Career Opportunities at MDF

ROLE PURPOSE
Job Description

• MDF West Africa is looking for an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation specialist to join our M&E and Learning (MEL) Team in the acquisition and execution of M&E-related assignments across the West Africa region and beyond.
• The MEL team specialises in the execution of assignments in different thematic areas which include but not limited to WASH, Education, Agriculture, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Governance, Humanitarian Aid.
• The ability of the MEL Team to implement assignments that cut across different thematic areas allows the cross-fertilisation of resources and ideas, generating optimum service to our clients. 
• Within this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and travel within the West Africa region.
• You will be part of the international MDF network and therefore work with and learn from colleagues from Africa, Europe, and Asia

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Acquisition of Assignments

• Assist in the identification, follow-up, and responses to training and consultancy opportunities with clients in the West African region. 
• Assist in the analysis and understanding client request for services based on available terms of reference/request for proposal and/or direct contact via phone, intake meetings (visits) and or email.
• Assist in the proposal writing process led by a Senior Expert, together with selected team members.

Execution of Assignments

• Assist in the execution of consultancy assignments in training, planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Undertake literature review and other data and information gathering as may be required by consultancy assignments and other MDF tasks. 
• Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of MDFWA enterprise development.
• Assist in maintaining a database of stakeholder contacts for purposes of acquisition and execution of assignments.
• Assist in the report writing process required under consultancy assignments.

NEEDED COMPETENCIES
Technical Competencies and Professional Experience

• Experience working in projects and programmes with teams in providing services to clients.
• Experience working in single and/or multi-country programme external evaluation assignments applying quantitative and qualitative methodologies such as outcome mapping, outcome harvesting, contribution analysis, and quasi-experimental studies applying sampling techniques and using among others difference-indifference methods.
• Experience in assisting organisations or programmes in the design and management of monitoring and evaluation strategies, frameworks and plans including the development of data collection, analysis, and reporting tools and templates.
• Experience in online data collection and analysis using digital technologies such as Kobo Collect, Survey Monkey, Akvo FLOW, and Ona, among others.
• Strong data collection and processing skills i.e., data gathering via interviews, focus-group discussions, checklists and analysing situations, documents, data sheets
• Experience in quantitative data analysis using Excel, SPSS, Nvivo, MaxQData and other data analysis software. 
• Ability to write strong proposals and reports i.e., clear, to-the-point, high analytical, in-depth, fluent English (or French), timely, understanding client needs.
• Previous consultancy and advisory expertise, individually or as part of an organisation/firm.
• Strong participatory facilitation and presentation skills/expertise. Confidence in presenting to and guiding a group (4-25 people) with an international profile.
• At least 7 years of working experience in international development programmes/projects, with a minimum of 3 years as an evaluator.
• Ability to handle administrative, modern communication and knowledge management technologies – Office 365 package, Adobe, PiktoChart, online data collection tools and more.
• Education level: Master’s degree or equivalent in (international) business management, social studies, international development and or relations, international trade etc.
• Excellent ability to speak and write in English at a professional level. Knowledge of French will be an asset.

Personal/Social

• Service-and-client-oriented.
• Independent worker, pro-active/take initiative, business-driven, professional attitude.
• Team player, flexible, goes the extra mile, not a 9 to 5 mentality.
• Effective communication skills (both verbal and written) on regional and international level via email, phone and face-to-face i.e., respectful, businessoriented, broad vocabulary, understanding of cultures and customs.
• Practice transparency in dealing with colleagues and clients.
• Can deal with productivity and turnover targets.
• Committed to continuous learning and self-improvement.
• Interest in management for developmen

go to method of application »

Job Description

• MDF West Africa is looking for an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation expert to join our M&E and Learning (MEL) Team in the acquisition and execution of M&E-related assignments across the West Africa region and beyond.
• The MEL team specialises in the execution of assignments in different thematic areas which include but not limited to WASH, Education, Agriculture, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Governance, Humanitarian Aid.
• The ability of the MEL Team to implement assignments that cut across different thematic areas allows the cross-fertilisation of resources and ideas, generating optimum service to our clients. 
• Within this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and travel within the West Africa region. You will be part of the international MDF network and therefore work with and learn from colleagues from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Acquisition of Assignments 

• Support the identification, follow-up, and responses to training & consultancy opportunities with clients in the West African region. This includes exploring opportunities within the MDF network.
• Analyse and understand client requests for services based on available terms of reference/request for proposal and/or direct contact via phone, intake meetings (visits) and or email.
• Support and steer the proposal writing process together with selected team
• members.
• Develop strategies and put in writing how you would approach an assignment i.e.,the methodological approach, work plan, budget, team composition etc.
• Represent MDF during functions and participate in formal and informal gatherings to build a network of clients and partners.

