We are a small but growing grassroots NGO. We work to improve the quality of life for deprived children in rural Ghana through creative early childhood development programmes that are run by communities themselves. We seek to empower people so that they can change their own lives for the better.

Job Summary

The Regional Coordinator is responsible for the day to day running and activities of Lively Minds Ghana, Bolga.  We have two projects. The first is to train and support illiterate mothers to run educational Play Schemes. The second is to train pupils in upper primary school to run Reading Schemes for the children in lower primary schools.

Key activities:

•  To plan, deliver and evaluate all programmes effectively and efficiently and in accordance with Lively Minds values and budget so that the annual targets and quality standards are met.
•  To be the key contact (and therefore the “face” of Lively Minds) for Lively Minds Ghana, Bolga and to “own” and manage key stakeholder relationships for Lively Minds Ghana, Bolga
•  To develop and deliver high quality practical skills training activities for mothers and children
•  To monitor, evaluate and support the mothers and pupils to run the programmes in accordance with training, manuals and programme plans
•  To assess and measure the impact of programmes and so that any necessary improvements can be made
•  To keep the Country Manager consistently up to date with events by providing and maintaining field reports following each field visit and to provide evaluation reports as required.
•  To manage the finances and resources of Lively Minds, Ghana Bolga and to ensure absolute accountability and value for money.
•  To ensure that the Lively Minds Ghana, Bolga team is working to the approved project plans and budget and in accordance with financial procedures
•  To  assist the Country Manager to ensure that Lively Minds complies with legal, regulatory and tax requirements
•  To manage any staff who report to you effectively and to act as an effective team member and promote mutual respect amongst colleagues
•  To ensure that all work is carried out professionally and diligently in line with Lively Minds policies and procedures and promote the good name and reputation of Lively Minds
•  To carry out any other tasks reasonably requested to the highest possible standard.

Qualification Required & Experience

•  Teaching qualification and minimum of 5 years experience in a teaching position essential. Experience of working in deprived rural communities and/or early childhood development experience. Project management experience would be an advantage.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills- can work effectively with vulnerable mothers and children in deprived communities as well as with colleagues and stakeholders
•  Planning and co-ordination skills – can plan and organize time and resources effectively, working to strict deadlines
•  Excellent communication skills - can keep to clear, consistent messaging and is able to coach others to do the same
•  Critical reasoning and problem-solving - can analyse risks and find creative solutions to issues before they arise and respond to unforeseen challenges
•  Team management - good influencing skills over immediate (Lively Minds Team)
•  Excellent skills in speaking, reading and writing English and Gruni
•  Proficiency in Microsoft word and Excel.
•  Driving licence (must be able to ride a motorbike)

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should send their CV and 2 references, together with a cover note answering the following questions to:

david@livelyminds.org

Closing Date:  09 January 2013

Questions for cover letter:

•  Why is early childhood development important?
•  What are the barriers to early childhood development  in rural communities?
•  Give an example of a time when you have found a way to solve a problem using only small amounts of money.
•  Why do you want to work for Lively Minds Ghana?

As a child focused organisation, Lively Minds is committed to the protection of children and does not employ whose background is not suitable for working with children. All employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where possible. Lively Minds is an equal opportunities employer. Women are highly encouraged to apply