Company Profile

The Rural Enterprises Programme (REF) is part of the Government of Ghana's (GOG) effort to reduce poverty and improve living conditions in rural areas by improving infrastructure, technologies and skills needed for private sector development. The REP has been designed to upscale nationwide, the successful achievements of Rural Enterprises Project Phases I and II (REP-I & REF-II). 

REF has 4 main components, namely: 

1. Business Development Services;
2. Development of Agricultural Commodity Processing Infrastructure 
3. Creation of Enabling Business Environment and
4. Programme Coordination and Management.

REP is currently being implemented in 161 districts nationwide. The Programme is co-financed by the Government of Ghana (GOG), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and African Development Bank (AfDB). A Programme Coordination and Management Unit (PCMU) has been established in Kumasi to oversee the day-to-day activities of the REP.

A major concern of youth unemployment in Ghana is the rising proportion of graduate unemployment. This situation is partly due to the mismatch of skills acquired by the youth vis-a-vis what is required by the Job market and weak support systems for entrepreneurship and small-scale business development for self-employment. The ENABLE Youth initiative is intended to contribute to address this challenge through additional efforts by REP in the establishment and growth of viable agribusinesses. Such businesses will have the potential to create employment by offering a comprehensive and integrated package of training in agribusiness, financing, and ongoing coaching/mentoring, building partnership with the private sector, business and professional associations and training institutions. The ENABLE Youth initiative is well in line with Government Industrial Transformation Agenda and will contribute to strengthen the linkages between the agriculture, industry and services sectors of the economy.

Job Description

Rural Enterprises Programme (REP)

The Technology Promotion Officer will:

• Assist in the implementation of the Agricultural Commodity Processing Infrastructure Development (ACPID). He/she will be responsible for ensuring that the Districts have the requisite system to upgrade the level of technology of rural micro and small enterprises (MSEs). He /she will report to the National Director on matters relating to the development of requisite system for technology transfer to rural MSEs in the districts. Support the establishment and operations of 30 new Rural Technology Facilities (RTFs) in collaboration with the District Assemblies, selected Implementing Entity for the ACPID component and the private sector.
•  Coordinating the delivery of services in training and technology dissemination based on prior needs assessment by the RTFs and BACs including master craft persons training, traditional apprentices training which require the use of Technology Service Providers, occupational safety health and environmental management seminars, NVTI certification and provision of graduate apprentices start up kits and development of light industrial zones.
•  Developing and implementing training schemes for training master crafts persons and apprentices to promote effective linkages and collaboration with the private sector, Local Business Associations and non- governmental organisations (NGOs)

Required Skills or Experience

• Degree in Agricultural or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 5 years relevant post qualification working experience.
• Experience with a donor funded agency may be an advantage.