The proposed project will improve the investment climate for agri-business and establish inclusive PPPs aimed at increasing on-farm productivity and value addition in selected value chains. The project will have four components: (i) strengthening investment promotion infrastructure and facilitating secure access to land; (ii) securing PPPs and small-holder linkages in the Accra Plains; (iii) securing PPPs and small- holder linkages in the area under the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA); and (iv) Project Management and Monitoring & Evaluation.

The broad activities under each Component are confirmed as the following:

Component 1: Strengthening investment promotion infrastructure, facilitating secure access to land. This component will promote a secure investment climate that clarifies and strengthens the rights and obligations of investors, government and affected communities, and support an improved mechanism for facilitating access to land by reducing the search costs to potential investors through an expansion of a database of land suitable and available for investors and by building on nascent mechanisms for actively matching potential investors with suitable land owners.

Component 2: Securing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and smallholder linkages in the Accra Plains. This component will involve the identification and realization of private investments in the agricultural value chain through irrigation-based PPPs in the Accra Plains. This component will support the first transaction of Ghana’s PPP agenda (which extends beyond agriculture) and will draw on support to the MoFEP’s PPP Unit. It will support all necessary tasks of ‘taking the PPP to market’ including the provision of any viability gap financing. It will also strengthen community benefit sharing mechanisms by directly supporting smallholder linkages through out-grower schemes and contract farming arrangements as well as other improved arrangements for benefit sharing through corporate social responsibility and revenue management at the local level.

Component 3: Securing PPPs and smallholder linkages in the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) region. This component will involve the identification and realization of private investments in the agricultural value chain through PPPs. Investors could be local or international and would cover both production and processing activities as well as ancillary businesses. It will also strengthen community benefit sharing mechanisms by directly supporting smallholder linkages through out- grower schemes and contract farming arrangements as well as other improved arrangements for benefit sharing through corporate social responsibility and revenue management at the local level.

Component 4: Project Management and Monitoring & Evaluation. This component would finance the operational costs of project management including monitoring and evaluation activities. It would also include necessary training and capacity building for the staff.

The Project is being implemented by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) established at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The PIU closely coordinates project activities implemented by agencies such as GIDA, GIPC, Lands Commission, EPA, etc. The PIU is seeking to recruit a full-time individual (a Project Officer) to support the implementation of all administrative related activities and processes in the project.

The Project Officer will provide a framework to facilitate the administrative processes of the Project staff. The Project Officer will facilitate project meetings with timely provision of rooms and equipment.

Project Administration Responsibilities

•   Provide the necessary administrative support necessary to keep the office running smoothly.
•   Work closely with the Financial Management and Procurement Specialists to ensure adequate and timely office supply, inventory and responsible for scheduling the maintenance of office equipment and project vehicles.
•   Establish procedures, schedules for the administrative staff and supervise their activities to ensure smooth flow of work
•   Perform other data management functions, including paper and electronic records management, setting up and managing spreadsheets and databases, producing reports, compiling information with the required analysis.
•   Perform word processing functions ranging from drafting memos to typing and editing reports, proposals and other business documents.
•   Knowledge in the use of word processing applications and good skills in business writing, editing and proofreading.
•   Coordinate meeting times, scheduling conference room facilities, booking off-site meeting locations, sending out invitations, keeping track of RSVPs, creating and distributing the agenda, and arranging for food and beverage service.
•   Take minutes during meetings and distribute them to attendees afterward.
•   Plan travels (local and foreign) on behalf of project staff and other Consultants.
•   Create and file expense reports on behalf of project travelers using trip receipts
•   Provide administrative support to the Project Coordinator with the planning and management of his work schedule
•   Support the Project Implementation Unit with secretariat backstopping to strengthen project management and report to the Project Coordinator.
•   Facilitate the preparation of Annual Work Plans and budgets and the Project’s Annual Reports;
•   Manage project documentation and records, reports, correspondents, events, etc.;
•   Serve as the Secretary to the Project Implementation Unit;
•   Assist in facilitating documentation for the recruitment of international consultants engaged in the Project;
•   Provide secretariat support to the Implementation Agencies to prepare appropriate Terms of Reference (TOR) for various consultancies envisaged under the project
•   Assist the Project Coordinator to prepare quarter1y , annual reports for the Project; and perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Project Coordinator

TERMS OF PAYMENT:
Payments will be made in equal end-of-month payments of agreed amount subject to completion of core reporting responsibilities as laid out in the Assignment Work plan. location: Accra (but with country-wide scope)

Duration:
Two (2) years (renewable yearly based on satisfactory performance)

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A minimum qualification of a degree in related field of study (Administration, Agric Economics, Development Planning etc) and Post Graduate qualification in project management will be an advantage
•   Not less than seven (7) years post first degree working experience of which three (3) years must be after post graduate degree;
•   Not less than five (5) years working experience in a management capacity of which three (3) years must be project related;
•   Familiarity with the current agricultural policies in Ghana, administrative challenges and relevant structures as well as competence in project management is desirable;
•   Good leadership skills
•   Good analytical approach to technical details and ability to arrive at solutions and propositions quickly;
•   Highly responsible, self motivated team player
•   Able to work under pressure
•   Excellent interpersonal communications, fluent in English and good coordination skills.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Qualified and interested applicants should send application letters with copies of curriculum vitae, certificates and other relevant documentation to:

The Chief Director
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
P.O. Box M 37, Accra, Ghana

For further information please contact:

The Team leader
Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP)
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
P.O. Box MB.37, Accra
alabibortey@gmail.com
Tel: + 233-20-0198921

Closing Date: 15 August, 2013