Shea Network Ghana

Shea Network Ghana (SNG) is a member base organisation of businesses and stakeholders in the shea value in Ghana formed in 2010 to be the coordinating platform for promoting indigenous shea business in Ghana for overall growth.

 SNG is the most professional and most inclusive gender sensitive non-partisan organisation that addresses local challenges using locally driven solutions and languages to shea industry issues.

 Headquartered in Tamale, at the heart of shea-producing communities, SNG has a decade-long track record of implementing impactful projects through enhanced advocacy and policy influencing, organisation of the value chain according to key segments, market growth and climate justice of shea parklands naturally occurring in Northern Ghana. The organisation has over 150-member organisation and 500 women cooperatives mobilized in the entire shea belt in Northern Ghana. Other membership categories are international end buyers, cosmetics and brands, hand crafted shea manufacturers among others. Key donor partners are Oxfam, SNV, Global Shea Alliance among others.

The Vision of SNG is A shea industry in which there is increased equitable benefits for all actors along the entire value chain and Mission is: To engender a common national shea agenda, facilitate and coordinate the efforts of the all stakeholders in promoting shea for equal benefits of actors in the sector. 

The Core Values are: Inclusive value-chain, pre-competitive, business driven, sustainability, confidentiality and shared value

POSITION OVERVIEW

SNG is seeking motivated and experienced individual with minimum supervision to serve as the Coordinator of the Network. Reporting directly to the SNG Board, the Coordinator is the executive secretary and responsible for the overall effective and efficient management of the secretariat on day-to-day basis driving the implementation of the strategic plan, member constitution and board decisions among others such as donor projects whiles delivering value added services to members.

Key Responsibilities:

The coordinator is responsible for: Quality leadership & Management, facilitation of shea value chain, Policy advocacy & influencing and project management.

A. Quality Leadership & organizational Management

1. Shall be the vision bearer and provide visionary leadership along the vision of the organisation, facilitate revision of strategic plan, constitutional amendment, communication strategy among others.
2. Ensure motivated well deployed staff to maximize productivity and compliance with the labour laws
3. Provide mentorship and coaching support to young staff to ensure they learn on the job
4. Provide quality representation and serve as the mouth piece to articulate the organisation position and resolves among alliances and partners as well as other stakeholders
5. Assume overall management responsibilities for the SNG Secretariat, ensuring smooth operation and effective utilization of resources.
6. Ensure organisation compliance with statutory organisation such as SSNIT, IRS Registrar General and District Assemblies among others
7. Ensure that accounting system are very functional and Audited accounts are up to date.
8. Provide leadership for all consultancies or funding coalitions developed with SNG as lead organisation.

B. Value-Chain Coordination & Member Services

1. Facilitate access to technical, and capacity building support for key value chain players
2. Explore and introduce innovation that will enable members to access market both locally and internationally including the facilitation and organization of Trade Fairs among similar activities
3. Lead the development and implementation of a Membership-Drive Strategy to expand SNG’s network and enhance industry representation.
4. Co-coordinate project activities aimed at improving industry visibility, inclusion of shea collectors, and conservation of shea resources. Facilitate the organization and holding of SNG Annual General Meetings to engage stakeholders, review progress, and plan future initiatives.
5. Collaborate with national and international networks to foster synergies, share best practices, and advocate for the interests of the shea value chain.

C. Policy Advocacy & Influencing

1. Ensure SNG visibility and inputs in sector polices both national and local that support shea sector
2. Ensure SNG voice and position is made clear in policy dialogues
3. Facilitate the holding of periodic planning and meetings to assess progress, identify challenges, and devise strategies for policy advocacy.
4. Develop policy briefs and share with keep stakeholders
5. Track all SNG legacy advocacy and policy engagements for follow ups.
6. Ensure functional structures for the organisation women mass movements to participate in national advocacy issues.

D. Fund Raising & Project Management.

1. Develop co-creation partnerships with SNG initial promoters and position SNG in their funding spaces
2. Facilitate the development of Expression of interest, Concept notes and proposals to bid for grants
3. Introduce a strategy to get members pay dues and also explore fee paying for conferences
4. Responsible for overall implementation of all ongoing and upcoming donor grants

E. Core Competencies

1. Self-starter: Being able to drive the job with minimum supervision
2. Leadership: Demonstrated ability to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction, with a focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and results-driven decision-making.
3. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively articulate ideas, influence stakeholders, and represent the organization at various forums and events.
4. Multi stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, donors, private sector partners, and community representatives.
5. Project Management: Proven experience in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.
6. Fundraising and Resource Mobilization: Track record in identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and cultivating relationships with donors and funding agencies to secure financial support for organizational initiatives.
7. Policy Advocacy: Sound understanding of policy processes and advocacy strategies, with the ability to analyze policy issues, develop advocacy campaigns, and engage policymakers to influence policy decisions in favor of the shea value chain.
8. Team Building and Management: Strong leadership skills with experience in building and managing high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative work environment, and providing mentorship and professional development opportunities to staff.
9. Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically, anticipate emerging trends and challenges, and develop innovative solutions to address complex issues facing the shea sector, while aligning with organizational goals and objectives.
10. Cross-Cultural Competence: Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, with a deep respect for local customs, traditions, and perspectives.
11. Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with the ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical solutions to overcome challenges and achieve organizational objectives.
12. Networking and Partnership Development: Proven ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with national and international organizations, networks, and alliances to leverage resources, share knowledge, and amplify impact.
13. Commitment to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Strong commitment to promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and empowerment of marginalized groups within the shea value chain, with a focus on creating opportunities for women and youth.

F. Core Values

1. Sustainability
2. Professionalism
3. Integrity And Accountability
4. Respect For Diversity and Inclusion:
5. Impact:
6. Trust:

I. Qualifications:

1. Bachelors and Master’s Degree in a relevant field in Agriculture, Development Studies, Economics, Gender, and any other relevant qualification to the role
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership or management roles within the development sector, with a focus on agriculture, rural development, or related fields.
3. Proven track record in fundraising, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
4. Strong understanding of policy advocacy and demonstrated ability to influence decision makers.
5. Previous working experience in a member base organisation is a plus and working with boards
6. Familiarity with the shea sector and deep understanding of the value chain is key
7. Work experience in northern Ghana and fluency in Northern Languages is key 

J. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position, a vision for SNG and CV not more than 4 pages, contact information for at least two professional references to info@sheanetworkghana.org

Please indicate ” Coordinator Application” in the subject line. The deadline for submission is May 24th, 2024 and applications received after this date will not be valid.

Shea Network Ghana is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability status.