Company Profile

Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa is the umbrella organization representing Fairtrade certified producers in Africa and is a member of Fairtrade International (FI). FTA aims to effectively represent producers within the International Fairtrade system and to contribute to the livelihood improvement of African and Middle Eastern producers by increasing access to markets. Established in 2005, FTA directs policy and strategic development of the organization, including its Secretariat in Nairobi and the four (4) regional offices. FTA works within the Fairtrade system to support over 1,055,000 farmers and workers in over 520 producer organizations spread over 33 countries to access better prices, decent working conditions, and fairer terms of trade

Fairtrade Africa is owned by its members, who are African producer organizations certified against international Fairtrade Standards producing traditional export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cut flowers, cane sugar, wine, cotton, bananas, mango, pineapples and non-traditional commodities including shea butter, rooibos tea, vegetables and fresh and dry fruits. Fairtrade Africa is made up of both Small Producer Organizations (SPOs) and Hired Labour Organizations (HLO). In HLOs, the focus is on supporting companies that employ hired labour to supply better working conditions for their workers while in SPOs the focus is on members who are smallholders who run their farms mainly using their own and their family labour.

Fairtrade Africa’s interventions are guided by the Fairtrade Theory of Change which visually expresses how these ultimately lead to global Fairtrade Goals. You can read more about FTA at www.fairtradeafrica.net

Job Description

WE ARE HIRING: Membership Assistant

ABOUT THE JOB

• TEAM: Western Africa Network – Regional (WAN)
• LOCATION: Abidjan-Cote D’Ivoire, or Accra-Ghana
• REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to: Regional Operation Manager, Fairtrade Africa
• Staff reporting to this post: None
• SCALE LEVEL: Officer 1
• BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: None

JOB PURPOSE
To act as a point of contact for all members and prospective members, providing timely assistance and co-ordinate all administration relating to the admissions process.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Membership Support

• Oversee membership applications and undertake all aspects of data entry relating to members in accordance with the agreed data for collection requirements.
• Conduct key membership tasks including creating invoices and receipts, processing membership invoices and payments, and keeping membership fee payment tracking files up to date.
• Ensure that all responses to membership enquiries are immediate and to a good standard.
• Support the joint planning activity and review with producer organizations and ensure timely gathering and distribution of information to producer organizations.
• Deliver a seamless experience to the members as well as providing support and assistance to team members where needed.
• Process membership payments and liaise with the Finance and Administration Officer to ensure that financial records reconcile to those on the accounting system.
• Monitor the provision of membership service to producer organizations
• Provide logistical and administrative support events and workshops
• Response to member queries, requests and communications

Reporting and Communication

• Maintain up to date membership database and producer records.
• Liaise with the Communications Officer to ensure the clear communication of membership benefits and deliver key information to members.
• Prepare membership activity reports
• Conduct outbound calls and correspondence to support member engagement and retention.

Required Skills or Experience

Qualifications
Associate Degree in Business Administration or related field

Experience and Knowledge

• 2 years’ experience in a customer service role to either a membership or the general public
• Experience of managing and maintaining data records

Skills

• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work to deadlines and cope with pressure, multi-task, demonstrate flexibility
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications
• Good data entry skills
• Reliable, well organized and flexible
• Excellent attention to detail