Technical Adviser for Commodity Based Business
Reference number: A0280419
Location: Kenema, Sierra Leone
Salary starting at: £29,507 to £31,966 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract: 1 year Fixed Term contract

The Tropical Forest Landscapes Unit is seeking a new Technical Adviser for Commodity Based Business based in the Gola Rainforest Headquarters, Kenema, Sierra Leone.

Reporting to our client's Technical Adviser for Livelihoods, and working closely with the Commodities and Sustainable Finance Development Manager based in UK.

Overarching Goals

• In cooperation with the TA Livelihoods and the GRC Cocoa team, to support the delivery of projects to develop a strategic vision of the Gola Rainforest Cocoa Programme, to result in a successful community-driven rainforest friendly cocoa business
• To support the potential for a Gola landscape approach through linking the cocoa work in Sierra Leone to the work in Liberia.
• To support the development of the GRC as a sustainable not-for-profit business enterprise with diverse income streams which meet conservation objectives, including assessment of cost efficiencies and set up of financial systems
• To support, where opportunities arise, the development of new value chains, small enterprises and services, led and delivered by members of Gola chiefdoms, for local, regional and international markets
• To support the development of the Gola brand as a hub for forest-friendly products and best practices, starting with rainforest friendly cocoa

Specific results within 2 years, working in collaboration with the GRC management team, our client and other partners (e.g. Farmers Associations and Farmers Union)

• Successful delivery of support to GRC to ensure they fulfil their responsibilities for grant funded Gola cocoa projects including workplans, budgets and reporting (including IDH, IFAD, P4F), working in collaboration with partners
• Support for the Cocoa business to ensure it becomes financially viable with a trajectory to profitability and access to rainforest friendly international markets, working in close collaboration with partners
• Gola forest-friendly business strategy developed with partners and in collaboration with responsible departments
• Business management structures in GRC better fit for purpose, and aligned programme and business objectives for effective delivery
• Sierra Leone staff enabled to take over more elements of project and business management
• Secured funding from variety of sources (investment and donor)

Line management, work coordination and representation

• Coordinate with line manager/ Technical Advisor Sustainable Livelihoods, the Chief Technical Advisor and Gola Landscape Programme Manager with reference to work plan and programme for cocoa and business enterprise.
• The CTA will lead on Sierra Leone based partnerships and donor liaison with support from Technical Advisors.
• Assist with the management of GRC's grant budgets in country (listed above) and provide financial information to Finance for reporting. Financial reporting to donors and contract management to be led by the organisation's finance department.
• Collaborate with the Gola Landscape Programme Manager, line manager, and Commodities and Sustainable Finance Development Manager on proposal development for cocoa and business enterprise.
• Collaborate with line manager and the Commodities and Sustainable Finance Development Manager on identifying and pursuing direct investment for the GRC Cocoa business.
• Provide input to and collaborate with the Commodities and Sustainable Finance Development Manager in liaising with international partners and donors. Commodities and Sustainable Finance Development Manager will lead on international partnerships and donor liaison on cocoa and business enterprise.
• Participate in the Roundtable on forest-friendly cocoa when required.
• Participate in the Cocoa Technical Working Group.
• Participate in international cocoa-related events when required with approval from the line manager and Gola Landscape Programme Manager.

Essential requirements:

• Educated to at least degree level in relevant discipline (NRM, Conservation, Rural Development, Agriculture)
• At least 5 years working in small-holder farmer commodity supply chains
• Understanding of and experience in the steps needed to set up a community led business
• Proven ability to manage donor grants including budgets, workplans and reporting
• Good communication skills (written and verbal), and ability to form good relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to work in small team, and live in Kenema in Sierra Leone, with basic level of facilities
• Adaptable and flexible in approach to work
• Self-motivated, willing to work at times with limited supervision

Preferred requirements:

• Experience in developing small scale enterprises
• Experience of work in West Africa desired

(The benefits package includes accommodation, flights and travel insurance.)

Closing date: 28 June 2019

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To find out more information and apply for this position, please click the apply button. You will be taken to a simple CHM Recruit form and then redirected to the employer’s website.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. You will be asked to declare unspent convictions and cautions at offer of employment stage.

When you complete your application please make sure you include reference number A0280419 on any correspondence.

No agencies please.