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

CALL FOR CONSULTANT (S)– Support Rural Service Centres with Statutory Compliance

ABOUT the Cocoa Hubs Project
The Cocoa Hubs project is a collaborative initiative between Fairtrade Africa and Tropenbos Ghana, with the support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The project aims to transform existing Rural Service Centers (RSCs) into Cocoa Hubs, creating centralized platforms that will enhance the sustainability and profitability of cocoa farming in Ghana. Through the implementation of the project, it is expected that the hubs will serve as key pillars in improving the livelihood of cocoa farmers by providing essential services, training, and access to market opportunities.

By facilitating access to critical resources, the project will empower farmers to enhance their competitiveness, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen climate resilience.

Additionally, the Cocoa Hubs project will support value addition, efficient logistics, environmental sustainability, and land rehabilitation, fostering long-term growth and prosperity for cocoa communities.

ASSIGNMENT PURPOSE
Many Rural Service Centres (RSCs) operate under significant administrative and compliance constraints due to limited capacity and access to professional services. To ensure that these centres remain legally compliant and sustainable, there is a need to provide technical support in fulfilling key statutory obligations required by Ghanaian regulatory authorities.
This consultancy is being commissioned to guide and support the RSCs in meeting these obligations efficiently and on time.
The overall objective of the assignment is to support Rural Service Centres to become and remain fully compliant with relevant statutory regulations and filings.

Specifically, the consultant will:

• Assess the current compliance status of each RSC.
• Support the preparation and submission of all outstanding statutory requirements.
• Build capacity of RSC staff to manage ongoing statutory compliance.
• Ensure that all RSCs are duly registered, licensed, and meet ongoing tax, social security, and regulatory requirements.

SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will provide support to each Rural Service Centre in the following areas:

3.1. Registration and Licensing

• Verify and update the registration status of each RSC with the Office of the Registrar of Companies.
• Support RSCs in completing all necessary filings including:

1. Business name or company registration
2. Annual returns
3. Renewal of certificates

3.2. Tax Compliance (GRA)

• Facilitate GRA registration for all RSCs, if not already registered.
• Ensure filing and payment of:

1. Monthly GRA returns (e.g., VAT/NHIL, Withholding Tax, PAYE)
2. Annual GRA returns
3. Provide training on maintaining proper records for tax purposes

• The consultant must also facilitate registration on such portals for RSCs.

3.3. Financial Reporting

• Support the preparation of:

1. 2024 Financial Statements
2. 2024 Audited Financial Statements (through collaboration with a certified auditor)

• Review existing financial records and advise on improvements for compliance

3.4. Environmental Compliance

• Assist RSCs in applying for or renewing the EPA Certificate (Environmental Protection Agency)

3.5. Local Authority Permits

• Obtain or renew the Business Operating Permit from the appropriate Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Assembly (MMDA)

3.6. Social Security Compliance

• Confirm or facilitate registration with SSNIT
• Ensure timely submission of:

1. Tier 1 (Basic Social Security) monthly returns
2. Tier 2 (Occupational Pension Scheme) monthly returns

3.7. Capacity Building

• Conduct a basic training workshop or a series of coaching sessions for RSC managers and administrative staff on the following topics:

1. Statutory obligations
2. Document retention requirements
3. Compliance calendar management

• The consultant will empower the staff with the necessary knowledge and tools so that, moving forward, they are able to independently manage and file the relevant statutory returns.

SPECIFIC RESULTS AND DELIVERABLES

The consultant is expected to produce the following:

SCHEDULE
The assignment will be for ten (10) weeks, starting from the date of signing the contract.

Required Skills or Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Law, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Chartered Accountant (ICAG, ACCA, or equivalent) or Legal/Compliance background strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or NGOs with statutory compliance in Ghana.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Ghana’s regulatory framework, including GRA, SSNIT, EPA, and the Office of the Registrar of Companies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience in financial reporting and tax advisory.
• Experience in delivering training or capacity building is an advantage.