{IFDC,Accra,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 Jun-2014};

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization addressing critical issues such as international food security, the alleviation of global hunger and poverty, environmental protection and the promotion of economic development and self-sufficiency. IFDC focuses on increasing productivity across the agricultural value chain in developing countries. This is achieved by the creation and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

The organization’s collaborative partnerships combine cutting-edge research and development with on-site training and education. IFDC has contributed to the development of institutional capacity building in 150 countries through more than 700 formal training programs, primarily as part of IFDC’s long-term agricultural development projects. Demonstration plots, farmer field schools and in-field trainings have assisted millions of farmers in developing countries.

Job Summary

The Dutch-funded project entitled “Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship” (2SCALE) aims at improving rural livelihoods and food security in Africa, in support to the six percent agricultural growth target set under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) of the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD). 2SCALE is a five-year (2012-2017) Private-Public Partnership (PPP) intervention designed to spur inclusive agribusiness development.

It assists international and local agrifood companies in overcoming barriers to doing agribusiness in nine partner countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. 2SCALE does so by linking selected lead firms in target industries to smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs organized in competitive agribusiness clusters. Innovation and entrepreneurship are stimulated and institutional environments are enhanced, to bring quality food products to market through cost-effective value chains.

From June 2012 to May 2017, 2SCALE will support 1,150,000 smallholder farmers in about 500 agribusiness clusters in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen their competitive position in value chains.

In Ghana, the objective is to improve the productivity and income of about 150,000 Ghanaian smallholder farmers. The majority of them are expected to be involved in the production of vegetables, fruits and soybeans, i.e. the priority sectors for 2SCALE in Ghana. Guinea fowls, groundnuts, mushrooms and maize have been identified as secondary sectors – partnerships within these sectors mainly foster innovations in inclusive business.

The Cluster Advisor is responsible for the coordination and implementation of 2SCALE activities in the country where s/he is posted. S/he is on the front line in leading the identification of agrifood companies with a change agenda, facilitating the development of sustainable agribusiness clusters and mobilizing private-sector contributions.

Duties

•   Through targeted networking and communication, supported by adequate analyses and a good understanding of the focus sectors, identify relevant agribusiness champions and lead firms willing to partner with 2SCALE.
•   Finalize and document the selection of partnerships to complete the Ghana cluster portfolio by the end of 2014.
•   Lead the mobilization of private financial contributions (co-investments), with a target of at least €4 million mobilized by May 2017 in Ghana.
•   Develop, implement and monitor strong PPPs with Dutch and other lead firms (development of partnership agreements, elaboration of annual value chain action plans and budgets, coordination of field activities in linkage with grassroots actors, reporting, etc.).
•   Support cluster stakeholders to develop competitive strategies and related cluster action plans, that address priorities in value chain upgrading, and lead to scaling up the clusters.
•   Lead gender mainstreaming efforts in all PPPs and document them.
•   In collaboration with the grants manager, prepare grant sub-contracts for clusters. Monitor these grants, particularly through frequent field visits to cluster actors.
•   Based on challenges faced in the different PPPs, organize activities to improve the institutional environment of agribusiness cluster and value chain development.
•   Ensure that environmental considerations are included in all project activities, and report on them in a timely manner.
•   Collaborate closely with cross-cutting and other project staff to facilitate their activities as envisioned in the project annual work plans. Ensure that all country activities are well coordinated, consistent and focused.
•   Write and submit in time monthly activity reports, half-yearly narrative reports on PPPs, as well as other technical reports or notes.
•   Supervise and support the cluster assistant and coordinate consultants.
•   Collaborate with the communications specialist, management team and other colleagues as needed to develop outreach materials.
•   Develop synergies with other IFDC projects/initiatives and with other programs in the country.
•   Develop and ensure good working relationships with key regional and national partner organizations, including local authorities.
•   Represent the project at relevant national events.
•   Develop and maintain professional relationships with the 2SCALE National Advisory Committee and support its transformation into a PPP platform.
•   Any other assignments that the project management deems necessary for the success of the project.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Master’s degree in an agricultural, economics or business field, with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience. Experience in a private company or a private-sector association would be a plus.
•   Proven ability to communicate effectively and in a participatory way with stakeholders of diverse interests and at all levels (from farmers to high officials), from both public and private sectors.
•   Up-to-date knowledge of the major national agribusiness sectors, in particular of horticulture and the soybean industry. Good understanding of key barriers to value chain development and of innovative technologies, practices and business models.
•   Entrepreneurial and business-minded.
•   Strong skills in networking, brokering relationships and coaching field partners.
•   Experience in organizing and facilitating training programs and other events.
•   Team player, able to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
•   Ability to write quality reports in English and respect deadlines.
•   Fluent in English. Proficiency in a national language and in French is an advantage.

