PROJECT OFFICER-BEN &JERRY MONITORING PROJECT

Introduction

Fairtrade Africa (FTA) 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. FTA supports over 1,055,000 farmers and workers in over 520 Producer Organisations (POs) spread over 33 countries to access better prices, decent working conditions and fairer terms of trade. Established in 2005, FTA has its Secretariat in Nairobi and four (4) Regional offices to direct policy and strategic development of the organization.

About The Job

Ben & Jerry’s Producer Development Initiative (PDI):
The Ben & Jerry’s PDI builds on the ice cream company’s Fairtrade sourcing commitments by investing in additional programmes with three cocoa producers in Cote D’Ivoire. Part of their investment includes the wider West African Cocoa Programme whilst funds are also supporting a Barry Callebaut led coach based services program to bring farmers affordable opportunities with renovation, diversification and productivity programmes and a micro-credit scheme. This role will oversee both work-streams for Ben & Jerry’s, acting as the voice of the three co-operatives receiving services and representing their interests and feedback whilst working closely with the local and global project teams.

Duties & Responsibilities

The main purpose of job – Under the West Africa cocoa Programme framework the job holder is responsible for Programme implementation and monitoring. He/she will take a lead in the implementation of the following key performance areas:

Programme Review and Needs Assessment
• Undertake a review of programme work so far with the three co-operatives, reporting back the findings Monitor needs with the three co-operatives to ensure future programmatic work meets their needs and fits with their priorities
• Lead on organising a workshop with the three co-operatives and the global teams to capture their feedback and inform the programme design
• Continue to review the ongoing programme work with the farmers and co-operatives, sharing learnings and findings for scheduled reports and on an ad hoc basis
Programme Implementation and Management Support with the co-operatives
• Support on the coordination and implementation of in-country activities according to approved work plans and budgets for PDI project work 2020 onwards for the three co-operatives by working with the project implementation team in Barry Callebaut and working closely with the BC project manager
• Act as a key point of contact for queries and feedback from the co-operatives and also partners in the project (including the Fairtrade Foundation located in the U.K. and other stakeholders in the USA), ensuring that, as far as possible, issues are dealt with promptly and efficiently
• Delivery of capacity building in required project areas and the FT Standards
• Facilitate and lead meetings with Barry Callebaut and Fairtrade Africa quarterly in Cote D’Ivoire, as well as with the three co-operatives, to share updates and learnings. Minute decisions and actions.
• Facilitate and lead meetings with the global project team annually to provide updates, demonstrate progress, discuss learnings and changes and review the programme.
Monitoring and Reporting

• Under the supervision of a Business Development Advisor, closely monitor programme performance (Financial and programmatic) and propose strategies for continuous improvement.
• In close collaboration with the MEL team both at FTA and also in the National Fairtrade Organisation, and in complement to BC reporting, lead project monitoring and evaluation processes in-country by supporting the framework and collection of data to address the Theory of Change and learning questions
• Support the Business Development Adviser to monitor capacity-building efforts
• Submit high-quality narrative and financial reports in accordance with project and organisational requirements (monthly, quarterly and annually). This will include reporting on the West African Cocoa Programme and PDI activities on all three co-operatives for Ben & Jerry’s board deadlines
• Provide information and data on a timely basis to the project team function including, but not limited to, quantitative and qualitative reporting
• Establish and maintain a database of all programme documents and reports area of operation
• Under the supervision of FTA communication officer report on the Premium spend of the three co-operatives and collection of stories of those enrolled in the programme and/or benefitting from Fairtrade cocoa sales

Programme advocacy
• Support the Business Development Adviser to establish and maintain in-country strategic partnerships
• Initiate and maintain relationships with local communities, public and government institutions, educational institutions among others who are key stakeholders of FTA
• Support advocacy efforts at national and regional levels
• Supports the development of communication material development and supports media visits, as well as visits of project partners and the client

Resource Mobilisation

• Support with resource mobilisation efforts

Skills & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with additional work experience
• Other Specialist Training or Certifications
• Project Management
• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar position
• Excellent command of spoken and written English as well as French required, and additional local languages desirable
• Excellent data management and reporting skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals across multi-functional and cultural disciplines
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple work-streams with various partners at any one time