phones to help smallholder farmers improve their efficiency and productivity.

JOB SUMMARY & KEY PRIORITIES:

This position will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of agriculture content and assist in the over-all project management of the ICT Challenge project.  The Lead, Content & Services, will work closely with the Program Director and collaborate with key stakeholders to implement the ICT Challenge project, a USAID initiative focused on providing ICT support to accelerate the adoption of new technologies that will yield food security and nutrition crops.  This individual will use knowledge of agronomy and agricultural extension as well as excellent program management, field management, and account management skills to help develop and deploy a scalable suite of ICT-based services that will enable extension networks, input suppliers, and other value chain players to reach Ghanaian farmers with critical information on new agriculture technologies and promote their adoption and correct use in specific value chains such as maize, rice, sorghum, cassava, yam, and cowpea.

KEY RESULTS:

This role is accountable to for leading and implementing agriculture content services related to the project as well as managing client accounts and providing day-to-day project management. Work involves partnering closely with Program Director to generate results and deliver against deadlines and internal/external partner requirements.  The Lead is accountable for:

•   Assisting the Program Director in work planning, day-to-day operations, budget management, reporting and logistics of the ICT Challenge project
•   Ensuring effective field program execution according to project work plan and aligned to predetermined quality standards
•   Designing and packaging agricultural curriculum covering maize, rice, sorghum, cassava, yam, and cowpea for the ICT Challenge project that will that will serve as input for ICT-based information services for farmers
•   Developing SMS and IVR campaigns based on developed content on maize, rice, sorghum, cassava, yam, and cowpea
•   Developing training modules for extension agents and input suppliers who will be providing the content to farmers
•   Overseeing the initial training for extension agents and input suppliers who will be providing the content to farmers
•   Supporting the monitoring and evaluation data analyst in designing baseline survey to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)
•   Developing an escalation path or resolution guide to address potential queries and issues on content
•   Supervising the Specialist, Field Operations
•   Acting as partner liaison help to form and manage project partnerships
•   Liaising with public and private agriculture institutions
•   Collaborating closely with technology team on solution design and development, problem solving.
•   Serving as a subject matter expert for agronomy related questions. Sought out for specific technical expertise or field experiences by team members

Qualification Required & Experience

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•   Deep understanding of challenges facing poor, smallholder farmers and corresponding product/solution needs; combined with deep commitment to eradicating poverty.
•   High level of expertise in agronomy and packaging technical advice for low-literate farmers
•   Understanding of the local context, target audience needs, and regulatory environment
•   High level of skill required in project management – helping build, pilot, and scale initiatives; and effective prioritization and execution of active projects
•   Strong execution skills, and ability to overcome and work around operational obstacles
•   Communication and relationship management skills; with an ability to influence others without authority, work in a networked organization, and deliver results with diverse partners
•   Ability to analyze data, identify issues and recommendations, and work with stakeholders to get decisions in a timely manner
•   Fluency and comfort with Human Centered Design principles and Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks

Qualification Required & Experience

•   5-8 years of overall experience managing substantive projects and teams
•   Minimum 5 years experience in agronomy, agricultural extension, or agriculture economics with at least two years experience in Ghana
•   Masters’ degree required in Agronomy, Agriculture Economist, or related field
•   Minimum 5 years experience in Agricultural Extension and Agribusiness required, with at least two years experience in Ghana
•   Fluency in at least one Ghanaian language strongly preferred
•   Experience working in a global/multicultural organizations across multiple time zones a strong plus

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should submit the following documents in addition to a cover letter:

•   Detailed Curriculum Vitae stating current and latest posts  (WITH DATES) as well as summary of job responsibilities
•   Certifies photocopies of relevant certificates of highest academic qualification
•   Names, e-mail addresses and  telephone numbers of three (3) Referees (work-related)
•   Applications should reach the following address not later than November 30,2014

Ana Herrera:  aherrera@grameenfoundation.org

Closing Date: 15 December, 2015

INDICATE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

{Grameen Foundation,Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Grameen Foundation (GF) helps the world’s poorest people reach their full potential, by connecting their determination and skills with the resources they need.  In Ghana, Grameen Foundation develops mobile phone based solutions to strengthen health care delivery and improve health behaviors, particularly for the rural poor, and is starting up a new program that will use mobile phones to help smallholder farmers improve their efficiency and productivity.