Location: Accra

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 in English in the form of a one page letter and current CV describing their experience, qualifications and three reference contacts by email. Emails should be sent to the Regional HR Officer at lbello@ifdc.org with copy to barthur@ifdc.org

Closing Date: 08 June, 2014

•   Only short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview scheduled in Accra.
•   No telephone queries will be responded to.
•   Applicants should indicate in the subject line of the email: Cluster Advisor Position.

{BuildCocoa,Accra,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 Jun-2014};

BuildCocoa is a six (6) years project aimed at building a sustainable cocoa sector in Ghana. It is being implemented by national and international partners to realize a sustainable value chain for cocoa in Ghana. We envisionmentally and socially sustainable for all actors. The project supports farmers in increasing their yields and generating more household income through the adoption of Certification Standards.

The partnership targets a value chain in which poverty of cocoa farmers in tackled and future supply of cocoa is secured, and will lead to structural proverty reduction, sustainable economic growth and self-reliance.

The project seeks to recruit personnel to fill the following vacancy:- Internal Managment (IMS) Manager

Key Duties and Responsibilities

•   Represent the certification management of the group
•   Represent the farmer group to outside parties
•   Coordinate all training activities of the group
•   Set up and operate an internal management system for the group
•   Revise and approve internal documents
•   Assist in maintaining internal documents
•   Assess the entry of new producers and advice the appropriate committee
•   communicate with the certification body
•   coordinate external inspection with the certification body

Qualification Required & Experience

•   At least first degree in Agriculture or related Discipline

Experience

•   Demonstrated understanding of certification standards and processes
•   Knowledge / experience of working with certification systems
•   Knowledge in the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Personal Skills

•   Strong inter-personal and good written and verbal communication skills
•   Ability to run a team and train other people
•   Valid license and ability to ride a motorbike in rough terrain
•   Good computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
•   Proficient in the Akan languages Trainers

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested persons with requisite qualification should strictly send their CV and cover letter to the email:-

adwumapacertjob@yahoo.com

Closing Date: 23 May, 2014

The subject line should be the position being applied for

{BuildCocoa,Accra,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 Jun-2014};

BuildCocoa is a six (6) years project aimed at building a sustainable cocoa sector in Ghana. It is being implemented by national and international partners to realize a sustainable value chain for cocoa in Ghana. We envisionmentally and socially sustainable for all actors. The project supports farmers in increasing their yields and generating more household income through the adoption of Certification Standards.

The partnership targets a value chain in which poverty of cocoa farmers in tackled and future supply of cocoa is secured, and will lead to structural proverty reduction, sustainable economic growth and self-reliance.