Execution of Assignments

• Execute consultancies assignments in planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Take the lead and steer a team of 2 to 5 staff/colleagues/partners during execution of assignments.
• Update MDF West Africa management on assignment execution status whilst presenting issues/concerns and recommended measures to address them.
• Maintain client contact during execution and contracting of assignments i.e.,process management. Be the focal person for the client.
• Lead the report writing process and ensure report quality.
• Maintain client and partner relationships.
• Provide needed support on other assignments where other MDF colleagues are Team Leaders.

NEEDED COMPETENCIES 

• Technical Competencies and Professional Experience
• Management expertise in projects, programmes, teams, or organisations i.e.,steering people, providing business advisory, client management, fiscal management, knowledge management.
• Served as team leader for single and multi-country programme external evaluation assignments applying quantitative and qualitative methodologies such as outcome mapping, outcome harvesting, contribution analysis, and quasi-experimental studies applying sampling techniques and using among others difference-indifference methods.
• Expertise in assisting organisations or programmes in the design and management of monitoring and evaluation strategies, frameworks and plans including the development of data collection, analysis, and reporting tools and templates.
• Strong expertise in online data collection and analysis using digital technologiessuch as Kobo Collect, Survey Monkey, Akvo FLOW, and Ona, among others.
• Strong data collection and processing skills i.e., data gathering via interviews, focus-group discussions, checklists and analysing situations, documents, data sheets.
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills via Excel, SPSS, Nvivo, MaxQData and other data analysis software. A background in statistics studies and application at workwill be an advantage.
• Ability to write strong proposals and reports i.e., clear, to-the-point, high analytical, in-depth, proper English (or French), timely, understanding client needs.
• Previous consultancy and advisory expertise, individually or as part of an organisation/firm.
• Strong participatory, facilitation, and presentation skills/expertise. Confidence in presenting to and guiding a group (4-25 people) with an international profile.
• Maintaining client relationships and networking.
• At least 10 years of working experience in an international context, with a minimum of 5 years as lead evaluator/consultant.
• Ability to handle administrative, modern communication and knowledge management technologies – Office 365 Suite, Adobe, PiktoChart, online data collection tools and more.
• Sub-Regional (ECOWAS) and international working experience.
• Education level: Master’s degree or equivalent in (international) business management, social studies, international development and or relations, international trade etc.
• Excellent ability to speak and write in English on a professional level. Knowledge of 
• French will be an asset.

Personal/Social

• Service-and-client-oriented.
• Independent worker, pro-active/takes initiative, business-driven, professional attitude.
• Team player, flexible, goes the extra mile, not a 9 to 5 mentality.
• Effective communication skills (both verbal and written) on a regional and international level via email, phone, and face-to-face i.e., respectful, businessoriented, broad vocabulary, understanding of culture and customs.
• Practice transparency in dealing with colleagues and clients.
• Can deal with productivity and turnover targets.
• Committed to continuous learning and self-improve
• Interest in management for developmen

go to method of application »

Job Description

• MDF West Africa is looking for an experienced Trainer/Consultant to join our Training and Consultancy (T&C) Team in the acquisition and execution of assignments across the West Africa region and beyond.
• The T&C team specialises in the execution of assignments in different thematic areas which include but not limited to Training and Advisory Services in Organisational development i.e. organisational analysis, strategic mapping/planning, team building, human resource management, financial management, gender mainstreaming, resource mobilisation/proposal writing; Personal Effectiveness i.e. leadership, people management and communication skills, Training of Trainers, group facilitation techniques; Network and partnership management i.e. lobby and advocacy, business development services, network management. 
• The ability of the MDF Team to implement assignments that cut across different thematic areas allows the cross-fertilization of resources and ideas, generating optimal service to clients. 
• Within this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and travel within the West Africa region. You will be part of the international MDF network and therefore work with and learn from colleagues from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Acquisition of Assignments 