JOB SUMMARY & KEY PRIORITIES:

This position will be responsible for coordinating field operations for the ICT Challenge project.  The Specialist, Field Operations, will work closely with the Lead for Content & Services and collaborate with key stakeholders to implement the ICT Challenge project, a USAID initiative focused on providing ICT support to accelerate the adoption of new technologies that will yield food security and nutrition crops.  The Specialist will use skills in field force management, training, and support to contribute to the project’s goals of developing a scalable suite of ICT-based services that will enable extension networks, input suppliers, and other value chain players to reach Ghanaian farmers with critical information on new agriculture technologies and promote their adoption and correct use in specific value chains such as maize, rice, sorghum, cassava, yam, and cowpea.

KEY RESULTS:

This role is accountable for supporting client organizations to recruit, train, manage and support a network of mobile-enabled field agents. Work involves partnering closely with Lead, Content & Services, to generate results and deliver against deadlines and internal/external partner requirements.  The Specialist will be accountable for:

•   Coordinating all field related activities including research, training, and M&E
•   Working with client organizations to, where necessary, recruit additional field agents using a participatory community based selection approach
•   Leading training to client agents and agent supervisors on the use of mobile-enabled tools to disseminate best practices among small-holder farmers
•   Supporting client organizations to design agent network activities and provide logistical support to networks of extension agents, including work plan development, performance and outreach targets, and execution
•   Identifying operational challenges, ensuring resolution in coordination with other team members and partner and client organizations
•   Working closely with the Technical Support Specialist to implement case management systems and procedures to resolve technical issues for both the hardware and software
•   Identifying and communicating opportunities to continually improve content and overall service
•   Liaising with partner field staff to facilitate overall project coordination and continual service enhancement

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•   Deep understanding of challenges facing poor, smallholder farmers and corresponding product/solution needs; combined with deep commitment to eradicating poverty
•   Understanding of the local context and smallholder farmer needs
•   Excellent communication skills and proven ability to train low-literate and multi-lingual, multi-cultural adults
•   Strong execution skills, and ability to overcome and work around operational obstacles

Qualification Required & Experience

•   At least 2 years experience managing agriculture extension agents
•   Experience leading trainings and providing technical assistance in rural communities
•   Bachelors degree required in Agronomy or Agriculture Economics or related field
•   Fluency in at least one Ghanaian language
•   Experience working with mobile devices or ICT a plus

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should submit the following documents in addition to a cover letter:

•   Detailed Curriculum Vitae stating current and latest posts  (WITH DATES) as well as summary of job responsibilities
•   Certifies photocopies of relevant certificates of highest academic qualification
•   Names, e-mail addresses and  telephone numbers of three (3) Referees (work-related)
•   Applications should reach the following address not later than November 30,2014

Ana Herrera:  aherrera@grameenfoundation.org

Closing Date: 15 December, 2015

INDICATE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

{IFDC,Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Organization

Since 1974, IFDC contributes to increasing and sustaining food security and agricultural productivity in over 100 developing countries through the development and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

Role of the Project

IFDC enables smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase agricultural productivity, generate economic growth and practice environmental stewardship by enhancing their ability to manage mineral and organic fertilizers responsibly and participate profitability in input and output markets. IFDC is recruiting a integrated soil fertility managemetn (IFSM) advisor candidate for an existing USAID Ghana project which aims at increasing the availability and use of agriculture technologies to increase agricultural productivity in Northern Ghana. Key intervention areas include, among others: (1) creating a competitive Ghanaian seed sector; (2) development and roll-out of integrated soil fertility management technologies; (3) research capacity development and outreach, and (4) establishment of technology dialogue and innovation platform. Cross cutting issues such as gender mainstreaming, child labor and environmental issues play a pivotal role throughout project implementation. Public private partnership development and the application of a competitive small grants fund should help provide a boost to the roll-out and scaling of proven technologies that can be made commercially and sustainably available for adoption to targeted end-users.

The Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) Adivsor position will be for an initial 2-year contract, with the possibility to extend based on performance.   This will be a full-time position based out of Tamale and will be required to work throughout the three northern regions.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A citizen from Ghana or other (West) African country preferred;
•   Minimum of a Master (MSc.) degree agriculture related fields, such as crop or soil sciences, agronomy, other degrees of agricultural orientation, and/or development or business orientation with hands-on agricultural experience and knowledge;
•   A minimum of seven years of professional work experience in agricultural projects in Ghana and/or in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specific technical soil fertility management experience should include several of the following – soil nutriet management, conservation agriculture, minimum tillage, cropping systems and rotation, chemical fertilizer, including tailored blends, and soil amendments;
•   Experience in private sector development (fertilizer supply chain) and facilitation of public private partnerships;
•   Ability to design and facilitate multi-stakeholder processes and institutional as well as technical innovation processes (quality assurance, use of grades & standards, packaging & labeling, and inspection & testing).
•   Affinity with capacity strengthening and facilitation of trainings;
•   High level communication and writing skills and sensitivity towards cultural differences;
•   Excellent English language skills (written and verbal).

Position Summary

The advisor will facilitate and coordinate partners to take the following key approaches to improving soil fertility management:

•   The introduction, demonstration, and adoption of conservation agricultural practices by partners’ farmer customers/beneficiaries;
•   The private sector supply of new technologies to targeted crop markets;
•   Working with partnering organizations, including research institutions, to identify adoptable and scalable agricultural technologies and farming practices that will improve farmers’ abilities manage their soils’ fertility.

The advisor will need to work and apply coordination efforts with the project team members and partners to identify the above approaches and as well as partners with whom the project will be able to facilitate these activities.  It will be the advisor’s role to ensure the technical content and abilities of the project’s partners that work on improving ISFM in northern Ghana under the pretext of the project will conform to the project standards.  Furthermore, his/her responsibilities will require the coordination of on-farm farmer-led demonstrations of new production technologies and practices throughout the project region that lead to demand creation for eventual scaling of technology dissimination, application and adoption.

Specific Duties

In addition to the three primary pillars of responsibilities above, the ISFM advisor will:

•   Coordinate the activities of all project partners on components involving integrated soil fertility management.
•   Serve as principal advisor to project partners for the design and implementation of soil fertility management practices being used and promoted.
•   Understand partners’ approaches to introducing conservation agricultural practices and/or ISFM-related technologies to farmers and identify areas how the project can work together to improve and/or expand adoption of these practices and technologies.
•   Work with team members to provide technical advice on relevant ISFM activities.
•   Work with team members and partners to develop technical content of training materials, informational brochures, etc. on new ISFM technologies and/or practices introduced via the project.
•   Work with team members and partners to identify conservation practice techniques to be introduced, researching and developing strategies on which are adoptable and scalable in northern Ghana for the targeted crops of maize, rice, and soy.

Supervision

The ISFM Coordinator position will report directly to the Chief of Party.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this anticipated position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Duty Location

The ISFM Coordinator will be based in Tamale and should be available to travel within the country when necessary, especially throughout the northern three regions.

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Please read these carefully. Failure to comply will adversely affect your application.

Interested applicants are kindly requested to send their applications English or in French in the form of a one-page letter and current CV describing their experience, language skills and other qualifications by email to:-

lbello@ifdc.org   or   fdipama@ifdc

Closing Date: 25 December, 2014

{Catholic Relief Services (CRS),Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality.

CRS has operated in Ghana for over 50 years (since 1958), delivering essential support and help to the needy in agriculture, water and sanitation, education, emergency response, health, HIV & AIDS, microfinance, and peace building. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs. Therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to our approach in every country in which CRS operates.

CRS-Ghana programming in agriculture and rural livelihoods currently focuses on increasing household and community resiliency as well as equitable access to markets. As much as possible, programming is integrated with the other sectors, in particular health, microfinance and emergency response. The approach supports efficient use of human resources, but more importantly, has ensured a holistic understanding of agriculture and community development issues as well as delivery of sustainable development options for farming communities.

•   Job Title:  Program Manager – Agriculture (national positon)
•   Region: WARO
•   Reports to: Head of Programs
•   Location:  Ghana (location TBD)

JOB DESCRIPTION

CRS-Ghana is seeking a Program Manager – Agric (PM Agric) to lead all aspects of current and future agriculture and livelihood programming, including strategic planning, new business development, program quality, fostering linkages with government and donor initiatives, and supporting CRS local partners with implementation and capacity support.

•   The PM Agric will be responsible for leading the strategic development and management of programs that economically empower vulnerable populations.
•   The PM Agric will lead the design and management of integrated programs that address constraints to sustained livelihood improvements of small-scale producers in agricultural value chains.
•   The PM Agric will work to position and maintain CRS Ghana Agriculture at the forefront Ghana’s agricultural development efforts.
•   The PM Agric will be responsible for overall management of agriculture and livelihood programs as well as provide input into programming in other sectors that require agriculture related development activities.
•   The PM Agric will foster and maintain linkages and partnership arrangements with Government of Ghana Agriculture sector offices, multiple donors and relevant civil society organizations.
•   The PM Agric will help to develop and support agricultural interventions in Ivory Coast, including strategic planning, technical inputs, partner development and program quality support in coordination with Caritas partners.
•   The PM Agric will report to the Head of Programs and will maintain close liaison with relevant Regional Technical Advisors and the CRS All Africa Agriculture Team.
•   The PM Agric will ensure adherence to CRS technical and program quality standards in implementation and the timely submission of all required deliverables to all donors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Quality

•   With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure the agriculture programs’ strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
•   Ensure that the vision and plans for projects are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies, as well as Ministry of Food and Agriculture strategies.
•   Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS programs, especially microfinance and health, through regular meetings, communication and sharing.
•   Mainstream gender into the design and implementation of CRS-sponsored agriculture and agro-enterprise development programs to increase equity.
•   Develop agriculture capacity within CRS-Ghana and its partners through needs assessments, training, follow up and mentorship, as appropriate.
•   In collaboration with other program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that best practices are documented and disseminated.
•   Oversee program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that M&E learning is incorporated into evolving program plans.
•   Collaborate with Regional and Headquarters technical staff to identify and implement appropriate solutions using information technology (ICT4D) to improve project implementation, timeliness, and quality of M&E.
•   With program staff, ensure the delivery of quality training, technical assistance and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.
•   Collaborate with the All Africa Agricultural Team, the Food Security Unit and relevant Regional Technical Advisors to promote learning and identification of relevant innovations.

Business Development

•   Lead on the identification of new business development in the agriculture sector for Ghana and Ivory Coast
•   Mobilize the necessary technical expertise within CRS and partner organizations to design competitive proposals for smallholder agriculture production and equitable participation in agriculture value chains.
•   Lead the development of and implementation of a program growth strategy with CRS-Ghana and Caritas Ivory Coast staff and implementing partners.
•   Develop relationships with key donors with the view to understand the priorities and opportunities of each organization.
Seek out and make recommendations on new partnership relationships with the private sector and universities that will add value to CRS’ current portfolio and bring other growth opportunities.

