Natural Resource Governance Institute Vacancies 2020

For the one billion people living in poverty in resource-rich countries, the oil, gas and mining sectors have failed to deliver on the promise of better quality of life. Instead of fact-based public debate, populist promises dominate many political systems. Corruption and state capture have spread, and democracy is under threat. Those who demand accountability face harassment and violence. The climate crisis looms large and the transition to green energy risks replicating governance misdeeds in the sector. Unless governance improves, half of the world’s poor will live in resource-rich countries by 2030.

Job Description

Job Title: Africa Program Officer

The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)’s mission is to secure a future where countries rich in oil, gas and minerals achieve sustainable, inclusive development – one where people receive lasting benefits from extractives, and the negative impacts associated with the sector are minimized. With the launch of our new 2020-2025 Strategy, our international staff of more than 90 country and issue experts, lawyers, economists and governance specialists will leverage our 15+ years of experience to lift countries out of poverty by contributing evidence-based knowledge, building capacities and alliances, and seizing opportunities during moments of political openness.

Job Overview/Summary:

The NRGI is looking for a suitably qualified professional for the position of Africa Program Officer. The Officer’s main focus of work is Ghana where he/she will lead on NRGI’s work on disclosure, data generation, data advancement for accountability and reform in the extractive sector. The role will involve research, production of briefs, analysis of extractive sector data, including EITI, SOE expenditures and commodity trading.  He/she will provide technical assistance and capacity building to stakeholders including government, media and civil society organizations (CSOs). In coordination with relevant regional and global staff, the officer may also provide limited technical support in relevant areas to teams in Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead on licensing and contract awards process in the extractive sector by providing technicall support to key stakeholders, including government and CSOs to ensure transparency and accountability and a good deal for Ghana.
• Coordinate with global and country teams to generate and analyze relevant publicly disclosed data including EITI, company payment to governments and commodity trading data to contribute to reforming the extractive sector in Ghana.
• Provide relevant technical support including trainings to key stakeholders including governments, Ghana EITI multi-stakeholder group and civil society to improve extractive sector transparency and accountability.
• Provide technical support to Public Interest and Accountability Committee, Parliament and civil society to ensure accountable management of the extractive revenues.
• Generating country-level research on oil, gas and mining to inform policy reforms in the sector.
• Support country team’s effort at ensuring improved governance and performance of the extractive sector State Own Enterprise: The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation.
• Build networs of relevant government officials in Ghana and within the region as well as represent NRGI at country and regional events.
• Participate and contribute to country, regional and global levels strategic processes to increase NRGI’s impact.
• Develop, implement, monitor and report on work plans based on these strategies, including through regular reports to the Country Manager.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: West Africa Regional Manager (Anglophone)

Indirect Reporting: Director of Governance Program

Team: Africa Regional program with dotted/matrix link into Governance program.

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrates a good understanding of natural resource governance; public finance management frameworks and revenue management, research and data management, and a commitment to build on existing skills
• Initiative take and ability to work with minimal supervision
• proven ability to meet tight deadlines and remains calm and professional under pressure
• Interacts effectively with with staff at all levels (peers, managers, directors and consultants)
• Significant experience of working in partnership with civil society organisations, media, Government, Parliament, national and international organizations.
• Knowledge of the extractive sector, governance, transparency and accountability context and development issues

Skills and Experience 

• Demonstrable high level analytical and critical thinking skills
• Proven experience of strategy development
• Excellent oral and written communication and editing skills
• Good facilitation and presentation skills

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in relevant field (preference; economics, political science, finance, natural resource for sustainable development, development studies or international development

Experience

• Three years’ relevant experience in resource governance and development in Ghana, with preference for macroeconomics, revenue management and program management
• Experience in research and data analysis, networking, and alliance-building with and among civil society and government particularly in Ghana.
• Experience working in the extractive sector and issues in Ghana particularly

Working Environment:   Standard office work environment

Closing date for applications:    Friday 14 February.  Applications should consist of a covering letter and CV, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis up to the closing date.