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.