Job Summary

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

To ensure that measures to promote social inclusion, equity of benefits, community participation, feedback mechanisms, etc. as detailed in the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) are developed and implemented in the SADA Zone.

SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Social Science Officer shall work in close consultation with the SADA Zonal Coordinator of GCAP and the Social Scientist of the PIU, The specific functions of the Science Officer will cover but not limited to the following:

Specifically the Social Science Officer will:

•   Take the lead in identifying necessary social studies, preparation of social mitigation instruments and implementation of relevant design measures including gender inclusion, benefit sharing, and other social development issues in the SADA zone.
•   In Collaboration with the Social Scientist provide technical advice to the Zonal Coordinator on the elements of the project related to institutional strengthening including development of the land facilitation mechanism, the model lease agreement, the framework and tools for negotiation and benefit sharing, etc.
•   Liaise with Social Scientist to ensure the implementation of community engagement processes as detailed in the PIM and, where necessary, promote efforts at adaptive management of project implementation based on community consultations.
•   Together with the Social Scientist, establish a mechanism for consultations with all relevant stakeholders including community members, traditional authorities, and civil society, Work closely with the Social Scientist in formulating and implementing outreach activities to civil society groups with a particular focus on groups in the SADA zone.
•   Lead efforts to collect information on non-state entities with project-relevant technical skills.
•   Operationalize the grievance redress mechanism detailed in the PIM and assume overall responsibility for the mechanism including monitoring its performance, identifying trends in the nature of grievances and institutional responses to grievances
•   Identify relevant capacity development needs and responses to those needs for appropriate personnel on implementing and monitoring relevant measures, as required.
•   Undertake field visits as required to the project sites to supervise the implementation of project activities, ensure alignment with project objectives, and identify development risks and opportunities.
•   Report on any issue identified in implementing the project, including the provisions of the ESMF, RPF, and PIM and provide recommendations to the Zonal Coordinator on how they could be addressed.
•   Work closely with partnering MDAs in the SADA Zone
•   Undertake other duties as directed by the Zonal Coordinator of the SADA Zone

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
The following criteria will be used to assess the performance of the Social Science Officer at regular intervals and based upon which the contract with the PIU may be continued or terminated:

•   Timelines of project monitoring and evaluation management activities
•   Quality of documentation submitted for prior review
•   Quality and timeliness of reports.

REPORTING AND TIME SCHEDULES
The Social Science Officer will liaise with the M & E Officer to prepare reports to the SADA Zonal Coordinator as inputs into the Zonal Report and the overall Project Management Reports and in addition, will prepare other reports, as and when needed.

Qualification Required & Experience

The following qualifications are required:

•   At least a Bachelor's degree in sociology, anthropology, political science, or a related field. Post graduate qualification will be an added advantage
•   A minimum of 5 years experience and a track record of undertaking social monitoring of in development projects.
•   Must be conversant with World Bank safeguard policies and Ghana's environmental regulations and procedures.
•   Practical experience working on community development methodologies such as participatory planning, land use mapping, and consultation.
•   Knowledge of Ghana's social institutions especially in regard to land tenure, natural resource management, social inclusion, and gender and their roles in governance at the central, regional, districts and community levels.
•   Knowledge of gender inclusion practice (access to natural resources, voice, representation, participation, etc.) especially as it relates to the Ghanaian rural and cultural context.
•   Significant experience working in Ghana.
•   Fluency in spoken and written English. Ability to present clear, concise, accurate and structured reports.
•   Ability to prepare and deliver coherent presentations to a range of different audiences including community based organizations.

The following qualifications are preferred:

•   Familiarity with the agriculture sector.
•   Self-motivated, dynamic and able to relate easily in a multi-cultural environment.

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

COMMON CONSIDERATIONS

•   Remuneration: Competitive Salary
•   Terms of payment: Payments will be made in equal end-of-month payments of agreed amount subject to completion of core reporting responsibilities as laid out in the Assignment Work Plan.
•   Location: Tamale
•   Duration: Two (2) years (renewable yearly based on satisfactory performance)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
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

For further information please contact:

THE PROJECT COORDINATOR
GHANA COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE PROJECT (GCAP)
MINISTRY OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (MOFA)
PO BOX MB.37, ACCRA

alabibortey@gmail.com  Tel: + 233-20-0198921

Closing Date: 09 August, 2013

Applicants are to include direct contacts (reliable telephone, fax numbers and email address) in their applications in order to facilitate early and easy contact. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.