Rainforest Alliance Vacancies 2017

The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. With headquarters in New York City, and offices worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers.

Job Description

Job Title: Project Associate

Position summary:

The Sr. Project Associate, Ghana, is a new position to implement a project collaboration between Rainforest Alliance and Partnership for Forests, a UK government-funded initiative to conserve forests and manage climate change. The post holder will be responsible for implementing landscape
management governance and technical assistance related to natural resource management and sustainable agriculture in the Western region of Ghana. This will include managing local relationships with private companies, district governments and other stakeholders. S/he will lead the training and technical assistance in the landscape, concentrating primarily on cocoa, with involvement in other crops and additional livelihood opportunities, based on sustainable management of the forested
landscape. The position requires independent decision making on day-to-day tactical issues, while strategic decisions and approvals will require the involvement of the Senior Project Associate and West Africa Senior Manager.

Responsibilities:

Lead the technical assistance work in the project landscape, especially facilitating the establishment and governance of a Landscape Management Board, training trainers and farmers on the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) standard, budgeting and developing the training approach;
Facilitate community participation and mobilization for technical project implementation; organize and facilitate community level training events on benefits of landscape management board and sustainable farming management practices;
Prepare for organizational strengthening and business skills training sessions with participating communities; the postholder may act as a temporary group administrator within the Internal Management System team required for SAN compliance;
Help develop the district extension officers’ scope of work and participate in their training on the SAN standard (including productivity and climate
modules) and forest management;
Manage the implementation of the certification process of the farmer group, and negotiate arrangements with local partners (including Licensed Buying Companies);
Represent Rainforest Alliance in meetings with local government and non-government institutions, conferences and promotional events;
Troubleshoot, research and solve implementation challenges of the SAN standard for the local producer association in coordination with in-country
Rainforest Alliance colleagues;

Support project M&E reporting and technical delivery requirements;
Provide input for the development of audio-visual and printed training and guidance material from project implementation for broader sharing;
Contribute to landscape project planning, strategic development and review activities and produce quarterly reports; and Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
A minimum of a first degree in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or related field preferred with extensive experience in community development work involving community organizations and/or assisting small rural producers;
3-5 years of field experience in renewable natural resource management. Experience with an NGO preferred, with a minimum of one year work
experience in sustainable agriculture;
Good understanding of policies and governance for integrated landscape management and implementation of integrated landscape management across a transect of landscape types, uses and management from highly modified peri-urban to natural ecosystems;
First-hand knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices in Western region of Ghana;
Knowledge of, and commitment to environmental issues and sustainability practices;
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English;
Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and working knowledge of PowerPoint other analytical software;
Initiative, self-motivated, resourceful, detail-oriented, dependability, strong attention to detail. Licensed to ride a motorbike and willingness to do so in rough terrains; and
Willingness and availability to travel up to 30% per year, nationally.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience. Initially a one year contract, renewable by mutual agreement

Benefits:

We believe that all employees, regardless of location or title, should have access to benefits. We strive to provide programs that provide the following:
Health/medical coverage for staff and family;
Retirement savings plans;
Paid time off for holidays/vacations, illness, and personal needs;
Assistance for adverse situations that might arise while on business travel; and Insurance for unfortunate circumstances.
Benefits vary, depending on location. Please talk to your recruiter during your interview about specific benefits for your location.

Notes:
Only candidates authorized to work in Ghana will be considered.

How To Apply

Send resume, cover letter and salary history to Rainforest Alliance, Box KA 9714, Airport, Accra Ghana. Email: ghanapersonnel@ra.org. If emailing, use the following format in the subject line: first name and last name,

If emailing, use the following format in the subject line: first name and last name, job title of position you
are applying for.