The Government of Ghana has received funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) toward the implementation of the Northern Rural Growth Programme. The programme is highly demand-driven and private sector-led and adopts a value chain approach for developing agricultural growth in Northern Ghana. Nearly 45,000 households will directly benefit from a comprehensive intervention including strengthening of producer organisation, infrastructure improvements, improved access to irrigation and agricultural funding.

The programme aims at developing agricultural value chains and increasing agricultural production. It will help vulnerable groups, including women and young people, create profitable commodity and food chains, while improving market linkages for these agricultural products with the domestic and export markets.
The programme covers the three northern regions (Upper East, Upper West and Northern region) and contiguous savannah districts of Brong Ahafo Region.

Position:
•   Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the above stated position in the 8-year Northern Rural growth Programme of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture which has been in its 7th year of implementation.
•   The National Programme Coordinator would lead the implementation of the Programme and be fully responsible for its day-to-day management. He/she will report directly to the Chairman of the National Programme Steering committee.

Specific responsibilities of the National Programme Coordinator will include but not limited to the following:

•   Coordinate and supervise all activities of the PMU, and liaise with IFAD and AfDB;
•   Meet with the National Programme Steering Committee (NSC) twice per year to receive guidance on Programme implementation policy. Liaise,when appropriate, with MoFA and other Implementing Partners (IPs) and IFAD on matters of policy and Programme administration;
•   Coordinate the activities of Implementing Partners, and in particular MoFA/DADUs, NGOs and Technical Services Providers (TSPs) to ensure effective delivery of Programme services. Promote collaboration with other partners, including the private sector, in the area of value chain development;
•   In coordination with MoFA, appoint staff to fill in the positions in the PMU.   Appraise PMU technical staff on regular basis on job performance and otherwise, in consultation with MoFA, IFAD and 1C into appropriate actions thereof;
•   Take full responsibility for procurement of goods and services in programme implementation. Approve contracts for all transactions undertaken by the Programme;
•   Prepare Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) for the upcoming year for approval by the National Steering Committee and on the basis of the AWPB, programme operational units and authorize the subsequent releases of funds. •   Ensure timely and appropriate reporting on progress and problems of Programme implementation including Quarterly and Annual Progress Reports on NRGP activities,
•   Undertake any other responsibility that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of Programme.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   At least MSc. in Agriculture, and in particular, Agric Economics, Agribusiness, Project Managementor related specialised discipline at advanced level.
•   At least 5 years experience in full-time working with donor-funded Programme entailing leadership qualities;
•   Proven team building, networking and communication qualities/abilities.
•   Good knowledge of Government systems and decentralised structures
•   Knowledge and experience with PPPs is essential
•   Experience with agricultural value chain development in Ghana is essential

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Qualified and interested applicants should send application letters with copies of curriculum vitae, certificates and other relevant documentation to:

The Chief Director
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
PO Box M 37, Accra, Ghana
Email: chiefdir@mofa.gov.gh

For further information please contact:

THE PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST
NORTHERN RURAL GROWTH PROGRAMME
MINISTRY OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
P. O. BOX TL 1237, TAMALE,

Mobile: 0243-130060 (for enquiries only)

Closing Date: 25 March, 2015