The project seeks to recruit personnel to fill the following vacancy:- Field Officers (FOs)

Responsibilities
For the Internal Management System (IMS)

•   To register & contract cocoa producers
•   To maintain maps & records for the producers
•   To perform internal inspections and document in the Farm inspection form
•   To visit regularly the buying centres during harvest season to ensure that the procedures as mentioned in the IMS are followed.
•   To inform producers about the standards and needed improvements in their system

For extension activities

•   To organise trainings, demonstration
•   Assist producers to understand the internal standard
•   To advise & monitor all agronomic and best management practices

Qualification Required & Experience

•   At least Diploma in General Agriculture / Extension or Social Sciences

Experience

•   Demonstrable experience of work in rarul environments
•   Good understanding of certification standards and processes would be an added advantage
•   Knowledge / experience of working with certification systems
•   Knowledge in the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Personal Skills

•   Strong inter-personal and good written and verbal communication skills
•   Ability to run a team and train other people
•   Valid Driver’s license and ability to ride a motorbike in rough terrain
•   Good computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
•   Proficient in the Akan Languages

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested persons with requisite qualification should strictly send their CV and cover letter to the email:-

adwumapacertjob@yahoo.com

Closing Date: 23 May, 2014

The subject line should be the position being applied for

{BuildCocoa,Accra,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 Jun-2014};

BuildCocoa is a six (6) years project aimed at building a sustainable cocoa sector in Ghana. It is being implemented by national and international partners to realize a sustainable value chain for cocoa in Ghana. We envisionmentally and socially sustainable for all actors. The project supports farmers in increasing their yields and generating more household income through the adoption of Certification Standards.

The partnership targets a value chain in which poverty of cocoa farmers in tackled and future supply of cocoa is secured, and will lead to structural poverty reduction, sustainable economic growth and self-reliance.

The project seeks to recruit personnel to fill the following vacancy:- Program Manager

Primary Responsibility
To effectively coordinate and manage the field activities of the BuildCocoa Project in line with the objectives, Time frame and Budget.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the project Steering Committee, the project managers duties among other shall include:

•   Successful manage all field operation related to the project
•   Supervise activities of field staff (IMS Managers and Trainers)
•   Effectively coordinate the activities of Adwumapa operational staff (District Managers, Depot Keepers and Purchasing Clerks) towards the successful implementation of the BuildCocoa Project Develop detailed budget and planning for first certification cycle of the project.
•   Develop Manaul of Procedures for the project steering committee (SC)
•   Ensure adequate reporting and effective information, to effectively communicate activities, progress, reports, data and other relevant information to the project steering committee.
•   Ensure that project farmers are certified against selected Certification Standard (e.g. UTZ and/or RA)

Qualification Required & Experience

•   At least First Degree in Agriculture or related Disciple.
•   Professional experience: 5+ years

Experience:

•   Considerable field experience with international organisations
•   Experience in developing / conducting training courses and developing capacity of staff
•   Excellent leadership, coordination and business management skills
•   Knowledge on sustainable / quality certification standards
•   Demonstrated knowledge of the Agricultural sectors
•   Experience in the cocoa industry

Personal Skills

•   Demonstrate ability for leadership and independent decision making
•   Demonstrated management skills
•   Demonstrated facilitation skills
•   Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills
•   Strong networking skills
•   Strong communication
•   Cultural and gender sensitivity
•   Computer literacy in MS Office
•   Complete proficiency in English
•   High proficiency in the Akan languages (local languages)
•   Valid Driver’s License and ability to ride motorbike

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested persons with requisite qualification should strictly send their CV and cover letter to the email:-

adwumapacertjob@yahoo.com

Closing Date: 23 May, 2014

The subject line should be the position being applied for

{AFC Consultants International,Accra,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 Jun-2014};

AFC Consultants International and CDC Consult are building the capacilities of service providers along the pineapples, mangoes, citrus and maize value chains in Ghana for the Market Oriented Agriculture Programme of the German Government Together with MoFA.

