Company Profile

• To support our members to strengthen their organizations in line with Fairtrade standards.
• To improve and increase our members’ ability to access Fairtrade markets.
• To empower our members to advocate for their interests and take active ownership of the global Fairtrade system. 

• Deliver relevant valued services to Fairtrade smallholders and workers
• Build, secure, and sustain access to the market for our members.
• Advocacy.
• Build a strong, settled producer network as part of a global system 

Job Description

• TEAM: Regional
• LOCATION: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

• Post holder reports to: Regional Cocoa Manager
• Staff reporting to this post: None 

• Create a data base of current and potential members in the country
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with member organizations. Be a go-to person on issues relating to FTA
• Collect views and needs of the members and share these at all times with the Business Development Advisor and Regional Cocoa Manager
• Advise the Business Development Advisor and Regional Cocoa Manager on members perceptions and attitudes towards FTA and the NFOs and other stakeholders operating within the region
• Provides feedback to the Business Development Advisor and the Regional Cocoa manager on issues and trends in relation to the implementation of WACP as well as provide input into the implementation of the Programme.
• Gather information on other related organizations working within the same region and advise the Business Development Advisor (BDA).
• Support BDA in the assessment of non-Fairtrade Certified organizations to gauge readiness for joining Fairtrade
• Support BDA provide trainings for certified cocoa producer organizations in the country on identified thematic issues within the scope of WACP
• Ensure that he/she has good understanding of the nature of member business.
• Ensure follow up on member issues with the BDA and regional offices
• Follow up on membership fees collection
• Provide input to BDA and Regional Cocoa Manager on how best to meet membership
• needs and the packaging of such support
• Prepare and submit project field reports

Stakeholder Engagement

• Initiate and maintain relationships with local communities, public and government institutions, educational institutions etc. who have a stake in the plight of the FTA members
• Advocate on FTA policies and issues with the local opinion leaders and decision makers in close liaison with Business Development Advisor
• Ensure awareness of the local trends, perceptions and players in the local community.
• Advise the BDA on how to manage risk and also optimize on the opportunities
• Influence localized policies and perceptions in favor of FTA and FI systems though the Support of BDA.

Project Support

• Support FTA projects on the ground
• Prepare and provide reports to BDA on projects progress
• Provide feedback on project challenges and recommend remedial actions
• Identify opportunities for new projects, collect data and information for forwarding to BDA
• and Regional Cocoa Manager
• Provide support to the members in project implementation. Constantly communicate the
• objectives of the projects to ensure member buy in.
• Ensure policies and procedures are in place and are adhered to by

Provide Administrative Support

• Ensure all FTA procedures and systems are adhered
• Ensure effective exchange of information and development of good practice regarding all relevant issues relating to FTA
• Mentor members and potential members on FTA requirements.

TOT Interns Support

• Work closely with member organizations in identifying potential TOT Interns from among them
• Screen and recommend potential candidates to BDA
• Carry out the induction of the TOT Interns and identify skills and knowledge needs
• Coach and mentor the TOT Interns at all times
• Develop TOT work plans and work schedules and supervise the same
• Agree a mechanism of expense disbursement and claim for TOT Interns with the BDA and Regional Cocoa Manager
• Provide them with work performance measures and monitor the same.

Required Skills or Experience

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with individuals across multi-functional disciplines
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to write and speak French
• Competence in some of the local languages