Representation and Advocacy

•   In collaboration with the Country Representative (CR), act as primary program contact to international stakeholders in Agriculture in Ghana.
•   In collaboration with CR and Head of Programs, develop and strengthen linkages with Government agencies and civil society organizations in the agriculture and allied sectors.
•   In collaboration with Head of Programs, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements, as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

Management and Administration

•   Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources using established budget management tools and systems.
•   Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status; review actual financial performance against the budget; and explain variances on a regular basis.
•   Ensure agriculture staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
•   Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.

Human Resource Management:

•   Lead, manage and supervise a team of CRS agriculture and economic growth staff to meet program objectives.
•   Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
Manage recruitment portfolio for the unit, in collaboration with Human Resources and CRS country program management, to ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified staff.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS is an equal opportunity employer.  Female candidates meeting position requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Master’s degree in Agriculture or related discipline.
•   Minimum 5-8 years’ experience in agricultural or community development work at national level.
•   Knowledge of Ghanaian agricultural and decentralized political systems.
•   Demonstrated proposal writing skills, particularly of USG or other public donor funded programs required.
•   Knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to USAID 22 CF Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non-Profits, OMB Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred.
•   Experience with participatory methods and partnerships required. Demonstrated capacity and experience with institutional strengthening of local civil society and government agencies.
•   Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.
•   Extensive knowledge of and experience with Ghana’s smallholder agriculture and agricultural value chains relative to crops, seed systems, livestock, fisheries, their geographical setting, opportunities and constraints, especially roots and tubers, rice, soybean and cocoa.
•   Demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality and gender responsiveness in programming and operations.
•   Proven experience in small and medium enterprise development, marketing and creating market linkages.
•   Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages.
•   Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
•   Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships highly desired.
•   Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
•   Experience in working in the Agriculture sector in Ivory Coast highly desirable.
•   Excellent English language oral and written communication skills required; proficiency in French and experience working in Francophone countries highly desirable.
•   Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.
•   Strong leadership skills, including strategic thinking, problem solving, effective communication and negotiating skills.
•   Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills.

Agency-Wide Competencies

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

•   Serves with Integrity
•   Models Stewardship
•   Cultivates Constructive Relationships
•   Promotes Learning

CRS Competencies for Program Managers

•   Sets clear goals and manages towards them
•   Collaborates effectively with staff and stakeholders
•   Manages financial resources with integrity
•   Applies program quality standards to project design and organizational learning

Location: Ghana

How To Apply For The Job

All interested candidates who meet minimum qualification requirements are invited to submit CV and references to:-

GH_jobs@global.crs.org

Closing Date: 08 December, 2012

Application must be saved with this format:- Application.CV.(Name).Agric Manager. CRS Ghana

•   Female candidates meeting position requirements are strongly encouraged to apply
•   CRS is an equal opportunity employer.

{Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.
The post is located in the Technical Officers Group RAFT, within the West Africa Team, with duty station in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The Plant Production and Protection Officer reports to the Senior Forestry Officer, RAFT, Team Leader of the West Africa Team.

Technical Focus

Develop integrated crop development programs that respond to Africa regional priorities and promote the principles of “Save and Grow” for achieving Sustainable Crop Production Intensification (SCPI) within the CAADP framework with emphasis on increasing resources use efficiency for increased ecosystem stability in national and sub-regional programs in the West Africa sub-region.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications, and services

Key Functions

•   Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in internal committees, project teams, and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies;
•   Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services;
•   Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise;
•   Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects;
•   Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality / effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools;
•    Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings;
•   Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy.