In the frame of this project, we are looking for:- Agricultural Extension and Training Specialist

Qualification Required & Experience

The successful candidate must have:

•   University degree (BSc or MSc) in relevant field of study
•   Minimum 5 years experience in agricultural training and extension
•   Proven writing skills and advanced knowledge of MS Office

Your application is enhanced by the following:-

•   Experience with fruit farming preferably of the value chains listed above
•   Experience with contract management
•   Experience with ToT (Training of Trainers)
•   Experience with adult education and extension methodology
•   Experience with farm economics
•   Strong communication skills

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Please apply with your CV (maximum 6 pages) to:-

Mathhias.Webendoerfer@afci.de

Closing Date: 27 May, 2014

{Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA,Wa-Upper West Region,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 Jun-2014};

The goal of the Agriculture Technical Specialist in facilitating on-going access by women farmers to information they need to continue to improve their agricultural production, increase soil fertility, and respond to changes in market demand.  He will work closely with the Key Facilitating Partners (KFPs) field staff in providing agronomic technical support and assistance to the Lead Farmers and women-farmers if needed.

Given the serious shortage of extension services, he will work with women lead farmers to build their skills to provide agricultural information to the farmers in their networks.  The goal is to establish a cadre of community-based extension agents that have the capacity to continually access new information through linkages to research institutes, agricultural extension services, and other market players and to effectively communicate this information to other farmers.

The Agriculture Technical Specialist will also develop a range of communication vehicles that effectively bring extension information to women farmers. This will include working with radio stations to produce relevant programming and to broadcast these programs at times when women have access to radios.    The Specialist will build on the participatory models developed by Farm Radio International and other models as appropriate.

The Agriculture Technical Specialist will introduce and promote practices designed to protect the environment while increasing productivity.  These may include conservation agriculture approaches, the inclusion of agri-forestry and other practices appropriate to the specific context.

Throughout the project period the Agriculture Technical Specialist will monitor environmental issues and their impact on project clients and operations.  The Specialist will relate closely to Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), drawing on their analysis and monitoring to inform project activities.   Lead Farmers and other value chain players will be linked to the EPA as a source of on-going information regarding environmental issues.

The Agriculture Technical Specialist will coordinate closely with the Value Chain Coordinator and the Financial Services Specialist to ensure that women farmers and others in the soybean market system have access to appropriate technical and financial services.

Duties

•   Develop contacts with extension service providers and research institutes as well as input and equipment suppliers to thoroughly understand their products and services and the opportunity for women farmers to access information that will allow them to increase productivity, improve soil fertility and respond to changes in market demand.
•   Work with a range of communication channels to bring extension information to women farmers.
•   Investigate ways to sustainably link women farmers to extension services.
•   Build the capacity of women intermediaries to provide community-based extension services to the women farmers in their networks.  This includes assisting them to develop links with extension service providers, research institutes and private companies that can provide ongoing access to information that will help women continue to improve their farming practices.
•   Introduce and promote agricultural practices designed to protect the environment and improve productivity
•   Develop links with the EPA as a source of information about environmental issues that impact project participants as well as an ongoing resource to women farmers and other value chain actors.
•   Participate in project planning, monitoring and evaluation, identification of lessons learned and ongoing improvement of project implementation as needed.
•   Carry out tasks as assigned by supervisor and project management team.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Demonstrated understanding of market-driven approaches to increase farm income and improve food security
•   Experience working on women-focused programs.
•   Degree in agriculture and minimum of 3 years’ experience in agriculture and/or agricultural development projects.
•   Experience integrating environmental practices, such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry, into agriculture projects
•   Experience in environmental monitoring
•   Private sector experience a plus
•   Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values and goals

Location: Wa, Upper West Region

How To Apply For The Job

Please submit letter of application and resume to:-

grow@meda.org

Closing Date: 28 May, 2014

{SPRING Ghana,Tamale,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 May-2014};

JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. is a leader in improving the health of individuals and communities by providing high-quality technical and managerial assistance to public health programs worldwide. JSI has implemented projects in 104 countries, and currently operates from eight U.S. and 81 international offices for the past 30 years.

Job Description

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) has received funding from the United States Agency for International Development to implement the Strengthening Partnerships, Results and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (SPRING) Project to work in northern Ghana. SPRING’s work is designed to support USAID/Ghana and it’s other partners to accelerate progress towards reaching a measureable reduction in malnutrition in the Feed the Future Zone of Influence, with particular emphasis on the highest burden districts in Northern Region and Upper East Region.