• Acquire assignments for MDF West Africa within the MDF network.
• Identify, follow-up and respond to training & consultancy opportunities with clients in the West African region.
• Analyse and understand clients request for service via an existing terms of reference/request for proposal and/or direct contact via phone, intake meetings (visits),and or email.
• Steer the proposal writing process together with the project team.
• Come-up with strategies and write how you would approach the assignment i.e.,methodological approach, methods used, workplan, budget, team composition etc.
• Developing timelines for acquisition to ensure the right input and quality control.
• Represent MDF during functions and participate in formal and informal gatherings tobuild a network of clients and partners.

Execution of Assignments

• Execute consultancies, open entry, and tailor-made training assignments in the core competencies identified above. We are particularly looking for expertise in two or more of the above-mentioned competencies of MDF.
• Take the lead on your projects and steer a team of 2 to 5 colleagues/partners during execution of assignments.
• Maintain client and partner contact during execution and contracting of assignments i.e.,
• process management. You are the focal person for the client and take responsibility for your projects.
• Report (verbally and in writing) on your projects to all stakeholders. Lead the (baseline, mid-term and final) report-writing process and ensure report quality.
• Maintain client and partner relationships.

NEEDED COMPETENCIES 

• Technical Competencies and Professional Experience
• Project planning & formulation, monitoring and conducting external evaluations, as well as network and partnership management including lobby & advocacy are explicit advantages.
• Management expertise within projects, programmes, teams, or organisations i.e.,steering people, client management, financial management, knowledge management.
• Strong skills in proposal writing and preparing reports i.e., clear, to the point, in-depth, fluency in English, timely, understanding client needs.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and processing skills i.e., data gathering via interviews, focus-group discussions, checklists and analysing situations, documents, data sheets.
• Previous consultancy and advisory expertise, individually or as part of an organisation/firm.
• Strong participatory training and presentation skills/expertise (both offline and online). 
• Confidence standing in front of a group of people (4-25 people) with an international profile. 
• Excellent presentation skills. You are comfortable in front of a group (4-25 people) with an international profile.
• Ability to maintain client relationships and networking.
• Able to handle administrative, communication, and knowledge management technologies – i.e., Microsoft 365 suite, e-mail, Adobe, Skype, LinkedIn, and more.
• Fluency in English – both spoken and written. Knowledge of French is a plus.

Personal/Social

• Service-and-client-oriented.
• Proactive/take initiative, business driven, professional, cosmopolitan.
• Team player, flexible, goes the extra mile, not a 9 to 5 mentality.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) on a regional and international level via email, phone and face-to-face i.e., respectful, business-oriented, broad vocabulary, understanding of cultures and customs.
• Work independently, take responsibility to the team and clients, practical approach.
• Able to deal with productivity and turnover targets.
• Interested in learning and improve and improving yourself.
• International and/or West African work expertise.
• Interested in management for development.
   

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Job Description

• MDF West Africa is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our team in the acquisition and execution of projects focusing on Agricultural Value Chains and other related assignments across the West Africa region and beyond.
• The MDF team specialises in the execution of assignments in different thematic areas, which include but are not limited to WASH, Education, Agriculture, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Governance, Finance and Circular & Green Economy.
• The ability of the MDF Team to implement assignments that cut across different thematic areas allows the cross-fertilisation of resources and ideas, generating optimal service to clients. 
• Within this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients like GIZ, EU, IFAD, RVO, AfDB and World Bank to name a few, and travel within the West Africa region. 
• You will be part of the international MDF network and therefore work with and learn from colleagues from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

MAIN TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Acquisition of Assignments

• Acquisition and implementation of projects in both the private and public sector.
• Development of work plans, recruitment of experts and the management of project acquisition teams during the tender/proposal phase.
• Conduct research on upcoming opportunities and be aware of recent developments in the project regions.
• Develop qualified technical proposals and reports, which requires strong writing capabilities within given deadlines.
• Travelling to project areas on demand, sometimes on short notice.

