Company Profile

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

At Abt Associates, we are committed to creating a lasting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that in order to achieve full participation, our practices must be free of prejudice, discrimination, and bias that result in inequitable outcomes. We are actively working to advance equity for everyone, and while we still have much work to do, we know that racial and cultural diversity are an asset to our business and the communities where we live and serve. Our ongoing commitment is focused on creating business practices that advance racial and social equity, investments in community impact programs for the benefit of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and expand upon project work related to racial equity and social justice.

Job Description

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize your personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Feed the Future Resilience in Northern Ghana Systems Strengthening will strengthen service delivery systems to attain measurable improvements in the nutrition and resilience of vulnerable populations in northern Ghana, particularly for reproductive-aged women and children under five years old. The activity will work to achieve three main objectives: 1) Local governments plan, finance, and deliver services that respond to the population’s needs, 2) Local government, non-governmental, and private entities collectively implement solutions to attain measurable improvements in nutrition and resilience, and 3) Citizens influence local service delivery to respond to their needs.

Over five years, across 17 districts in the Northern, Upper West, North East, and Upper East regions of Northern Ghana, Feed the Future Resilience in Northern Ghana Systems Strengthening will improve the nutritional status and resilience of vulnerable populations through the health; agriculture; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and education sectors by enhancing local governance systems, optimizing resources to catalyze greater access to social services, and transforming the capacities of institutions to scale service delivery. The Activity includes a grant program that will catalyze investment, expand sustainable multisectoral nutrition and resilience programming, and mobilize communities to demand quality services and participate in local planning processes in northern Ghana. 

Under the supervision of the Resilience Lead, the Resilience Specialist will provide technical expertise that seeks to strengthen agricultural productivity; link farmers to profitable market systems; improve nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene practices; and expand community support and social services for vulnerable households. This position will require frequent district-level travels where the program is being implemented to attain measurable improvements in the nutrition and resilience of vulnerable populations in Northern Ghana, particularly for women in their reproductive ages and children under five years.  One (1) Resilience Specialist is required for the project office in Bolgatanga, Upper East

Core Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on agricultural development and livelihood strategies, partnerships, and activities.
• Develop innovative cross-cutting program activities across regional and district teams, including livelihoods, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, community and local governance, social inclusion, and social and behavior change.
• Assist in the development of the project’s annual work planning and contribute to quality operational plans, budgets, and reports. 
• Provide input to the project’s research, monitoring, and evaluation activities and work with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to incorporate lessons learned to enhance project results.
• Provide input to regular status and progress reports to USAID.
• Ensure that lessons learned, and best practices are documented and shared.

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree + Nine years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + Seven years of relevant experience, or PhD + Four years of relevant experience
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, economics, international development, community development, nutrition, or a related field with 9 years of professional experience 
• At least 5 years’ experience managing the implementation of field-level activities, including working with regional, and district government officials and civil society/community-based organizations in northern Ghana.
• Experience working at the district and regional teams is an advantage.
• Experience working directly with community-level organizations and structures.
• Experience supporting the implementation of USAID activities.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills 
• Understanding and knowledge of basic computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Verbal and written fluency in English
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication