IFAD Ghana Jobs: Country Programme Officer

Organizational Unit: Programme Management Department (PMD), West and Central Africa Division (WCA)
Level: NO-C
Date of entry on duty: As soon as possible
Duration of assignment: 2-year fixed term (Renewable)

Under the overall supervision of the Director, WCA, reporting directly to the Country Programme Manager (CPM) for Ghana, and in close collaboration with the Regional Economist (RE), the primary role of the CPO will be to act as the interface between the IFAD Country Office and IFAD’s partners in Ghana – in particular with government; Staff of projects and programmes currently being financed or cofinanced by IFAD; co-financing institutions, farmers’ organizations and civil society; and private sector; development partners and other stakeholders in agricultural and rural development. Within this framework, the CPO will support the CPM in the areas of project programme follow-up and implementation, policy dialogue, partnership-building and knowledge management

Under the overall supervision of the CPM, and as a member of the Country Programme Management Team, the CPO will be responsible for the following functions:
Project/Program Implementation Support (50 per cent):

Assist the CPM in the development and management of the IFAD COSOP and the design of programmes and projects (grants and loans)
Support government and implementation teams in fulfilling the conditions required for effectiveness of projects and other loans and grant conditions, liaising with stakeholders to resolve bottlenecks; provide advice on loan administration, procurement, proper financial management and audit procedures
As and when required, organize and lead supervision and implementation support, mission, providing support to enhance project management, including loan administration and procurement, financial management and audit procedures, M&E
Review (i) Annual Work Plans and Budgets, (ii) Audit Reports; and (iii) Progress Reports. Monitor project progress and implementation, anticipate problems and recommend preventive measures
Conduct periodic country portfolio reviews and synthesize progress reports for discussion by the Country Programme Management Team
Support to Country Programme Management / Policy Dialogue / Partnership Building / Knowledge Management (40 percent):
Enhance partnerships by establishing contracts and good working relations with the various development partners in Ghana (public services, farmers’ organizations, civil society, private sector, the donor community and the cooperating institutions)
Prepare and present material on IFAD’s programme at fora on national policies, relevant sector working groups and workshops; provide technical assistance to the government on policy formulation/amendment
Collect up-to-date information on the overall economic and political situation in the country, on the agricultural and rural development sector and on the interventions of development partners, to support programme and project design and implementation support
Document innovations and lessons, and organize and lead knowledge-sharing and coordination meetings to promote the exchange of experiences among project and partners
Ensure the development, publication and distribution of material related to the work of IFAD in Ghana as well as coordinate the preparation of Press Releases
Country Office Management (10):
Support the Country Programme Manager in liaising with the Host Agency of the IFAD Country Office to make and implementation arrangements for an effective administrative in-country support
Draft the Annual Work-plan and Budget of the IFAD Country Office
Supervise support staff and consultants working for the IFAD Country Office, as directed by the CPM
Notes:
From time to time and under the supervision of the responsible CPM, the incumbent may be required to take up specific tasks for and undertake missions to other country programs. The assignment will require frequent travel and may involve travel outside the country
IFAD offers a competitive remuneration for national staff in line with the other agencies of the UN system. The base net salary at NO-C level ranges between GHS46,151 and GHS70,967, depending on profile and experience level of the incumbent. IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge
Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD
Required Skills or Experience

Advanced university degree in rural development, economics, agricultural economics, rural finance, development policy or related disciplines
Relevant post qualification professional experience in development institutions and/or government service. At least seven years experience in country programme design, supervision and loan/grant administration with International Financial Institutions/Development Cooperation Agencies
Good knowledge of policy oriented, programme based pro-poor approaches, and loan and grant preparation
Knowledge of rural project management and market development with field experience related to rural development
Communications:
Excellent knowledge of English, including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions
Knowledge of French and other UN languages is an asset
Capacity to communicate fluently with different stakeholders (civil society, government authorities, local communities, project staff)
Compute skills: Full command of Microsoft applications (word, excel, power point) and common internet applications will be required
Competencies:
Team-worker and team-builder; you have the capability to foster and coordinate teamwork; and establish harmonious working relationships in a multicultural environment
Self-developer/Innovator: you are willing to learn, share and acquire new competencies and seek new challenges by exploring new approaches
Performer: you will be able to working against an agreed outcome and priorities. You will seek performance feedback from supervisors and support staff in the performance review in a constructive and objective manner
Negotiator and communicator: You will work effectively with others to meet mutual goals. You will negotiate to align parties and build network. You will engage in audiences, commanding attention and respect and inspiring credibility. You will write clearly, succinctly and convincing as well as listen and communicate effectively to engage others

How To Apply

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History Form (PHF) in English. It is important that all applicants use the IFAD Personal History Form which can be downloaded at: http://www.ifad.org/job. A separate CV and may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and not a substitute to the PHF. The applications marked (CPO-IFAD) should be made through the online system only at: [email protected]

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to response to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews

Job Expires: 16 Apr, 2011