Regional Assistant - South African Network (FTA-SAN)

Team:Programmes 
Location:Observatory, Cape Town -South Africa
Fairtrade Africa Purpose: To improve the socio-economic conditions of African producers and workers, mainly in the agricultural sector 
Reporting Lines
Post holder reports to: Regional Manager
Staff reporting to this post: None 
Scale Level: Based on FTA scale
Contract Period: 1 June 2013 – 30 November 2013
Budget Responsibility: Yes
 
Background:
 
Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is the umbrella organisation representing Fairtrade certified producers and workers in Africa. 
Established in 2005, FTA as a network aims to effectively represent producers within the international Fairtrade system and to contribute to livelihood improvement of African producers and workers by increasing access to markets and working conditions. 
The FTA Board directs policy and strategic development of the organisation. Continental representation, participation and consultation is achieved through four (4) regional networks - Eastern, Southern, West and North Africa.

Job Purpose and Reporting:
 
The role holder will play a key role in supporting the coordination of regional activities for the Southern Africa Network (SAN) and shall report to the Regional Manager on day-to-day basis taking guidance and advice as required. 


The FTA-SAN Board is responsible for directing FTA-SAN strategy and ensuring FTA strategy implementation in the region reflects regional specific factors for maximum impact.

Specific Tasks
Facilitating Board meetings, informs Board members on a regular basis, take care of minutes and ensures minutes are mailed and signed by the Board Members
Communication with producers/members (mailing reports and newsletter, welcome producer kit)
Provides support to the accountant by keeping track of payment folders, ensures filing of reports
Participate in the FTA conference organisational team. The conference will take place in Cape Town in November 2013
Supports the growth and effectiveness of country and product networks
Coordinate the Fairtrade Africa sugar network
Facilitates country and product partnerships to increase access to market, technical and organisational support for producers. Keeps an updated list of potential partnerships and call for tenders in the Region, works on proposals drafted by the Regional Manager
Fundraising for the Regional Network
Perform other relevant duties as may be assigned by the Line Manager and the regional board.
Knowledge and Experience Required 
At least 2-3 years of work experience in development organisations, learning institutions or private sector implementing livelihood promotion/enhancement projects
Proven facilitation and reporting skills 
Experience in proposal writing and fund raising
Job Description
Graduate level degree in Business, Agricultural Economics, Rural development, Social or Development studies; 
Knowledge and understanding of Fairtrade 
Excellent written and spoken English and some working knowledge of major languages spoken in the region will be an advantage;
Experience in the Southern African region including the issues affecting workers rights
Must be able to communicate effectively including make presentations to diverse audiences; 
Willingness to travel in basic conditions and at short notices; 
Proficiency in MS office 
Excellent planning skills including for events and other projects  
Desired: 
Work experience in grassroots work with producer and worker organizations;
Cross cultural experience; 
Experience with certification schemes, ethical standards and standards setting processes 
Experience in working with Boards 
Regional Languages (Afrikaans, French, Portuguese, isiXhosa) 
Experience in using computerized enterprise solutions for accounting and reporting 
Skills 
Able to handle varied, demanding and complex tasks 
Ability to work independently
A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work with the ability to be part of a team
An organized and methodical approach to work 
Able to manage competing priorities to tight deadlines. 
Application Deadline: May 10th 


An application form (CVs will not be accepted) can be found on the jobs and volunteering page of our website www.fairtradeafrica.net. 


If you have any queries, please e-mail recruitment@fairtradeafrica.net or call +254202721930 and ask to speak to a member of the Admin team. 


Qualified applicants will be subjected to background checks as a condition of employment. 


The final hiring decision is anticipated mid-May for a start date of June 1st, 2013. 


Completed applications should be e-mailed to recruitment@fairtradeafrica.net 


All applicants should state how they meet essential requirements of the post and include their email address, telephone contacts and three referees with contact details on the application form. 


Notes: This job description is intended as a guide and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification as it may be varied from time to time in the light of strategic developments following discussion with the post holder. 

The post holder will be expected to work to agreed objectives, which should facilitate achievements of the key responsibilities in accordance with the Performance Review Process.