Vacancy: Project Manager

Company Profile

Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is the umbrella network organization representing Fairtrade-certified producers and workers in Africa and the Middle East. It has four (4) regional networks – Eastern & Central Africa; Southern Africa; West Africa; and the Middle East & North Africa.  Established in 2005, FTA is a member of Fairtrade International and currently represents over one million farmers and workers in over 500 producer organizations spread across 33 countries in Africa by providing services to them that contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods.  Fairtrade Africa’s interventions are guided by the Fairtrade Theory of Change which visually expresses how these ultimately lead to global Fairtrade Goals www.fairtradeafrica.net. 

Job Description

About the Job

To lead and coordinate the implementation of a FCDO-Mondelez-Fairtrade Partnership Project on Vulnerable Supply Chains, Climate Change and Strengthening of Producer Organizations.

LOCATION: Accra, Ghana 

REPORTING LINES:

• Post holder reports to: Head of Region – West Africa 


• Staff reporting to this post: 
  
  
  
  • Climate Change Senior Project Officer
  
  
  • Climate Officer Project Officer 
  
  
  • Livelihood Senior Project Officer
  
  
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Officer 
  
  
  • Finance & Admin Officer
  
  
  • Grant Administrator
  
  
  • Markets/Livelihoods Analyst
  
  
  • COVID Communications consultant
  
  
  
  

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes

• Planning and implementation   


• In liaison with the key project partners, producer organisations, project team and the Head of Region, lead in overall planning, budgeting and implementation of all project activities and producer services under the Partnership 


• Provide technical, administrative and logistical support to the project team for efficient and effective implementation.    


• Coordinate and support all project officers and ensure producer organisations receive all resource required for activity/project implementation   


• Prepare annual and quarterly work plans in line with the project and partnership objectives for approval


• Develop, submit and update field activity implementation guidelines based on learnings from implementation and producer needs

Reporting, Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Lead in preparing all field level reports on progress of implementation and submit to the Head of Region for approval and submission to key project partners 


• Be the chief communicator for the Project i.e. receiving and effectively responding to all inquiries about the Project, field activities and field implementation of the Project  


• Ensure effective communication between key project partners on the project in Ghana 


• Facilitate joint planning and review meetings with producer organisations and ensure timely gathering and distribution of all relevant information to producer organisations  


• Participate in key partners and project related meeting in-country and outside, where necessary 


• In liaison with the Regional Communications Officer, Head of Region and Communication teams of key project partners, draft articles about the Project for internal and external newsletters and news portals. 


• In liaison with MEL Officer, project team and key project partners, lead in effective monitoring of progress of project implementation, adopt appropriate tools and methodology to collect and analyse required data and apply agree templates to report outcome


• Compile quarterly summary reports of activities in liaison with MEL Officer and project team using agreed/required Fairtrade Africa and project specific templates


• Undertake risk mapping and report on same

Stakeholder and Partners’ Support 

• Coordinate field trips for partners and other stakeholders


• In liaison with the Head of Region, increase partnership and networking between producers organisations, local and central government officials, ministers, departments and agencies and civil society

Accounting Support  

• Prepare and/or approve budgets for the project field activities and workshops 


• Effectively track the Project’s field level expenses, accounting and reporting  


• Prepare monthly and quarterly budget and financial reports on project implementation/performance for approval and submission   

Administrative Support

• Provide logistical support to the organisation for events and workshops 


• Represent the FTA and the Project at meetings, events/forums, and conferences in the country in relation to the Project and its key topics 

People management

• Work as the technical leader for the Project team and coordinate all project work 


• Performance manage all staff under the Project

Required Skills or Experience

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g. Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Rural Development, Project Management  etc.) with additional work experience 

Experience and Knowledge

• At least 5 years working experience in non-government not for profit organization at field and management level in the fields of Project Management, Agriculture, Climate Change, Administration and development work, in general 


• Substantial experience working in a relevant climate change related project in the cocoa sector in Ghana, in management and strengthening of producer organisations including partnerships roles and responsibilities.  


• High level of relationship and communication management skills to build relationships with producer organisations, key partners and stakeholders      


• Demonstrable experience in Monitoring and Evaluation and coordinating projects 


• Good level knowledge of Financial and accounting systems.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with individuals across multi-functional disciplines


• Good organizational skills 


• Good training and facilitation skills


• Strong planning and project management skills


• Strong analytical skills.


• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently.


• Demonstrated skills in project planning, implementation and budgeting


• Proven experience in managing projects 


• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks