Winrock International Recruiting in 2012

Winrock International is a mission-drive, non-profit organisation that works through good business practices to increase economic opportunity, empower the disadvantaged, and protect the environment, especially in rural areas. Headquartered in the United States, Winrock maintains a professional staff of 800 and offices in 31 countries and manages over 100 projects in 73 countries.

Winrock has three main programme areas – Enterprise & Agriculture, Empowerment, and Environment – that work around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. Winrock matches innovative approaches in agriculture, natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

Job Description

Context:
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and World Cocoa Foundation have joined in an alliance to improve basic and vocational education in communities that base their livelihood on the production of cocoa. The resulting collaboration is called the Empowering Cocoa Households with Opportunities and Education Solutions (ECHOES) Alliance. The ECHOES project, led by the World Cocoa Foundation, works together with its implementing partners, Winrock International and World Education. The main goal of ECHOES is to contribute to the expansion of relevant education in rural cocoa-growing communities in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. By offering integrated basic education, livelihoods development, and capacity-building, entire communities, including students, out-of-school teens and youth, mothers, and adult farmers have the chance to participate in life-long learning that caters to their specific education and development needs.

Position Summary:
Winrock is seeking a Ghana Country Co-ordinator to oversee its WCF ECHOES programme in Ghana and support other Winrock projects within Ghana. This is a full time position based in Kumasi with frequent travel to cocoa growing communities. The Ghana Country Co-ordinator will report to the Programme Officer based in Washington DC.

General Responsibilities:

• Represent Winrock on official occasions
• Co-ordinate activities of office and other staff (registration, lease, contracts, etc)
• Assist with new business and opportunities  for projects in Ghana
• Maintain ties with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

ECHOES Project Responsibilities:

• Oversee ECHOES activities and fulfillment of project deliverables
• Provide technical monitoring and evaluation oversight
• Visit the communities to assess project implementation and results with beneficiaries
• Conduct leadership training and capacity – building support to communities and district level government officials to ensure programme sustainability
• Manage 4 ECHOES office staff and 3 field staff
• Review and provide feedback on all monthly field staff financial and narrative reports
• Maintain close relationship with ECHOES implementing partners
• Assure regular and timely communication and reporting with Home Office
• Develop monthly and quarterly reports and ensure submission to the Home Office in timely and accurate manner
• Co-ordinate donor field visits are needed

Responsibilities on other projects and new business:

• Provide support to Deputy Chief of Party for GWASH project in Accra
• Assist Deputy Chief of Party with liaising with government ministries, district assemblies, local NGOs, and other key stakeholders
• Participate in information gathering and donor meetings for new business opportunities

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in field related to agriculture, education and/or youth development. Master’s degree preferred
• Excellent communication skills with a variety of stakeholders from traditional community leaders, government officials, and international donors
• Demonstrated skills in leadership development and capacity building of community based groups and government officials
• Interest and experience in community development
• Familiarity with modern cocoa growing techniques and the Ghanaian cocoa sector
• Proven project management experience including solid report writing skills, ability to develop detailed workplans and budgets, and ability to meet deadlines
• 5-7 years of experience in international development related to formal and non-formal education, agriculture training, child labour, youth development

How To Apply

Applicants should email current resume, cover letter and three reference contacts to: [email protected] 

Offer valid till: 04 May, 2012