Based: Cape Coast, Ghana
Contract: Full-time
Closing date for applications: 17 March, 2023
Start date: ASAP
Salary range: dependent on experience
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) works internationally to inform policy and drive systemic, durable reforms to protect our environment and defend human rights. We investigate and expose abuses and support environmental defenders, Indigenous peoples, communities and independent journalists on the frontlines of environmental injustice. Our campaigns aim to secure peaceful, equitable and sustainable futures. EJF is dynamic, agile and effective, and the team works across 13 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
EJF is working to eradicate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and associated issues, such as human rights abuses. To do this, we work with governments and industry to promote transparency and traceability within seafood supply chains and markets. We conduct detailed investigations into illegal, unsustainable and unethical practices and actively promote improvements to policy-making, corporate governance and the management of fisheries along with raising awareness among consumers to incentivise market-driven solutions.
EJF’s global team also work on a range of other campaigns where environmental insecurity impacts human rights. More information can be found at https://ejfoundation.org. In Africa, EJF has projects in Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon, and Senegal.
Position Overview
In Ghana, EJF is leading a consortium of NGOs to implement a NORAD-sponsored project aiming to achieve a resilient and sustainable ocean economy through inclusive, strong, and effective capacity, planning and management of coastal ecosystems.
We are looking for a proactive and energetic, Programme Officer who is passionate about protecting the marine environment and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Working closely with the Fisheries Programme Manager and the Science and Research Manager, the Programme Officer will support the implementation of development activities in the fisheries sector and contribute to the achievement of EJF’s turtle conservation objectives in Ghana. This position will be based in our Cape Coast project office with regular travel to project communities along Ghana’s coastline.
Key Responsibilities
Support to Project Coordination
1. Provide technical support and expertise to the design and implementation of project activities
2. Support the planning and execution of project activities and ensure that implementation is to a high standard and reflects provisions contained in project logical frameworks and proposals
3. Support the implementation of activities aimed at engaging and strengthening small-scale fisher associations within the fisheries sector
4. Support the planning and execution of activities towards achieving EJF’s turtle conservation objectives in Ghana
5. Support the execution of activities towards improving greater transparency in the fisheries sector and the promulgation of a new fisheries legal framework
6. Support EJF’s partners in the implementation of activities under their leadership or co-implemented with EJF, ensuring that they are completed in a timely manner, and within agreed frameworks
7. Participate actively in the programme planning process and budgeting for all field activities
8. Facilitate participatory mapping of landing sites and support the legal registration and documentation to secure fishing landing sites for posterity.
Field Work/Community Engagement
1. Ensure that project stakeholders at the community level are identified and regularly engaged to maintain positive relationships facilitating the implementation of approved activities
2. Ensure that all field and community activities are scheduled realistically and implemented according to agreed plans
3. Participate in the delivery of workshops and awareness-raising activities with local stakeholders in the context of EJF’s projects
4. Create and continually update a schedule for all community engagements, workshops, and training sessions etc.
5. Maintain regular contact with chief fishermen/konkohemaa of all project districts and ensure artisanal fishers are well involved in project implementation
6. Support the design and dissemination of research studies by providing relevant inputs from field-based activities
7. Maintain regular contact with community officers and volunteers engaged in the turtle conservation activities
Reporting:
1. Prepare regular reports on fieldwork and community visits for the attention of management
2. Prepare monthly reports for the attention of management, using existing templates
3. Support the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports.
Required Qualification & Experience
Education:
1. University degree in Development Studies, Development Planning, Fisheries Science, Fisheries Economics, Geography, Regional/Urban Planning, International Development, Sustainability Studies or Social Science applied to the fisheries sector/coastal communities. Other relevant degrees may be considered.
2. Masters Degree or above desirable
Professional experience:
1. At least 2-3 years’ professional experience with an NGO, international organisation or government authority, involving work with fishing communities, marine conservation issues or other related fields
2. Experience of working in a multicultural environment, preferably in the international NGO sector and in the context of donor-funded projects is desirable
3. Experience in the fishing industry in Ghana would be considered an asset
4. Good knowledge of the Central Region context and, in particular, the coastal districts and coastal communities.
Required skills:
1. Excellent teamwork and planning abilities
2. Fluent verbal and written communication skills, both in English and in Fante
3. Ethical, responsible, a positive attitude to work and enthusiastic
4. Strong organization skills
5. Ability to spend a significant amount of time in the field, and willingness to travel regularly in the Central Region and other locations in Ghana
6. Ability to lead good interpersonal interactions with different people from multicultural backgrounds
7. Computer literate, particularly with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
8. Expertise with data analysis software
9. Creative, innovative and problem-solving capabilities
10. Commitment to protecting the marine environment and the communities that depend on it
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate to recruitment@ejfoundation.org before 17th March 2023.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
EJF is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.