Job Summary
The Agriculture Advisor is responsible for overseeing SPRING’s technical and programmatic approach and implementation of aflatoxin control, especially as aflatoxins affect the health and nutritional status of young children and pregnant and lactating women. This position will provide technical leadership, capacity building for quality agriculture program, and programmatic operational support.

Reporting Relationship
The Agriculture Advisor reports to the Deputy Country Manager based in Tamale, Ghana.

Background
A crucial area of investment in the SPRING program is Aflatoxin management in staple crops. Chronic exposure to aflatoxin, a fungal byproduct commonly found in maize and groundnuts, has been linked to liver cancer and suppressed immune system function. Non-experimental evidence suggests exposure to the toxin could also negatively impact children’s development.

The project will track levels of aflatoxin through controlled sampling in partnership with USAID Feed the Future partners and will work directly on cost-effective responses to aflatoxin control for household consumption. SPRING’s direct implementation support will focus on improved storage and handling for maize and groundnuts at the household and community level.

At the same time, SPRING will be a catalyst for reducing aflatoxin levels in groundnuts by exploring and facilitating opportunities for increased premiums for groundnuts grown, harvested and stored by smallholders using better (aflatoxin-mitigating) practices.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Technical Leadership

•   Design and development of the aflatoxin control thematic area through engagement with development actors and district partners
•   Design and implementation of sampling framework at household, community, and commercial level to ascertain levels of toxin within target districts
•   Facilitate analysis of the groundnut and maize value chain for aflatoxin control
•   Design and facilitation of specific training throughout the value chain to limit aflatoxin exposure.
•   Monitor agriculture interventions and budget expenditure in line with annual workplans
•   Develop and cultivate contacts with processors and aggregators for aflatoxin free products
•   Develop research protocols within the program and form partnership with other actors to maximize research and practice opportunities
•   In consultation with the SPRING/Ghana country management and other technical staff, define SPRING Ghana nutrition strategy that addresses stunting and anemia
•   In consultation with the Deputy Country Manager, represent SPRING Ghana in technical coordination meetings and forums within the districts, region and country, as needed
•   Play an active role in joint development of aflatoxin guidelines and program standards/tools by:
1) Developing and sustaining partner relationships, including academic institutions and technical institutions working in nutrition
2) Developing critical networks to support Aflatoxin actions and research agendas in Ghana and the target regions
•   Closely collaborate with social and behavior change communication (SBCC) team in planning, implementing and monitoring of actions in community mobilization and advocacy efforts
•   Provide technical leadership at the district level, with Ministry of Food and Agriculture engagement, to assist the districts in developing an approach to guide the implementation of aflatoxin interventions, especially related to improved, affordable and sustainable home and community storage technologies and practices
•   Work closely with Strategic Information team to monitor performance against set indicators and document best practices

Capacity Building for Quality Agricultural Program

•   Ensure application and utilization of evidence-based program standards/tools
•   Work with Strategic Information team to develop a systematic approach to document processes, including costing and scaling up of aflatoxin interventions
•   Ensure that technical approaches for scaling services build on in-country capacity to ensure sustainability of services

Program Operations Support

•   Provide timely reports, documents and proposals as requested
•   Review and refine documents/outputs produced by consultants and other SPRING/Ghana staff
•   Work with other technical team members to identify opportunities for further strengthening of District Teams and community services to increase uptake of environmental enteropothy services by target households, groups and communities
•   Work with the Country Manager and SPRING’s agriculture/nutrition  and Strategic Information teams to design and support the implementation of learning and relevant research agenda for SPRING/Ghana
•   Contribute to the development of technical resource materials, including guidelines, training manuals, curricula and job aids, as necessary

Human Resources Management

•   Participate in the identification, recruitment and management of consultants for research, design of documents and other relevant tasks, as necessary

