ABOUT FAIRTRADE AFRICA

Fairtrade Africa (FTA), a member of the wider Fairtrade International movement represents Fairtrade certified producers in Africa and the Middle East. We operate four regional networks: Eastern and Central Africa Network (ECAN) based in Nairobi, Kenya; West Africa Network (WAN) based in Accra, Ghana, Southern Africa Network (SAN) based in Blantyre, Malawi and the Middle East and North Africa Network (MENA).

Fairtrade Africa is owned by its members, who are African producer organizations certified against Fairtrade International Standards producing traditional export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, flowers, cotton, bananas, cane sugar, wine, fresh fruits, herbs and spices and non-traditional commodities including shea butter and rooibos tea. Currently, the organization represents over 1 million producers across 28 countries in Africa. Fairtrade Africa secretariat is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and has 50% ownership of the Fairtrade system.

ABOUT THE JOB

To provide the producer and member organizations with pre and post-certification support, conduct needs assessment, thematic training and providing coaching to ensure that these organizations grow to provide the best form of services to their members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Strengthening

 Initiate and maintain relationships with local communities, public and government institutions, and educational institutions among other stakeholders

 Understand producer needs and concerns, and advocate for relevant policies to enhance FTA’s work with the local opinion leaders and decision-makers.

 Ensure awareness of the local trends, perceptions and players in the local community.

 Advice on how to manage risk and optimize the opportunities

 Influence localized policies and perceptions in favour of FTA through the support of the Programme Manager.

 Support the identification of opportunities for programmes and projects development

 Support and provide advice to producer groups to enable access to trade and marketing opportunities

 Represent FTA in-country and field events

 Support the needs and situational assessment of producer organizations and propose recommendations to best support Small Producer Organizations

 Support in provision of technical assistance to members in the development of business strategic plans, marketing plans related to business development and growth requirements

 Provide thematic training on issues such as; Gender, workers’ rights, pest management

Post and Pre-Certification

 Organize pre and post-certification training

 Provide support to cooperatives to prepare for audit through trainings on the Fairtrade standards

 Support producer organizations in the implementation of corrective measures and follow up on performance issues

Membership Support

 Implement FTA membership strategy and ensure follow-up on membership issues with a regional office

 Submit necessary reports on country activities as per required timelines

 Support and or, participate in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) activities

 Advice on member’s perceptions and attitudes towards FTA and the NFOs and other stakeholders operating within the region

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Academic Qualifications

 Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Agriculture or related field Experience and Knowledge

 A minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural development

 Experience in supporting ethical and sustainable supply chains

 Knowledge of agricultural development and sustainable business practices

 Knowledge and understanding of Fairtrade standards

 Thematic knowledge and expertise in FTA’s priority areas Skills

 Good command of spoken and written English.

 Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals across multi-functional disciplines

 Conflict resolution skills

 Good organizational skills

 Good training and facilitation skills