The Government of Ghana has received a loan from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) various currencies towards the cost of implementing the Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme (RTIMP). The programme is expected to be implemented across 90 districts in Ghana.

It is intended that part of this loan will be applied for the recruitment of two (2) Capacity-Building and Linkages Officers (CBLO) for Techiman and Koforidua Zonal offices and one (1) Management Information Systems (MIS) Officer.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the position of two Capacity Building and Linkages Officers in the Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Capacity-Building and Linkage Officer (CBLO) (2 Positions)

The Capacity-Building and Linkage Officers would assist in the implementation of all field-level activities for promotion of linkages, business development, marketing and credit.

The employment contract would be for one year, renewable based on performance. Each Officer will be based at the Zonal Coordinating Office either at Techiman or Koforidua. They will report directly to the respective Zonal Coordinators.

Specific responsibilities will include but not limited to:-

•  Liaise with PCO staff and the respective Zonal coordinators in monitoring and evaluating the activities of the implementing partners
•  Link up with MoFA's Farmer-Based Organisations Specialist, together and non-governmental initiatives (eg. initiatives for group formation and marketing arrangement) to promote formal and informal organisation of R&T farmers, processors and traders
•  Create awareness of existing and potential opportunities within the Root and Tuber commodity chain
•  Support the Business Development Training and Marketing Specialist (BDTMS) in determining the curriculum and training courses to be conducted in the zone
•  Collaborate with relevant organisations ( NGOs, Implementing Partners) that are involved in training and capacity building activities of RTIMP
•  Arrange training in capacity-building activities
•  Offer support services to the implementing partners (IPs) and Supply Chain Facilitators involved in RTIMP training programmes in the zone
•  Support BDTMS in the identification of markets within the R&T commodity chain
•  Involve in group formation and development to facilitate access of training/capacity building and credit services by target groups;
•  Support and participate in field counselling of target beneficiaries in applying formal business approaches
•  Support and sensitize beneficiaries of the Micro-Enterprise Fund (MEF) in loan repayment
•  Carry out other duties that may be assigned by the National Programme Coordinator through the respective Zonal Coordinators

Qualification Required & Experience

•  Post graduate degree in Agricultural related field or Rural/Social Development Planning
•  3 years working experience in Agricultural or rural development programme
•  Experience in commodity chains of food crops and agricultural-related products
•  Experience in Root and Tuber small scale production, processing and marketing
•  Computer literate especially in software of Microsoft Office
•  Well developed analytical problem solving skills
•  Good communication and presentation skills
•  Willingness and ability to work in a team
•  Proven competence in organisational skills
•  Willingness to work extra hours and sometime on weekends
•  Knowledge in gender issues would be an added advantage

How To Apply For The Job

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Qualified and interested applicants should send application letters (with the position - CBLO clearly marked at the top of the envelop). Applicants are to enclose copies of their curriculum vitae, certificates and other relevant documents to:

National Programme Coordinator
Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
P. O. Box 7728
Cadbury Hall
Asokwa - Kumasi

Closing Date: 20th November, 2012

Please include telephone and fax numbers and email address to facilitate early and easy contact. Only shortlisted applications will be contacted.