Location: Wa or Bolgatanga, Ghana

Reports to: Program Director

Please Note: This position is contingent upon award and Department of State approval with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2024

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community. We work with government, non-government, private sector, and community stakeholders to promote transparency, foster accountability, and access the channels they need to make their voices heard, promote change, and realize their full potential.

Global Communities is seeking a Country Lead – Ghana for the anticipated Department of State, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations Peacebuilding through Economic Resilience in Host Communities in Northern Cote d’Ivoire and Northern Ghana Project. This one-year (with possibility of extension) $1.9 million program will build social cohesion between at-risk groups in northern Ghana and northern Cote d’Ivoire by improving equitable access to livelihoods in communities hosting refugees and asylum seekers in these regions. Through strengthening inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communal management of land and water resources in communities hosting refugees/asylum seekers, increasing equitable economic exchange between host communities and refugees/asylum seekers, and building conflict management skills in these communities, this program will improve equitable access to livelihoods for at-risk communities.

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Country Lead – Ghana will help provide management, and strong technical support in the implementation of the project within northern Ghana. We are looking for passionate, dedicated professionals to help us build the world we envision: one of expanded opportunity, where crises give way to resilience and all people thrive.

Responsibilities

The Country Lead – Ghana will be responsible for overseeing the regional program team and the technical and operational aspects of activity implementation in northern Ghana. The Country Lead will support the Program Director and will collaborate with relevant regional stakeholders including communities, government, and civil society stakeholders, and other critical partners to provide support for effective implementation and sustainability of project interventions. S/he will guide staff, and ensure that the project’s implementation is aligned with its approved workplan and budget, and meets targets for achievement. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Technical Leadership:

• Support the Program Director with the development of strategic plans, work plans, and manage the activity at a regional level in line with donor regulations and guidelines.
• Oversee technical project activities in northern Ghana and supervise and mentor program staff and consultants.
• Oversee planning, execution and documentation of project activities, ensuring timely and high-quality achievement of targets and deliverables.
• Ensure that activities related to social cohesion implement global and local best practices, providing strategic responses to changing program requirements as needed to meet project goals and objectives.
• Conduct regular site visits to observe project progress and obtain feedback from participants and stakeholders.
• Use principles of adaptive management and participatory processes to develop appropriate responses to contextual changes and challenges.
• Lead project staff quarterly in reviewing project performance and outcome data to monitor progress against indicator targets. Routinely assess and improve project performance against workplan and targets.
• Build and maintain a sense of shared ownership and unified team effort among staff and partners, as well as strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

Operational Management:

• Work with Global Communities Global Support Team and Ghana Country Office staff to leverage knowledge and activities and to effectively and accurately communicate project progress, achievements, challenges, and utilization of funds.
• Ensure compliance with the terms of donor agreement and Global Communities’ internal policies.
• Create a positive and safe working environment for all staff.
• Represent Global Communities and the project at meetings with local stakeholders (other NGOs, government officials, private sector institutions, etc.) as needed and necessary.
• Promote Global Communities’ values (purposeful, committed, genuine, and connected) and ensure that all project staff demonstrate these values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to international development, public administration, peacebuilding, or natural resource management is required.
• Six years of experience implementing and managing relevant projects addressing social cohesion, peacebuilding, conflict management, community development, economic opportunities and/or governance.
• Relevant work experience in the Upper East and/or Upper West Regions in Ghana preferred.
• Proven experience in a leadership position involving the administration of related, international donor-supported programs with skills in planning, management, supervision, budgeting, and developing collaborative working relationships with counterparts.
• Knowledge/Experience with Ghanaian and US government rules and regulations related to the management of donor-supported programs and the employment of staff strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing a team and monitoring and documenting progress towards agreed targets and project objectives.
• Understanding of cross-cutting issues including gender equity, environment/climate change, and social inclusion and their application to the context of the Upper West and Upper East Regions of Ghana.
• Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Languages: Full Professional Proficiency in spoken and written English and proficiency in relevant local languages required.
• A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities.

Global Communities positively welcomes and seeks applications from all sections of society. We are committed to a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of everyone and offers equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.