Senior Project Officer at Fairtrade Africa

FTA Secretariat is located in Nairobi where the operations are in the hands of the FTA Senior Leadership Team (FTA-SLT). In enabling the members to have a strong voice in the governance, strategy and the overall direction of the Fairtrade movement in Africa, the FTA-SLT has the responsibility for directing and managing all FTA resources including employees. The FTA-SLT has the overall responsibility of strategy development and operational implementation. The Finance and Administration Director (FAD) is expected to be an active member of this team.

FAIRTRADE AFRICA PURPOSE

To improve the socio-economic conditions of African producers through increased access to better trading conditions.

Job Description

Dignity for All Programme- (FTA and Fairtrade Finland Partnership Programme)
This is a four-year Programme funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Finland. Underpinned by the Fairtrade Theory of Change (ToC), the MFA Impact Programme seeks justice and fairness through exercising rights and free¬doms, empowerment through strengthening the assets and capabilities of the most marginalized farmers and workers, and the attainment of sustainable livelihoods through building resilient agro-based trade systems and societies.

The programme is aimed at capturing and assessing simultaneous change in four areas (spheres of change): Small producer & worker organizations; Supply chain business practices; Consumer behaviour and Civil society action.

The programme is being implemented in Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi and South Africa in banana, flowers, wine, tea and cocoa value chains. It focuses on FTA key thematic areas of gender and social compliance, workers’ rights, living income and living wage.

The two projects in Ghana are the Cocoa and Banana Impact Projects. The Cocoa Impact Project in Ghana is being expanded to include a Deforestation, Climate Change and Carbon Credit Project.

About The Job

To lead the implementation of the Cocoa Impact Project in deforestation, climate change and carbon credit.

LOCATION: Accra, Ghana

REPORTING LINES

• Post holder reports to: Project Coordinator – Dignity for All Project
• Staff reporting to this post: None


•  

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes

Duties And Responsibilities

Project Management

• Establish a business case for each project, supported by budget information and income projections
• Manage the implementation of projects to develop the capacity of producer organizations
• Monitor operational activities and effectiveness of results and milestones
• Compile monthly updates and quarterly reports using FTA and project templates
• Support the development of project proposals



 
•  

Technical Advisory
Provide thematic training and technical advisory support training to producer organisations and their structures and committees on themes including:

• Climate Change and Deforestation
• Project and financial management
• Gender main streaming
• Small Producer and Hired Labour Organisations Standards
• Product Certification Cycle



 
•  

Organizational Strengthening

• Initiate and maintain relationships with local communities, public and government institutions, educational institutions among other stakeholders
• Understand producer needs and concerns, advocate on relevant policies to enhance FTA’s work with the local opinion leaders and decision makers.
• Ensure awareness of the local trends, perceptions and players in the local community.
• Advise on how to manage risk and optimise on the opportunities
• Influence localised policies and perceptions in favour of FTA through the support of the Project Coordinator.
• Support the identification of opportunities for programme and projects development
• Support and provide advice to producer groups to enable access to trade and marketing opportunities
• Represent FTA in country and field events

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Closely monitor programme performance (Financial and programmatic) and propose strategies for continuous improvement
• In close collaboration with the MEL team, lead project monitoring and evaluation processes in-country
• Monitor capacity building efforts
• Submit high quality narrative and financial reports in accordance with project and organisational requirements (monthly, quarterly and annually)
• Provide information and data on a timely basis to the Fairtrade Africa MEL function including but not limited to quantitative and qualitative reporting
• Establish and maintain a database of all programme documents and reports area of operation

Programme advocacy

• Establish and maintain in country strategic partnerships
• Initiate and maintain relationships with local communities, public and government institutions, educational institutions among others who are key stakeholders of FTA
• Support advocacy efforts at national and regional levels
• Supports development of communication material development and supports media visit

Resource Mobilization

Support the Regional coordinator with resource mobilisation efforts

Qualifications

Required Skills or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g. Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources etc.) with additional work experience

Experience and Knowledge

• A minimum of 3 years’ project management experience on a climate change, deforestation or carbon credit related project
• Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences
• Experience in business development within sustainable supply chains
• Knowledge and understanding of Fairtrade standards
• Thematic knowledge and expertise in FTA’s priority areas




 
•  

Skills

• Good command of spoken and written English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with individuals across multi-functional disciplines
• Conflict resolution skills
• Good organizational skills
• Good training and facilitation skills
• Strong planning and project management skills
• Ability to speak local language