Ministry of Local Government (MLGRD): Regional Capacity Building Specialist

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 Government’s Livelihoods Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program. The Project has five main components namely:

1. Rationalization of National Social Protection Strategy
2. Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPWs)
3. Support to the Livelihood Employment Against Poverty (LEAP) Program
4. Capacity Building and
5. Project Management and Coordination

Specific Project Objectives
The Objectives of the Project to:

1. Support public works expected to create employment with priority for the poorest districts of the country
2. Support Incrementally, the Scaling up of the Government’s conditional cash transfer program (LEAP) which provides social grants to the poorest households in return for participation in education and health services; and participation in education and health services and
3. Develop the capacity of the government to implement safety net programs, both at the central and decentralized levels

Project Implementation Arrangements:
The Project is managed at policy and technical co-ordination level by 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 offices in Accra and Regional Coordination offices in Tamale, Bolgatanga, Wa, Kumasi, and Accra 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
As a member of the project team, the Chief Infrastructure Engineer will be involved in the implementation of the various components of the projects.

The candidate will report directly to the National Co-coordinator and perform such functions as providing technical support and developmental assistance to implementing agencies.

Duty Stations: Tamale/ Bolgatanga/ Wa/ Kumasi/ Accra

The Regional Capacity Building Specialist will report directly to the Regional Co-ordinator and perform such functions as providing technical support and assistance to DAs and beneficiary communities in the Region and other implementing agencies

As a member of the Regional Project Team, the Capacity Building Specialist will play with a key role in the implementation of the various components supported by the project at the Regional, District and Sub-district levels. He will work closely with the RPCUs within his/her regions of operation

1. Supporting the RPCUs on matters relating to Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building as regards the implementation of the SOP
2. Advising the Regional Co-ordinator on matters relating to Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building as regards the SOP in relation to National Social Protection Strategy and the National Decentralization Action Plan
3. Co-ordinating the assessment, design, and programming of capacity building activities required to support the Districts to plan, implement, operate and maintain all facilities and initiatives under the project
4. Providing leadership and guidance in the execution of all training programmes under the project
5. Ensuring a strong and sustained Information Education Communication (IEC) on the project throughout its entire duration
6. Assisting DAs in Monitoring and evaluating overall project related training activities
7. Collaborating with consultants and other training institutions to ensure effective delivery of all training programs in the region
8. Assisting the RPCUs and DAs in the review, pre-qualifications and recruitment of supporting agencies such as Community Facilitators other NGOs, Consultants etc
9. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of supporting agencies such as Community Facilitators, other NGOs and Consultants in close collaboration with the RPCU
10. Carrying out any other duties that may be assigned to him/her by the Regional Co-ordinator

Required Skills/ Job Experience:

1. At least First Degree in Social Sciences or any relevant field; higher degree may be an advantage
2. Ten (10) years post qualification experience of which 5 must have been in similar job description

The applicant must:

1. Have proven management and administrative skills
2. Possess good interpersonal relationship skills and be able to understand and work with various rural institutions such as NGOs, Farmer Groups, District Assemblies etc
3. Possess considerable experience in planning, design and execution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign programmes
4. Have appreciable knowledge of Ghana’s Decentralization systemm and proven ability in working with the structures
5. Have extensive experience in the use of modern concepts in rural development such as Community Driven Development (CDD)approaches, PRA/PRA etc
6. Exhibit knowledge of Ghana’s Social Protection Strategy
7. Be experienced in the implementation of Donor funded Projects
8. Be computer literate
9. Be prepared to travel extensively on regular basis

Knowledge and experience in the use of instruments for engendering participation, urgency, efficiency, transparency, accountability and ownership in local governance and community driven development will be an advantage.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals are requested to submit typewritten letters and curriculum vitae (CV) for the positions described above. Letters of Interest clearly marked: “SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES PROJECT –  NCO PERSONNEL” should be received by the close of work and addressed to:

THE CHIEF DIRECTOR
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
P. O. BOX M50
ACCRA, GHANA

Attn: Director, PBME, MLGRD

NOTE: MLGRD reserves the right not to hire for the positon(s) if it determines that a candidate suitable for the position(s) was not identified. For such an event the position(s) so affected will be re-advertised