NDF Jobs 2017

Nature And Development Foundation, (NDF) is a Ghana based non-governmental organization with limited operations in Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia. NDF’s mission is to help build a society in which human development and nature conservation complement each other. NDF has a belief that, it is possible to halt the further degradation of the forest resources and loss of biodiversity across West Africa. NDF also believes that ways exist to balance the needs of development with sustainable land use that do not threaten  forest resources, biodiversity and the forest dependent livelihoods of the region. We seek the services of a self-motivated person who will lead research and advocacy in areas within the scope of NDF’s Strategic Plan.

Nature and Development Foundation is currently implementing various projects funded by International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), European Commission (EC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). To help in the implementation of these projects and others, NDF seeks the services of a RESEARCH & ADVOCACY OFFICER to be based in NDF’s office in Accra, Ghana.

Job Description

Job Title: Research and Advocacy Officer

The successful candidate will be required to coordinate activities related to Research and Advocacy within the Nature and Development Foundation as well as work on other aspects of the projects funded by the three donors above. The individual must therefore have the ability and enthusiasm to work in the Non-Governmental sector as well as work within a team to advance the course of sustainable natural resources management.

MAIN DUTIES

Working in conjunction with the technical and financial teams of Nature and Development, the incumbent will:

• Lead the research and advocacy of a Nature and Development Foundation/Tropenbos International, Ghana led project funded by the EC which seeks to build capacity non-state actors within the forestry and natural resources sector of Ghana and to a small extend, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia
• Support the implementation of the Pericopsis elata project funded by ITTO
• Support the capacity building of the timber industry to meet FLEGT/ VPA requirement
• Write donor reports in relation to the above projects
• Collaborate with the Finance and Communication Departments to ensure that financial reports of projects are presented on time
• Develop and maintain good relationships with Donors, Project partners, other Civil Society Organizations and the Media
• Document and communicate information, updates, and success stories to all stakeholders
• Facilitate internal collaboration and communication across projects
• Organize and manage information and visibility of NDF and NDF led projects
• Support the development of proposals for donor funding
• Provide any other Research and Advocacy related support that may be required by management

QUALIFICATION

• Minimum of a first degree in Natural Resources Management, Environment Sciences, Political and Social Science or any related field.
• Proficiency in French will be an added advantage
• Computer proficiency is a requirement

EXPERIENCE AND DESIRABLE QUALITIES

• At least three (3) years relevant experience in the forest and related sectors. Prior experience in advocacy is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience of the timber industry in Ghana
• Must be conversant with international donor reporting requirements and be able to write reports without or with minimum supervision
• Must be conversant with the forestry sector policies, the Voluntary Partnership Agreement and the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process in general, especially understanding of Ghana’s engagement with the European Union on the VPA processes
• Knowledge on the capacity challenges of industry to anticipate the challenges of VPA and their preparedness to meet its requirement
• Knowledge of the Civil Society within the forestry sector
• Capacity to lead advocacy and networking of CSOs in the forestry sector in Ghana
• He/she must be self-motivated and capable of achieving results with minimal supervision.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This position is a nationally recruited position based in Accra. The initial appointment is for one year and renewable subject to performance and availability of funding. The position will involve travel outside of duty station for extended periods. Remuneration will be based on qualification and experience.

How to Apply

Interested persons should send applications and CVs to [email protected].

Please indicate NDF Research and Advocacy Officer in the subject line.

CLOSING DATE

Two weeks from date of publication (6th February 2017). Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

NDF is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply