The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF); an international membership organization whose members span the entire global cocoa and chocolate sector, including farmer cooperatives, cocoa processors, chocolate manufacturers, supply chain companies and other companies worldwide. WCF’s activities benefit farmers and their communities in cocoa-growing regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the WCF Ghana office plays a pivotal role in advancing these goals in one of the world’s largest cocoa-producing countries.
About the role
The Country Director will be responsible for leading and overseeing all programmatic and operational activities in Ghana.
This senior leadership position requires exceptional networking and influencing skills to collaborate with key stakeholders in the cocoa industry, particularly with government agencies, but also with NGOs, and the private sector. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of farming communities and the challenges they face, particularly regarding farmer incomes and sustainability.
The candidate must be a Ghanaian national.
Key dimensions of the role
- Develop and execute the country office's strategic plan aligned with WCF's global objectives.
- Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, cocoa industry players, NGOs, and local communities.
- Represent WCF at conferences, meetings, and events to promote cocoa sustainability in Ghana.
- Oversee the implementation of cocoa sustainability programs and projects.
- Work closely with partners to develop and implement programs aimed at increasing cocoa farmer incomes.
- Manage the country office's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance.
- Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track program impact.
Skills and experience
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., agriculture, international development, business).
- A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in leadership roles within the cocoa sector, agricultural development, or related fields.
- Strong understanding of cocoa farming communities, challenges, and opportunities in Ghana.
- Excellent networking, communication, and influencing skills.
- Proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.
- Experience in program management, budgeting, and financial oversight.
- Fluent in English, with proficiency in local languages a plus.
- Passion for sustainability, social impact, and improving farmer livelihoods.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are dedicated to supporting our Clients in building and supporting diverse and inclusive workplaces and culture, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.