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A master’s degree in Agriculture. Specialization in post-harvest storage and handling of food grain crops is preferred
•   Excellent management and organizational skills
•   Proven quantitative and/or qualitative research skills preferred
•   At least 8 years of relevant experience
•   Excellent English written and oral communication skills, and the ability to write for a range of audiences and purposes, including superior presentation skills
•   Demonstrated ability to initiate and manage significant technical activities, including designing activities, mobilizing resources, identifying and managing partners, and reporting
•   Strong initiative and self-motivation required, with a commitment to teamwork and effectiveness within a dynamic multi-disciplinary project
•   Ability to effectively work independently outside of conventional office environments.
•   Ability to work effectively in a team consisting of people with different technical backgrounds and with varying levels of technical training
•   Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance and tools and effectively communicate these using print, electronic, and presentation media
•   Proven track record that demonstrates leadership skills, project management, budget and resource management experience, and client relationship management capability
•   Experience working across multiple sub agreements and partners; ability to work well with people at all levels

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

JSI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individual are welcome to apply. Please send your cover letter and CV to jobs@spring-nutrition.org or the JSI address listed below.

•   If you submit via e-mail, please write the title of the job you are applying to in the subject line.
•   JSI will only contact short-listed applicants.
•   Please no phone calls.

SPRING Representative
JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.
House# F134/5
Third Soula Street
Labone
Accra, Ghana

Closing Date: 22 May, 2014

www.jsi.com
http://www.spring-nutrition.org

{Blue Sky Products Ghana Limited,Central and Eastern Region,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 May-2014};

Blue Sky Products Ghana Limited invites application from prospective persons with solid background in farm management to manage its projects in the Central and Eastern Regions of Ghana.

Main Responsibilities

Undertake overall management responsibility for implementing farm projects in line with the following:-

•   Staffing
•   Farm inputs procurement
•   Equipment and needed machinery requirements with regular maintenance schedules
•   Proper scheduling of operations for all project sites
•   Meet quality specification of produce and achieve high targets following Good Agricultural Produce and achieve high targets following Good Agricultural Practices
•   Plan and arrange harvet of produce to ensure timely deliveries to factory
•   Undertake monthly stocktaking
•   Provide financial records in respect of costs and returns
•   Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports
•   Ensure good housekeeping to meet all farm standard requirements

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Applicant must possess a minimum of Diploma in Agriculture from a recognised institution
•   Three (3) year working experience in Farm Management from a recognised company and have the ability to achieve targets and meet orders at odd times.
•   To be able to work without or with less supervision under pressure. Knowledge and skills in the use of computer and good report writing will be an added advantage.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested persons may apply along with their certificates and CV to:-

The Human Resource Manager,
Blue Sky Products Gh. Ltd,
P.O.Box CT 3506,
Cantonment – Accra

or email:

amerod_1@yahoo.com

Closing Date: 21 May, 2014

{IFDC,Accra,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 May-2014};

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization addressing critical issues such as international food security, the alleviation of global hunger and poverty, environmental protection and the promotion of economic development and self-sufficiency. IFDC focuses on increasing productivity across the agricultural value chain in developing countries. This is achieved by the creation and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

The organization’s collaborative partnerships combine cutting-edge research and development with on-site training and education. IFDC has contributed to the development of institutional capacity building in 150 countries through more than 700 formal training programs, primarily as part of IFDC’s long-term agricultural development projects. Demonstration plots, farmer field schools and in-field trainings have assisted millions of farmers in developing countries.

The Dutch-funded project entitled “Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship” (2SCALE) aims at improving rural livelihoods and food security in Africa.

M&E under 2SCALE will aim to demonstrate the project s contribution to cluster development, value chain development and links to consumer markets on one hand and its relation to changes in rural livelihoods and food security on the other hand. M&E will be conducted in accordance with a Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP).

Position Summary
The Regional Project Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist for 2SCALE in West Africa is responsible for leading the execution of the overall project PME and coordinating related activities within the project and via partners in West African 2SCALE target countries (i.e., Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria).

