Environmental and Forestry Specialist, TogetHER Project - Socodevi

SOCODEVI contributes to improving the living conditions of communities by supporting the creation and strengthening of sustainable and inclusive cooperative or mutual companies.

Job Description

• Project management/Full time
• Minimum Qualification: B.Sc. or M.Sc in Environmental Sciences or Forestry.
• Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level
• Experience Length: 5 – 10 years
• Location: Ashanti Region (Kumasi)

Project Description

SOCODEVI contributes to improving the living conditions of communities by supporting the creation and strengthening of sustainable and inclusive cooperative or mutual companies.

The TogetHER Project aims to empower women and young adults (18-30 years old) in rural cocoa-producing communities in the Ashanti and Western North regions of Ghana. Training and support will encourage collective savings, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion while contributing to the sustainable resilience of the cocoa sector and the equal distribution of economic benefits and opportunities.

This project aims to reduce gender gaps in the cocoa sector and encourage resource flows at the community level, so that cocoa cooperatives can become more inclusive, foster women and youth equal and effective participation and truly sustain their empowerment. Through this project, SOCODEVI is leading the way in transforming existing cooperatives to be more inclusive and resilient in collaboration with all levels of government in Ghana.

Job Summary 

Reporting to the Project Director and working closely with the Principal Coordinator and Finance Specialist and the Environment team in SOCODEVI Head Office, the Environmental & Forestry Specialist will work in partnership with Ghanaian Ministry, Departments and Institutions involved in the Cocoa Value Chain to provide technical assistance to cooperatives to achieving the project targets which include but are not limited to;  

• Understand, comprehend, and produce necessary knowledge materials on important national/institutional natural resources and conservation policies that have environmental implications to the cocoa sector;
• Provide guidance to policy issues with respect to forestry and biodiversity conservation and analysis of issues that are affecting the cocoa sector;
• Provide technical advice on forest-related project activities to ensure that the activities in each output area are timely, efficiently and effectively implemented in accordance with the project document and work plan;
• Liaise with relevant members of staff, consultants, Socodevi technical staff, COCOBOD, and Forestry Commission as necessary to ensure efficient and effective implementation of project outputs;
• Support timely submission of project/progress reports and in the preparation of other reports as may be required. 

Required Skills or Experience

• This position requires a strong background (at least a B.Sc.) in Environmental Management, Forestry, or Natural Resource Management with at least 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in Ghana’s forestry and agriculture sectors. 
• Experience and/or familiarity with environmental management systems, farmer training, agroforestry practice and GIS and other data management tools and systems would be an asset.
• Experience in policy-related issues with respect to forestry and biodiversity conservation and analysis of issues that are affecting the cocoa sector i.e. tree tenure rights, land tenure, land use planning etc.
• Ability to communicate complex information in understandable and relevant terms adapted for different stakeholders especially communities.
• Proven project coordination skills with ability to effectively manage and prioritize a diverse workload within a team.
• An excellent command of English is essential. 
• The successful candidate will be expected to undertake field work. 
• This position carries considerable responsibility and autonomy and requires good organizational capacity, good interpersonal and networking skills and a willingness to work as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially email communications.
• Advanced computer skills (Windows, MS Office, Sharepoint).