Company Profile

Serendipalm Co. Ltd. operates a Fairtrade & Organic commercial palm oil project with small holders and a “traditional” village-based oil mill. The project supplies several brands in Europe and in the U.S., is organic and fair trade certified and has a positive impact on rural development in the Eastern Region. It is diversifying into cocoa and other organic and fair products, including value addition that requires processing.

Serendipalm is value-driven with a highly motivated team of 20+ professionals who manage a 300+ local staff, many unskilled. A team from Dr. Bronner’s, Serendipalm’s sister company, provides support in several areas, including accounts and advisory support.

Job Description

Serendipalm Co. Ltd. operates Ghana’s only palm oil commercial project with small holders and a “traditional” village-based oil mill. The project supplies several brands in Europe and the U.S., is organic and fair trade certified and has a positive impact on rural development in the Eastern Region.

Responsibilities:

1. Register and contract new farmers and farmer Associations.
2. Help generate and update farm/farmer documentation (sketch maps using data collected with GPS, update contracts and farm entrance forms of farmers, etc.)
3. Support farmers to maintain record keeping documentation.
4. Support in the formation and strengthening of the various farmer Associations.
5. Support in farmer training/education i.e. sensitization, technical advice and facilitate information sharing between farmers and Serendipalm.
6. Conduct internal and risk-based inspections.
7. Provide extension support to farmers to ensure increased productivity and conformity to Social and Fair Trade (SFT) and organic regulations with reference to the Serendipalm Quality Manual.
8. Provide technical advice to farmers who are registered with Serendipalm ICS, on good agricultural management practices in oil palm (newly planted and existing), Cocoa, etc.
9. Conduct harvest monitoring as well as spot checks- investigate issues of potential fraud as needed.
10. Shall encourage Serendipalm Grower Group farmers to supply quality Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) in both peak and lean seasons.
11. Ensure organic and fair trade integrity.
12. Collect data where necessary, and also provide support to the ICS Manager etc. in data entry, analysis and reporting.
13. Shall carry out other assignments as requested by management.

Serendipalm Offers:

• A secure job with opportunities for growth
• Performance-based competitive compensation and benefits
• A very collegial and constructive working environment
• Management support of training to enhance job skills and experience
• References will be required

Required Skills or Experience

Required qualifications (must haves):

• A formal qualification in agricultural science at diploma or bachelors levels.
• At least 1 year of relevant employment in agriculture preferably working with oil palm and/or cocoa farmers.
• Self-driven, motivated, team-oriented and able to communicate and work with colleagues in a productive and open style
• Ability to analyze a problem and select practical solutions.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and a proactive approach to effective communication in Twi and English are a must.
• Willingness to undergo training on organic agriculture for at least six months.
• Willingness to relocate full time to Asuom, Eastern Region
• Basic computer skills (email, MS Office excel)