Jobs in Government Ministeries: Ministry Of Local Government

1. Project Description:
With funding provided by the World Bank, the Government of Ghana (GoG), through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) is implementing the Social Opportunities Project (SOP). The overall goal of the project is to support Ghana’s Social Protection Strategy through; developing a labour intensive public works program as a rural safety net instrument in target Districts across the country (majority of which are in the three northern regions) to increase cash income for the rural poor during Agricultural off-season; and supporting the Governments Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program.

The project has five main components namely;
(i) Rationalization of National Social Protection Strategy (ii) Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPWs); (iii) Support to the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Program; (iv) Capacity Building; and (v) Project Management and Coordination

2. Specific Project Objectives:
The objectives of the project are to:
(i) Support public works expected to create employment with priority for the poorest districts of the country,
(ii) Support incrementally, the scaling up of the Governments conditional cash transfer program (LEAP) which provides social grants to the poorest households in return for participation in education and health services; and
(iii) Develop the capacity of the government to implement safety net programs, both at the central and decentralized levels

3. Project Implementation Arrangements:
The project is managed at policy and technical co-coordinating level of a National Project Steering Committee (NPSC). At the implementation level, co-ordination is the responsibility of the National Co-ordination office (NCO), with its head office in Accra and Regional Coordination offices in Tamale, Bolgatanga, Wa, Kumasi, and Accra is responsible for defined geographical areas. Sub-project implementation, however, is the responsibility of District Assemblies and their lower structures with timely and efficient back-stopping provided by the RCCs (RPCU) staff and relevant line ministries/agencies

Job Description

Suitably qualified Ghanaian Nationals are needed to occupy the following position.
Duty Station: NCO, Accra

As a leader of the team, the National Co-ordinator will be responsible for the co-ordination of the various components of the programme including those being implemented by other MDAs. The National Co-ordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the programme. He will report to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRP) and work closely with the Director, PBME of the Ministry

Key responsibilities:
The key areas of responsibility of the position are as follows:

1. Providing leadership and guidance in establishing and implementing the planning, organization and control of project operations
2. Representing the project in dealings with external parties and donors
3. Having oversight of project information on IEC campaigns
4. Reviewing project documents, standards and procedures
5. Co-ordinating the activities of the Regional Offices
6. Having oversight of the management of Project Funds including the Special and Project Accounts
7. Exercising oversight for the work programmes of NCO Unit Heads to ensure that they are consistent with the project’s development objectives and the various work plans and implemented in an expeditious manner
8. Being ultimately responsible for appraising the performance of all project staff
9. Reviewing and advising on work plans and cash flow projections
10. Ensuring the development of project financial reporting formats for the use of implementing MDA’s Regional Offices, and beneficiary District Assemblies
11. Ensuring the development and maintenance of MIS  to track the Project’s progress and performance and the effectiveness of implementation assistance provided by NGOs and Consultants
12. Liaising with and receiving M&E reports from the M&E/MIS Officer
13. Co-ordinating the evaluation of the performance of supporting agencies, NGOs and consultants in collaboration with the Regional Offices
14. Reviewing often on quarterly, but definitely on a bi-annual basis, the achievements or otherwise of agreed targets and deliverables; determination of proper action(s) in controlling or eliminating obstacles to enables appraised staff achieve the set targets and deliverables
15. Ensuring all assets of the Project are managed efficiently in all areas of the NCO’s operations and are used solely for the purpose for which they were procured
16. Reporting semi-annual progress to the National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) and the International development Association (IDA)
17. Acts as Secretary to the National Project Steering Committee (NPSC)
18. Presenting quarterly project and financial reports to the Chief Director, PBME
19. Performing any other duties that may be assigned by the Chief Director (MLGRD) from time to time

Required Skills or Experience

1. The Project Co-ordinator shall have a minimum qualification of a first degree in a related field (Engineering, Planning, Economics and/or Social Sciences background)
2. He/she must also possess a post graduate degree with at least 15 years post graduation working experience, 5 of which must be in a similar position
3. The successful candidate must be a member of the relevant Professional Institution. For example, having an accredited Project Planning and Management Qualification will be an advantage

Key Competencies:
The applicant must:

1. Be a team player and have a pro-active attitude towards work
2. He must have a good track record of performance and achievements and possess good communication skills and the ability to network with major stakeholders
3. Have extensive experience in working on rural development programmes, especially Community Driven Development (CDD) approaches and working with rural communities and local government institutions
4. Have appreciable knowledge of Ghana’s Decentralization Policy and proven ability in working with the structures
5. Exhibit knowledge of National Development Policy Framework and Ghana’s Social Protection Strategy
6. Be experienced in the implementation of donor funded projects
7. Exhibit a high degree of computer of computer proficiency
8. Be prepared to travel extensively on regular basis

How To Apply