Company Profile

TechnoServe Inc (http://(www.technoserve.org) is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty. A nonprofit organization operating in 29 countries, we work with enterprising men and women in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. By linking people to information, capital and markets, we have helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities.

Founded over 50 years ago, TechnoServe has been named the #1 nonprofit for fighting poverty by the ImpactMatters charity ratings agency.

Job Description

• Reports to: Country Director
• Location:  Ghana
• Travel:  30% Domestic
• Grade:  10

Program Description

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) anticipates funding the five-year Ghana Trade and Investment Activity. The project will utilize a market systems approach to facilitate reforms and improve the enabling environment for trade and investment in Ghana. The project will focus on supporting transformation of Ghana’s agriculture sector, specifically promoting investment in higher-value commercial value chains geared toward the export market.

The project has three main components: 1) Investment Promotion, 2) Trade Facilitation, and 3) SME development.

Position Description

• Lead project activities related to SME development, ensuring excellence in execution
• Engage key stakeholders in the SME support ecosystem and pertinent associations within priority value chains
• Provide strategic guidance and technical leadership regarding the project’s approach to SME development
• Continuously develop operational efficiencies and drive innovations in delivery under project component
• Supervise long- and short-term team members implementing SME development activities

Required Skills or Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in agricultural economics, international development, business, economics, public policy or other relevant area
• 8 years of experience in relevant private sector or development programs.
• At least 3 years of experience leading SME capacity building, with previous experience utilizing a market systems development approach
• Experience in relevant agricultural market systems and/or in relevant support markets (e.g. inputs, agri-processing/marketing, storage etc.) as well as understanding of production systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with agribusinesses, private sector experience preferred
• Experience living and working in Ghana or West Africa.
• Experience implementing USAID-funded programs and knowledge of USAID regulations and procedures.
• Track record of building win-win partnerships between multiple agriculture sector stakeholders, including agribusinesses, public sector, financial institutions, technology providers, and others.
• Experience successfully implementing gender-integrated programs.
• Demonstrated ability to use adaptive management principles to make strategic, data-driven decisions in the face of uncertainty and complexity.

Required Languages

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required
• Fluency in other local languages a plus