Job Description

This is an exciting but challenging opportunity for anyone who seeks to work with the Credit Union family in West Africa.

Reports to: ILCUF
Responsible for: Overall management of the 3 year programme “West Africa Credit Unions Programme Against Poverty”
Job Location: Accra/Kasoa, Ghana with travel to Sierra Leone, Gambia and Liberia
Contract Details: 2.5 year contract (3 months probation)

Job Purpose:
Implement the actions foreseen in the EU ACP programme proposal “West Africa Credit Unions Programme Against Poverty”. Represent the programme with all stakeholders in West Africa.

Main Duties & Responsibilities
Programme:

• Develop and manage a regional hub for the provision of training and technical assurance to Credit Union movements in West Africa (primarily Ghana, the Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia)
• Plan the actions of the programme with the ILCUF Regional TA Adviser and the Programme Steering Group. Co-ordinate the activities of the steering group and other relevant parties/stakeholders
• Implement the actions according to the schedule agreed with ILCUF Regional TA Adviser and the Programme Steering Group
• Ensure the development and delivery of training and technical assistance to the programme partners with CUA and CUTrac including the development of a partners’ platform for exchange
• Monitor on-going programme progress in programme countries with the CEOs of the National Movements (members of Steering Group)
• Monitor programme budgets with ILCUF and CUA and ensure accountability and transparency
• Facilitate all research, baseline assessments, impact assessments, reviews and evaluation foreseen in the programme with ILCUF and appointed consultants
• Co-ordinate international study tours and international training events
• Institute a knowledge management approach to harness learning from the programme and ensure effective dissemination including publication and publishing on the Internet as appropriate
• Assist with the development and rolling out of a social performance management approach for apex/quasi apex organisations

• Represent the programme at relevant government, donor or inter agency meetings

• Ensure timely submission of reports to Steering Group and ILCUF and as appropriate, ensure they are consistent with EU reporting requirements. Lead the process of developing an effective weekly/monthly planning and reporting system for the programme consistent with EV reporting requirements

• Undertake other related duties as maybe assigned by ILCUF Regional TA Adviser and Programme Steering Group

Person Specification
Essential:

• 3rd level qualification in relevant field preferably in Management, Finance, Social Sciences or other related professional fields
• An in depth experience of Credit Union development and management
• Keen understanding of CU financial structures
• Experience in project management, especially in projects which deliver training and technical assistance
• Ability to manage multi-country programme requiring very high quality planning and communication 5 countries
• Experience of mainstreaming issues such as equality. HIV/AIDS, protection; ensuring; accountability to beneficiaries; monitoring & evaluation processes and ensuring programme quality
• Experience of reporting to stakeholders and to donors on project progress
• Excellent planning, reviewing, reporting and writing abilities
• Excellent skills in communications technology and computer applications i.e. Microsoft world and Excel

• Master’s qualification in Management, Training, Finance or Social Sciences
• Experience in project management across numerous West African countries
• Knowledge of legislation and regulatory frameworks relating to Credit unions
• Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity
• A sound understanding of microfinance and its role in development, especially rural development
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Flexible and adaptable to a changing environment
• Ability to work to strict communication