Literacy Bridge helps communities throughout Ghana avoid hunger and deadly diseases by providing accessible and quality information on a piece of technology called the Talking Book. Through partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, Literacy Bridge uses this technology to help people in some of Ghana’s most remote communities learn to grow more food and stay healthy.  We do this today for 175,000 people; with your help, we will reach millions more.

Literacy Bridge Ghana

Literacy Bridge Ghana is a community development organization that works with organizations to make knowledge and skills available to the most underserved people in the poorest communities in such a way that leads to understanding and behavior change. Our solution is based on our unique technology, the “Talking Book”, the world’s most affordable audio computer designed specifically for people who cannot read and who often live without reliable electricity and have less access to information in their own local language. Through partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and CARE, Literacy Bridge Ghana uses the Talking Book to reach people in Ghana’s most remote communities with critical information to improve health, incomes, and quality of life. Over the past 5 years we have reached 175,000 people; with a seasoned Program Manager we anticipate expanding our reach.

Position Summary

This is a full-time position that will include provision of technical, operations, and management support to Literacy Bridge programs. In consultation with the Program Director and Country Director, the Program Manager will provide technical and operational guidance to the program team as well as support program implementation. In coordination with the rest of the program team, the Program Manager will ensure overall quality assurance to the program portfolio, including both technical and operational quality. The Program Manager will work closely with the Country Director, Program Director, Program Officer(s), Content Officers, Monitoring, Learning & Evaluation (MLE) Manager, ICT Support Officer and our partners to ensure effective program implementation. The Program Manager will coordinate with the MLE, Content, and ICT specialists to develop program plans for Literacy Bridge Ghana partners, and collaborate with Program Officer(s) to successfully implement the plans.
Scope of Work

The Program Manager will work closely with the Program Director, Country Director, Program Officer(s), Content Officers, Monitoring, Learning & Evaluation (MLE) Manager, and to execute program activities in partnership with external organizations; ensure programs are meeting objectives and milestones; develop/manage systems for effective and efficient program implementation; develop/support programmatic improvement efforts; and support a variety of monitoring, learning and evaluation (MLE) and content development activities. The Program Manager will also contribute to business development efforts, including proposal development as directed by the Program Director and Country Director. The Program Manager must be available for regular Skype call with the U.S. team.

Reporting to: The Program Manager will initially report to the Program Director based in the USA; once a full-time Country Director is on-board, the Program Manager will report to the Country Director.

Direct Reports: Program Officer(s)

Location: the position will initially be based in Wa before relocating to Tamale when Literacy Bridge Ghana’s new Head Office is established. Candidates must be available for regular travel throughout Ghana.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Implementation & Management:

•   Manage all aspects of program strategy, implementation, documentation, and scale-up including supporting launching of new programs, conducting research/analysis of programs for knowledge management and program improvement, and developing plans for scale-up/expansion.
•   Provide operational guidance to field teams such as advice on donor/partner reporting and compliance policies and Literacy Bridge’s program and financial procedures.
•   Manage program workplans, ensure timely identification of challenges, and implementation of program improvements/changes.
•   Monitor program performance against annual work plans and budget projections through regular tracking of milestones and deadlines, proactive analysis of financial and programmatic data, user statistics and feedback reports, M&E data, and periodic travel to program sites.
•   Support coordination of program activities with partners and stakeholders, including conducting community monitoring visits, and ensuring partners’ timely reviews and approvals of program-related materials.
•   Manage program finances and monthly expenditures, and provide guidance to program team concerning program expenditures and budget projections while working closely with Ghana and Seattle accountants/finance managers.
•   Maintain knowledge of issues facing Ghana operations/office(s) including the operational environment and potential risks associated with the implementation of contracts/awards, and prepare risk mitigation plans as appropriate.
•   In consultation with Country Director and Program Director, participate in recruitment of potential candidates for Ghana positions, and project manage consultants’ work.
•   Liaise with Marketing and Communications team to prepare marketing, communications, and program outreach materials.

Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation, and Content Development:

•   Support the Ghana and Seattle MLE team to prepare and review program performance monitoring and evaluation plans, develop M&E tools, carry-out regular data collection and reporting, plan and implement timely program evaluations, and support MLE reporting and documentation.
•   Work in collaboration with Content staff to ensure MLE planning/execution and content development are consistent with overall organizational strategy and meet quality standards.
•   Support the Content staff to prepare and revise content calendars, prepare, revise and get approval of content outlines, and ensure timely recording and distribution of content.
•   Support the MLE team, Program Director, and Country Director in compiling, distributing and integrating program best practices, lessons learned, success stories and impacts in other programs and across the organization.

Relationship Management and Business Development:

•   Be the day-to-day point of contact for relevant existing partners and work with Program team to ensure all reporting and MLE needs are met.
•   Represent Literacy Bridge at conferences, professional forums, workshops, and events as directed by Country Director or Program Director.
•   Help plan, facilitate, and report on meetings and events associated with Literacy Bridge’s programs and mission.
•   As requested by the program team, support with in-country relationship management efforts, including meeting with and following up with partners on key decisions, deliverables, and feedback.
•   As requested by Country Director or Program Director, assist with coordination and preparation for program proposals, specifically preparing proposal development calendars and checklists, costing/pricing support for budget development, writing/editing capacity and past performance statements, management plans, staffing plans, and other sections of technical proposals, and overseeing packaging and delivery of proposals.
•   Conduct desk studies and research related to program and proposal development to build technical expertise and inform program design and business growth strategy.
•   As requested by Country Director or Program Director oversee process of signing contracts and launch agreements with new partners/donors.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Bachelor's Degree, plus a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience is required.
•   Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing community development programs preferred.
•   Relevant experience in community health, agriculture, education, agri-business, gender and youth, and/or behavior change communication programs desired.
•   Experience with program design, planning, implementation, evaluation, and budget tracking preferred; strong knowledge of key development issues in Ghana is an asset.
•   Excellent organizational skills: ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and adapt to new challenges and quickly changing circumstances.
•   Flexibility: ability to work under pressure, both independently and as an effective team member in a multi-cultural environment with respect.
•   Experience in facilitating a cross-functional team, which may comprise senior leadership.
•   Language (reading, writing, and speaking): English fluency and excellent writing ability required; knowledge of relevant local languages preferred.
•   Excellent communication skills: able to manage a high volume of emails/communications and respond in a timely manner, and ability to effectively communicate with and coordinate a wide range of international, regional, and national stakeholders.
•   Computer literacy, including proven experience with word processing and spreadsheets (MS Word, Excel) and the internet required;
•   Accuracy and attention to detail: able to compose detailed and thorough program reports, and track activities from inception to completion.

Preferred candidates will have:

•   Master’s degree international relations, development studies, agriculture, community health, business administration and/or other related field.
•   Experience in rural development, public health and/or agricultural programs.
•   Experience in budget creation and management.
•   Experience managing field staff.

Location: Northern Region

How To Apply For The Job

Send a cover letter, CV/resume, and a 1-3 page writing sample to:-

jobs@literacybridge.org

Closing Date: 08 April, 2016

Make sure to add “Program Manager Application” in the subject line of the email. Only candidates with Ghana work authorization will be considered. No phone calls please.