Execution of Assignments

• Follow up on upcoming opportunities from an early stage of tender development into execution. This includes the development of work plans, recruitment of experts, and reporting.
• Management of our expert teams in Ghana and abroad.
• Monitoring, quality assurance, and reporting of all project-related activities during the implementation.
• Maintain client and partner relationships.
• Provide needed support on other assignments where other MDF colleagues are Project Managers.

NEEDED COMPETENCIES 

• Technical Competencies and Professional Experience
• Relevant master’s degree in business administration, agricultural economics or similar. 
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in (international) development.
• Technical skills, experience, and passion in the areas of agriculture, agribusiness and/or economic growth are a must.
• Demonstrated experience responding to development partners procurement procedures (EU PRAG regulations, AfDB, World bank, IFAD) are an advantage.
• Open to implement innovations, especially in ICT adaption and Green and/or CircularEconomy.
• Fluency English is required – both written and spoken. Solid writing and communication skills in French would be a strong asset.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team. 

Personal/Social

• Service-and-client-oriented.
• Proactive/take initiative, business driven, professional, cosmopolitan.
• Team player, flexible, goes the extra mile, not a 9 to 5 mentality.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) on a regional and international level via email, phone and face-to-face i.e., respectful, businessoriented, broad vocabulary, understanding of cultures and customs.
• Work independently, take responsibility to the team and clients, practical approach.
• Able to deal with productivity and turnover targets.
• Interested in learning and improve and improving yourself.
• Have International and/or West African work expertise
• Interested in management for development

go to method of application »

Job Description

• MDF West Africa is looking for an Executive Assistant to join our team.
• You will be responsible for providing comprehensive support to the CEO, Board of Directors, Executive Team, project managers, and managing the organization’s office operation.
• Within this role, you will have the opportunity to engage with a variety of clients and support the successful implementation of our projects and programs.
• You will be part of the international MDF network and therefore work with and learn from colleagues from Africa, Europe, and Asia

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communication with clients and partners
• You are the first point of contact for incoming emails on our general MDF WA and director’s accounts. You will screen, prioritise, answer, and archive the emails in order of importance.
• Keep and update a database of contacts of our clients and partners.
• Keep a list of outstanding actions and regularly make sure these are followed up.
• Screen emails for potential opportunities for training and consultancy services.
• Forward emails to relevant colleagues with a request for input, reply or follow-up.
• Manage and keep the agenda of the director, prioritising incoming requests for appointments, scheduling and confirming requests and (re-)scheduling internal staff meetings.
• Draft emails and documents and review the quality of other documents for grammar, spelling, and formatting before they are sent out.
• Keep a list of running projects and their important dates such as invoicing, reporting and client meetings.

 
Office Management

• Schedule internal meetings, such as all staff meetings, project kick-offs, progress meetings, evaluation meetings and staff performance interviews.
• Ensure projects milestones are being met. If deliverables are late, you discuss this with the relevant project managers.
• Ensure availability of items in the office (e.g., stationery, kitchen supplies, consumables, etc.) in collaboration with the finance department.
• Engage all staff for project updates for our global communication channels.

 
NEEDED COMPETENCIES 

• Technical Competencies and Professional Experience
• Management expertise within projects, programmes, teams, or organisations i.e.,steering people, client management, financial management, knowledge management.
• Strong writing skills i.e., clear, to-the-point, in-depth, proper English, timely, understanding client needs.
• Able to maintain client relationships and networking.
• Able to handle administrative, communication and knowledge management technologies – i.e., Microsoft 365 Suite, e-mail, Adobe, Skype, LinkedIn, and more.
• Fluency in English – both spoken and written. Knowledge of French is a plus.

Personal/social

• Service-and-client-oriented.
• Pro-active/take initiative, business driven, professional, cosmopolitan.
• Team player, flexible, goes the extra mile, not a 9 to 5 mentality.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) on regional and international level via email, phone and face-to-face i.e., respectful, business oriented, broad vocabulary, understanding cultures and customs.
• Work independently, be and take responsibility to the team and clients, practical approach.
• Able to deal with productivity and turnover targets.
• Interested in learning and improving yourself.
• International and/or West Africa work expertise.
• Interested in management for development.