S/he will design and orchestrate efforts that monitor outcomes against targets; enable management, donors and partners to gain feedback and deduce lessons; S/he is also responsible for providing timely and relevant information to project managers, partners and donors. The M&E Specialist will contribute to the development of institutional capacity and M&E initiatives of divisional and global scope.

Supervision
The Regional Project M&E Specialist for 2SCALE in West Africa will be supervised by and report directly to the 2SCALE Chief of Party. Outside the West African project team, the M&E Specialist will collaborate closely with his/her counterpart in East/Southern Africa and with Division-level M&E Specialists.

Duties
Refresh the PMP

•   Identify the core information needs of the project management, the advisory committees, the main donor, private-sector contributors and other cooperating institutions.
•   Refine the key indicators for each component and fine-tune the project indicators matrix based on lessons learnt
•   Guide the process for identifying the key performance questions to assess the effectiveness of interventions
•   Make annual adjustments to refresh the PMP each year in agreement with management: adjust the conceptual framework to incorporate new learning; define and operationalize indicators; elucidate the approach, methodology, and tools for data acquisition; describe the roles and responsibilities of partners involved; set targets for each year; and outline the supporting operations and procedures for data collection, quality control, analysis and reporting functions.
•   Scope out activities that will complement the PMP (for example, annual project reviews, participatory impact assessments, and lessons-learned workshops). Identify, recruit, guide and supervise organizations or consultants that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating project outcomes and impacts.
•   Ensure that all service provider contracts include specifications for the internal monitoring required of them, the reporting systems and the penalties for failure to report as specified.

Execute the PMP

•   Steer and craft the installation of the M&E system to realize a balance of credibility and practicality.
•   Work with Cluster Advisors to develop guidelines and survey instruments in line with the PMP, including databases or tally sheets for collecting routine data.
•   Undertake regular visits to the field to support implementation of M&E and to identify where adaptations may be needed.
•   Orchestrate the active involvement of country-level Cluster Advisors, Coaches, independent research or consulting firms, and external consultants and students to assure that the data are collected in a reliable fashion and that M&E has been effectively integrated into each country’s interventions.
•   Design, organize and undertake a training system for participatory capacity-building on 2SCALE M&E, particularly for the BSS/Coaches who conduct the function of data collection in clusters.
•   Incorporate mixed methods to capture information on cluster members and value chain performance including private sector partners, traders and consumers and methods to assess effectiveness of project interventions and capture indirect effects for understanding dynamics of cluster facilitation.
•   Support the design of periodic impact studies to 1) provide an analysis of whether project objectives (outcomes and impacts) were achieved and can be attributed to project operations 2) demonstrate that the observed changes would not have occurred naturally in the absence of project interventions.

Coordinate and support the project internal and external evaluations.

•   Join in external evaluation and supervision missions—of funding and other agencies—by screening and analyzing monitoring reports as well as furnishing direct personal knowledge of the field situation.
•   Ensure that project monitoring arrangements comply with the donor’s requirements and expectations.
•   Analyze data collected in terms of impact evaluation and identify the causes of potential bottlenecks in project implementation.
•   Work with project management and the independent M&E firm to design and roll out experimental pilots that can demonstrate incremental effects of changes in service mode or absence/presence of interventions and/or with/without comparisons.

Reporting/Communication

•   Design the format for performance reports.
•   Support staff and implementing partners in preparing progress reports. Assess and provide feedback on reports in terms of problems and actions needed. Prepare consolidated progress reports for project management, in accordance with approved reporting formats and timing.
•   Make regular reports to the Chief of Party (and the Regional Agribusiness Coordinator) highlighting areas of concern and preparing the documentation for review at meetings.
•   Plan for and execute regular occasions to share M&E findings, identify lessons learned and elicit ideas on the implications for the project and local development partners’ next steps. Make sure that time-sensitive findings from monitoring are shared in the appropriate forum and in a responsive fashion.
•   Work closely with the project Communications Specialist to identify results and success stories that should be highlighted in public relations materials.

