Company Profile

CARE International is a global network of independent national organizations, which include CARE members, candidates and affiliates, social enterprises, and thousands of community-based partner organizations working together across more than 100 countries to save lives, end poverty and fight social injustice. To learn more, visit www.care-international.org.

CARE International in Ghana: CARE began operations in Ghana in 1994. Since then the Accra office expanded to support programs in Togo and Benin under the umbrella of the CARE Gulf of Guinea country mission. In July 2010, CARE replaced the three-country mission with country offices in Ghana and Benin, the latter of which is also responsible for a small number of activities in Togo.

CARE Ghana’s projects are primarily implemented through partnerships with local and civil society organizations. This enables CARE to further engage with government and the private sector, work effectively in coalition, and to have the greatest possible impact. CARE Ghana prioritizes the rural and vulnerable poor- women and organizes its work around health, governance, sustainable livelihoods and education.

Job Description

CARE International in Ghana is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of a Project Officer for PROSPER PROJECT. PROSPER is a 3-year project targeted at improving the livelihoods of individuals in cocoa-growing communities and enhancing the capacity of communities to own and   lead the process of development. It is a partnership between CARE International and Cargill. The objectives of the project are to: 1. Increase access to education and improve child protection. 2. Strengthen inclusive governance. 3. Enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes and in local governance. 4. Improve nutrition behaviors.

The PROSPER project is operational in four cocoa districts – Sefwi-Wiawso, Asawinso, Anhwiaso, and Awaso. The four cocoa districts fall within several political districts/municipalities including:  Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality, Akontombra district, Bodi, Amenfi Central and Juaboso districts in the Western Region of Ghana.

Job Summary:

The Project Officer (PO) will be based in Kumasi and will be required to travel to project communities in the Western region at agreed periods.  The PO will report directly to the PROSPER Project Manager/ Kumasi Sub-Office Team Leader, based in Kumasi.

The Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating project implementation, providing support to Project Facilitators based in the districts, report writing and any adhoc project activities that may come up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate Implementation of project activities as per agreed work plan and monitor project implementation against work plan
• Generate all project reports incorporating data and information from the M&E Officer for review by Project Manager (including monthly forecast and quarterly financial and activity reports)
• Develop Scopes of Work and Terms of reference and facilitate contractual processes for all project consultancy activities in consultation with other project team/staff for Project Manager’s  approval
• Support the PM in dissemination of information and knowledge generated through the project widely and effectively to stakeholders including the Municipal/District Assemblies and other decentralized departments.
• Support  M&E processes of the project
• Organize quarterly District Stakeholder  meetings in consultation with Project Manager and M&E officer
• Support the PM to design, develop and implement project strategies and plans, ensuring they are in line with the project objectives, strategies and principles, and CARE’s mission and vision.
• Support the PM to design and implement project approaches and methodologies aiming towards community empowerment, partner capacity building, partnerships and policy influence as well as lesson learning.
• Facilitate linkages, learning and synergy between the project and other Sub Office projects
• Contribute as required to the development of new programme initiatives in the sub office

Required Skills or Experience

• A minimum qualification of a first degree from a recognized university preferably in  Social Science, Community Development, Social Science, Adult Education,  Social Science , and Agriculture.
• A good knowledge in Project Management will be an added advantage
• At least 3 years post qualification in a cocoa community development project implementation environment
• Relevant experience in capacity building activities and working with cocoa farming communities, CBOs, traditional institutions, NGOs and public sector agencies
• Strategic and conceptual thinking ability
• Critical thinking, creative and analytical
• Excellent communication skills and good team player
• Experience in facilitating linkages, relationship building and networking
• Experience in smallholder agri-business and capacity building
• Good written and oral communication skills in English. Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders (strong demonstrable report writing skills). Ability to communicate in Twi (Akan
• Excellent facilitation, People Skills, Integrity and Resilience / Adaptation and flexibility
• Ability to multitask and work within deadlines;
• Proficient in use of Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook