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

ABOUT THE JOB
To support the producer and member organisations conducting needs assessment, thematic trainings and providing coaching to strengthen capacity. To provide pre and post certification support as required.

LOCATION
1 position in Accra, Ghana
1 position in Abidjan, Cote d'ivoire

REPORTING LINES

• Post holder reports to: Team Leader
• Staff reporting to this post: None

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes
 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Establish a business case for each project, supported by budget information and income projections
• Manage the implementation of projects to develop the capacity of producer organizations
• Monitor operational activities and effectiveness of results and milestones
• Compile monthly updates and quarterly reports using FTA and project templates
• Support the development of project proposals

Technical Advisory

• Provide thematic training and technical advisory support training to producer organisations and
• Fairtrade Premium Committees:
• Project and financial management
• Gender main streaming
• Hired Labour Standards
• Fairtrade Premium management
• Product Certification Cycle

Organizational Strengthening

• Initiate and maintain relationships with local communities, public and government institutions, educational institutions among other stakeholders
• Understand producer needs and concerns, advocate on relevant policies to enhance FTA’s work with the local opinion leaders and decision makers.
• Ensure awareness of the local trends, perceptions and players in the local community.
• Advise on how to manage risk and optimise on the opportunities
• Influence localised policies and perceptions in favour of FTA though the support of the Programme Manager.
• Support the identification of opportunities for programmes and projects development
• Support and provide advice to producer groups to enable access to trade and marketing opportunities
• Represent FTA in country and field events
• Support the needs and situational assessment of producer organizations and propose recommendations to best support Small Producer Organizations
• Support in provision of technical assistance to members in the development of business strategic plans, marketing plans related to business development and growth requirements

Required Skills or Experience

Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Agriculture or related field

Experience and Knowledge

• A minimum of 3 years’ project management experience in a similar environment
• Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences
• Experience in business development within sustainable supply chains
• Knowledge and understanding of Fairtrade standards
• Thematic knowledge and expertise in FTA’s priority areas
• Skills
• Good command of spoken and written English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with individuals across multi-functional disciplines
• Conflict resolution skills
• Good organizational skills
• Good training and facilitation skills
• Strong planning and project management skills
• Ability to speak local language