Any other assignment that the supervisor deems necessary for the success of the project or contribution to the work of IFDC as a global institution.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Agricultural Economics or other related fields
•   Minimum three years’ experience with participatory monitoring and evaluation which may include designing and conducting survey exercises, data collection (key stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys, and secondary data analysis techniques) and data management
•   Experience in private sector, economic  and/or agricultural donor-funded projects
•   Demonstrable experience in performing statistical analysis and interpreting results correctly
•   Excellent command of computers and statistical software. Ability to manipulate large data sets.
•   Ability to work independently and to take initiative
•   Service-oriented attitude towards work– providing positive and timely feedback to colleagues and staff of partner institutions
•   Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to present materials in meetings and at conferences and to write project documents (including evaluation design plans, results frameworks, data collection and data analysis plans, and progress reports)
Proficiency in additional languages spoken in Eastern and Southern Africa is highly desirable

Place of Work
The Regional Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist will be based in Accra but should be available to travel within the country and in Africa when called upon to.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants are kindly requested to send their applications in English in the form of a one page letter and current CV describing their experience, qualifications and three reference contacts by email.

Emails should be sent to the Regional HR Officer at lbello@ifdc.org with copy to barthur@ifdc.org

Closing Date: 08 May, 2014

•   Only short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview scheduled in Accra. No telephone queries will be responded to.
•   Applicants should indicate in the subject line of the email: M&E Specislist Position.

{CSIR,Kumasi,Full-Time, GH,N/A, N/A,30 May-2014};

The mandate of CSIR-IIR is to undertake research into process and product design and development, and to promote adaptive technology, scientific instrumentation and calibration, as well as repair of precision equipment. The Institute aims to drive national development and global competitiveness in industry through scientific and technological research.

The successful applicant will:

•   Serve as the Head of the institute and will be responsible to the Director-General for the day-to-day administration of the alfairs ot the institute.
•   Establish effective linkages with relevant institutions and agencies within and outside the CSIR.
•   Co-ordinate prioritised research of the institute under the broad guidance of the Director-General
•   Promote the transfer of technology to industry/agricultural business and commercialisation of research in general.
•   Co-ordinate research funding initiatives, and provide services and inputs
•   to determine corporate research priorities as well as Science and Technology Plans.
•   Be responsible for the overall management and development of the human resource base of the institute.

Age Limit: The applicant must be 55 years or less.
Tenure: The position is for five (5) years in the first instance, and may be renewed on expiry if the incumbent is less than 60 years, subject to satisfactory performance on the job. In exceptional cases applicants who will be able to serve for four (4) years in the first instance may be considered for positions 3 and 4 above.
Salary: The salary is attractive with fringe benefits.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A PhD degree or equivalent qualification in the Agricultural or Biological Sciences from a recognised University or Institution.
•   Not less than 12 years experience in Research and Development (R & D), including at least 5 years of successful experience in a management position.
•   Distinguished research contribution as evidenced by scientific publications. The research output should be adjudged to be at least equivalent to that of an Associate Professor/Principal Research Scientist.
•   Ability to organise, direct, and co-ordinate activities within a Research Institute for national development.
•   Good knowledge of the agencies in the relevant Sectors, as well as the ability to interact with top management in other institutions and agencies.
•   Proven ability to inspire research staff and supporting personnel.
•   Ability to generate and attract funding, both internally and externally, to support research activities.
•   Ability to translate policy decisions into action programmes.
•   Good interpersonal relations.

Location: Kumasi

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants are to submit the following in addition to the application letter:

•   Full Curriculum Vitae
•   Names and Addresses of three (3) confidential referees.
•   A 3-4 page Vision Statement for the advertised position.

Applications should be forwarded to the following address not later than 16th May. 2014.

THE  DIRECTOR-GENERAL
COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIRC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
P. 0. BOX M.32, ACCRA.
TEL. 233-0302-777940

Applications may also be brought personally to the CSIR Head Office; off Agostino Neto Road, Accra. (Opposite the Chinese Embassy.)

Closing Date: 16 May, 2014