world cocoa foundation job description:
(bilingual) West africa education program technical coordinator, accra, ghana

 

(Bilingual) West Africa Education Program Technical Coordinator

Accra, Ghana

 

General Description:

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is a non-profit organization promoting social and economic development as well as environmental stewardship in cocoa-growing communities of Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas.  WCF manages the Empowering Cocoa Households with Opportunities and Education Solutions (ECHOES) Alliance, which aims to strengthen cocoa-growing communities by expanding opportunities for youth and young adults through relevant education in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana through the implementation of multiple activities by four in-country technical partners.  The program seeks to serve as a scalable model for education in rural West Africa.

 

WCF seeks a (Bilingual) Education Program Technical Coordinator to manage and support implementation of WCF’s ECHOES education program activities.  He/she will report to the WCF Education Program Manager, with oversight and guidance from WCF senior management.  Candidates must possess proven leadership, program management, organizational and report writing skills, as well as have a strong background in international development and education in the African context. Fluent oral and written language skill levels in both English and French are required; both languages will be used on a daily basis.  Detailed-oriented self-starters are desirable. Experience with managing U.S. government and private foundation funded projects is preferred.

 

This position is a one-year term consultant contract, renewable up to three additional years, based on performance and resource availability. Salary level is dependent on level of experience. This position will be based in Accra, Ghana with no direct office support staff in Accra nor any expatriate benefits or relocation package. Program support and direction will be provided from an Education Program Manager based in Washington, DC.  Estimated start date: September/October 2010.  Nationals from West African nations are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Position Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience managing/coordinating education programs
• Significant experience working in developing countries, particularly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire
• Track record of developing and maintaining partnerships across stakeholder groups at country and regional levels (including private sector, government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutes, and donor agencies, etc.)
• Diversified experience working with private sector, government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutes, and donor environments
• Detail oriented self-starter with the ability to self manage, self direct
• Ability to work in fast-paced, international work environment with minimal support infrastructure
• Frequent travel within Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation
• Undergraduate degree in education, business, international development or related field

 

Bilingual Language Requirements:

• French and English fluency required; knowledge of local languages in the region preferred
• Exceptional writing, speaking and presentation skills in both English and French

 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Establish ECHOES office in Accra (including local registration, start-up logistics)
• Manage ECHOES partner coordination and program implementation in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; liaise with host governments, implementing partners and WCF member companies
• Coordinate outreach to host government representatives in coordination with other implementing partners
• Conduct frequent visits to program sites to support, monitor and evaluate implementing partner performance to ensure project activities and targets are achieved
• Identify and coordinate add-on donor projects that will supplement the ECHOES program as identified
• Represent WCF and its programs to government officials as well as in meetings, events, conferences, and workshops
• Prepare progress reports on monthly and quarterly basis as required
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation activities with implementing partners and government offices
• Liaise and coordinate with other, complementary programs in the field to leverage resources and lessons learned
• Work with implementing partners to develop strategies for increasing women’s participation in the program
• Miscellaneous duties, as requested by Education Program Manager and WCF senior management

 

How to Apply

Interested and eligible bilingual (French and English language) candidates are requested to e-mail their cover letter, résumé including salary requirements, and a one-page writing sample to:  wcf@worldcocoa.org  as soon as possible, no later than July 30, 2010.  Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis to select a successful candidate.  When applying, please note the job position title in the subject line.  No phone calls please.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.