Specific Functions

•   Identifies, formulates, implements, monitors and evaluates projects and programmes in West Africa related to crop production and protection;
•   Participates in the development and implementation of relevant policies in West Africa at country and sub-regional levels;
•   Collaborates in the establishment, implementation and follow-up of collaborative partnerships with other agencies and relevant institutions in West Africa with responsibilities in the area of Sustainable Crop Production Intensification (i.e. Conservation Agriculture (CA); Climate Smart Agriculture, (CSA), Seed Systems, Pesticide Risk Reduction and Farmer-Led Extension Approaches), like ECOWAS and other RECs, CGIAR centers relevant to Crop programmes in Africa with particular focus on IITA;
•   Contributes to the development of strong seed systems in Africa working actively with the Headquarter seeds unit and the Africa Seeds network with particular attention to the needs in West Africa;
•   Organizes and delivers capacity building activities in the areas of plant production and protection;
•   Provides technical support to the statutory bodies and international agreements of relevance to plant production and protection in West Africa.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Qualification Required & Experience

Minimum Requirements

•   Advanced University degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Production and Protection, Plant Sciences or related field
•   Seven years of relevant experience in crop production, crop protection or pesticide management in the field, preferably including experience on main crops in West Africa
•   Working knowledge of English and French

Competencies

•   Results Focus
•   Teamwork
•   Communication
•   Building Effective Relationships
•   Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•   Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable and field experience at both national and regional levels in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly West Africa would be an asset.
•   Extent and relevance of international experience and expertise in plant production and protection, particularly in West Africa.
•   Extent of experience in providing policy advice at local, national, and sub-regional levels.
•   Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme formulation, implementation and monitoring in plant production and protection, particularly in West Africa.
•   Ability to lead collaborative work within organizations and in partnership with external actors, and supervise work of others;
•   Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences and workshops.
•   Ability to mobilize resources.
•   Excellent communication skills in English and French are considered a strong asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

•   All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills. ? Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
•   Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your iRecruitment online profile (see “How to Apply”). We strongly recommend that you ensure that the information is accurate and complete including employment record, academic qualifications and language skills.
•   Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised in the IAU/UNESCO list.
•   Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice and the endorsed candidates will be considered for the Employment Roster for a period of 2 years.
•   Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Applications should be submitted to:

The Human Resources Officer
FAO
Regional Office for Africa
P.O. Box GP 1628
Accra

•   Staff members: Complete form ADM 75
•   Other candidates: Complete FAO Personal History Form available on www.fao.org (type “Vacancies” and click search, then click “current vacancies” to select Personal History Form.
•   Please note that only applications of short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.

Closing Date: 08 December, 2012

{Local Government Service,Ghana,Full-Time,GH,N/A,N/A,28 Dec-2014};

Job Purpose:
The Head of Department of Agriculture shall report to the Coordinating Director and shall advise on the formulation and implementation of agricultural policy for the MMDA within the framework of national policies.

Key Responsibilities/Job Summary:

•   Participates in the preparation of Composite Budget and Annual Action Plan for the MMDAs;
•   Participates in provision of extension services in the areas of natural resource management, rural infrastructure and small scale irrigation;
•   Advises the District on matters related to agricultural development;
•   Promotes extension services to farmers;
•   Assists and participates in on-farm adaptive research;
•   Assists in the development of animal health services;
•   Advises and encourages crop development through nursery propagation

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture field (Animal Health, Veterinary, Crops, Agric. Economics), Agric. Engineering or equivalent relevant discipline;
•   A Master’s Degree (MSc, MPhil) or its equivalent from a recognized University shall be an added advantage;
•   A minimum of Eight (8) years working experience with two (2) years in a managerial position (Principal Grade, it’s equivalent or above);
•   Working knowledge of Local Government System;
•   A tract record of innovations in Agriculture;
•   Ability to facilitate collaboration across teams to achieve a common goal.
•   Ability to initiate, define and address high-level challenges and opportunities;
•   Ability to use variety of communication vehicles to promote dialogue and develop shared understanding and consensus;
•   Be able to analyze and synthesize information to understand issues, identify options and support sound decision making;
•   Must be computer literate.

Location: Nationwide Recruitment

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should submit their application together with photocopies of certificates and Curricula Vitae (CV) to the respective Regional Coordinating Director of his/her Region. Deadline for the submission application shall be at 12:00 noon, Friday, 12th December, 2014.

Closing Date: 12 December, 2012