The Social Investment Fund has received a loan from OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID)/Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for US$19.1 million and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to eligible payments under the contract for consultancy services for the "Recruitment of an Individual Consultant for the position of Institutional Development Specialist (IDS)" for the Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP) which is implemented by the Social Investment Fund (SIF) of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

The duty station of the position at SIF Offices, Accra. The IDS will report directly to the SIF Executive Director.

The main objective of the assignment is to ensure proper targeting of beneficiaries and active participation of stakeholders, through appropriate capacity building and development of effective systems for the design, implementation and operation of sub-projects. The main activities of the assignment will include and not be limited to:

•  Coordination/supervision of institutional strengthening activities at the participating MMDAs
•  Preparation of Terms of References for Consulting Services
•  Liaise with Financial Unit to reconcile sub projects disbursement and contractors' payments
•  Assist the Executive Director to draft policy papers, work plans, and other documents for those areas related to community outreach, institutional development, sub-project design and implementation
•  Coordination of publicity and showcasing of project achievements
•  Review capacity of staff and develop a capacity building plan to address any weaknesses
•  Preparation and review quarterly progress reports from the Zonal Office and MMDAs and report findings to the Executive Director
•  Develop a capacity building plan to increase the ability of implementing CBOs to be able to appreciate the SIF process, implementation, monitoring and reporting issues, and strengthen their capabilities to the point where they can adequately qualify to own and operate a sub-project
•  Review and support the capacities of the District Assemblies to review sub-project proposals in a consistent manner and in light of criteria developed by the SIF. The necessary capacity should be provided for the Review Committee for the approval of sub-projects
•  Review sub-project proposal together with the Project Engineer and submit comments for the approval of the FMU
•  Coordination of the activities of the ZOs with respect to sub-project implementation activities for the development of sub-component reports
•  Oversee the implementation of community socio-economic projects by providing technical backstopping to the SIF Zonal Offices and the MMDAs
•  Facilitation of the implementation of an effective community based maintenance arrangement
•  Coordination of project training activities for SIF staff, MMDAs, communities and other stakeholders to enhance output performance

Qualification Required & Experience

The Social Investment Fund now invites eligible individual Institutional Development Specialist to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, general qualifications, etc., and the names and business contact and email addresses of three references). The individual consultant will possess the following qualifications and experience:

•  A masters degree or post graduate qualification in Development Planning, the Social Sciences or related field
•  Minimum of Five (5) years post qualification experience in development field with at least three years in supervisory/management position
•  Ability to organize workshops, familarity with participatory learning methodologies and delivery
•  Superior communication and writing skills and excellent computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested candidates may obtain further information at the address below during office hours. Qualified applicants should submit application letters including CVs to the:

Executive Director
Social Investment Fund
P. O. Box CT 3919
Cantonments, Accra

Fax: 0302-778404
Email: info@sifinghana.org

Closing Date: 21 January 2013