The USAID West Africa Fertilizer Program (WAFP) has vacancies for a number of positions in Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Senegal. WAFP is a USAID program implemented by IFDC in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Africa Fertilizer Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP).

The program’s strategic objective is “increased regional availability and use of appropriate and affordable fertilizer” in the West African region. It is a five-year program that is implemented in partnership with fertilizer industry partners, international NGOs, government partners, and development partners in the West African region.

Position Summary
Coordinates all in-country operations and provides outreach support to WAFP in close collaboration with leaders of the West Africa Fertilizer Stakeholders’ Forum, Policy, MIS/ICT, Technology Promotion, Access to Finance and Business Development, M & E and Communications intervention areas. Incumbent develops and maintains constructive working relationships with partners, fertilizer industry and value chain actors, institutions and public sector officials in their countries of service.

Works closely with sub-grant and sub-agreement awardees to ensure they meet contractual agreements on deliverables and deadlines and takes primary responsibility for achieving program targets for access to finance and business development services, crop productivity and fertilizer use-efficiency, fertilizer regulations implementation and MIS/ICT applications in support of the WAFP. Participates in program planning and contributes to the preparation of project reports.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

•   Provides agribusiness support and links partners to business opportunities and follows up on fertilizer business investments and deals concluded or in pipeline.
•   Provides technical assistance support to leaders of the Program’s major intervention areas: The West Africa Fertilizer Forum, Policy, MIS/ICT, Technology Promotion, Access to Finance and Business Development, M & E and Communications.
•   Facilitates partnerships amongst project stakeholders (fertilizer industry, policy makers, National Agricultural Research and Extension Services, NGOs, farmer groups, civil society and sub-agreement awardees) for program implementation.
•   Oversees and provides technical assistance in monitoring and evaluating program activities and ensuring that partners submit timely and accurate reports and other deliverables.
•   Jointly responsible with intervention area leaders, for achieving program targets in the country of assignment.
•   Participates in program planning, workshops organization and follow up and other activities that contribute to the successful implementation of the program in Ghana.
•   Provides monthly and quarterly reports and updates on the status of project activities in Ghana against the work plan and key performance indicators.
•   Provides miscellaneous technical services to assist intervention area leaders as required at technical and team meetings and provide secretarial coverage as necessary.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Education: A Master’s degree in business studies, finance, agricultural economics, soil science, agronomy, agricultural extension, environmental science or development studies.
•   Prior Work Experience: At least six years work experience in the private sector or donor funded development projects or programs in the areas of agriculture, fertilizer industry, food security, and/or economic development.
•   Significant experience developing partnerships with private sector, government, non-governmental organizations, research and/or extension agencies, and donor stakeholders. Experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects and an additional technical experience in ICT, investment and project management.
•   Language Proficiency: Fluency speaking and writing in English and at least a working knowledge of French
•   Skills and abilities: Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of stakeholders. Proven leadership, regional program management expertise, experience working on both the public and private sector levels.

Conditions

•   This position is a one-year term contract, renewable up to three additional years until 2017, based on staff performance and availability of funding. Salary level is dependent on level of experience.
•   This position will be based in Accra, Ghana with no expat benefits or relocation package.
•   Estimated start date is June 1, 2014.
•   Nationals from West African nations who have work experience and permit in Ghana are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested and eligible candidates are requested to apply by e-mail to:

ekeli-delataa@ifdc.org  OR  lbello@ifdc.org

providing a cover letter, current CV, names and contacts of three referees

Closing Date: 30 April, 2014

•   In the e-mail subject line please write: Country Coordinator/Ghana
•   Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis to select a successful candidate. No phone calls please.
•   Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.