Agriculture and Technology Specialist - DAI

DAI is an international development company. For more than 45 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 80 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.

Agriculture and Technology (Agritech) Specialist (Kumasi, Ghana)

Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) Program

OVERVIEW

The DAI Sustainable Business Group (SBG) helps unlock the commercial potential in growth markets by advising companies on how to optimize their local supply base and labor force, comply with local content requirements, demonstrate their long-term commitment to the country’s development, and become a trusted partner for government.

DAI is the primary implementing partner of Kosmos Energy in Ghana for its Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) program, the company’s flagship corporate social investment. The KIC program has 3 core components: the AgriTech Challenge (an annual entrepreneurship development competition), the Incubator, and the Business Booster.

In 2020, KIC will expand from its center in Accra to include a regional hub in Kumasi in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The Agritech Specialist will provide technical expertise to the project locally and will report to the Regional Program Manager.

This is a year-long, full-time position. Based on performance review and work planning to take place in December, the position can be renewed for the following year.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary coach and mentor to finalists of the AgriTech Challenge who received an invitation to the incubator in Kumasi, guiding them through a structured program as they enter their first year of operations
  • Ensure program alignment with KIC Accra. Coordinate technical training delivery with Kumasi Hive
  • Identify and coordinate external resources—in areas such as marketing, legal, HR, accounting–when needed to supplement the knowledge already within the KIC team
  • Manage annual external resources budget by coordinating volunteer and paid experts in Kumasi
  • Set KPIs and goals with the startups and monitor their progress and performance, and report data as needed to DAI and Kosmos Energy, including quarterly status reports
• Provide technical advisory support on all matters related to agriculture and technology for all KIC components in Kumasi, including the AgriTech Challenge and the Business Booster
• Provide quality assurance, quality control, and technical guidance over inputs from external consultants or partner entities
• Synthesize and develop required technical reports on the progress of on-going KIC programs and deliver presentations
• Serve as the key technical liaison with local implementing partners and be available to support the local implementing partners with any technical assistance required in a timely and responsive manner
• Other duties as required by KIC Regional Program Manager or Team Lead
• Support in ensuring proper completion of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and reporting internally and for the client as per the work scope of the program. Coordinate with DAI Home Office to create reports for the client as requested

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and minimum 8 years of professional work experience OR Master's degree and minimum 5 years of professional work experience
• Extensive experience in and passion for agriculture and technology, and the intersection of the two in Ghana
• Deep networks in the Ghanaian agriculture space
• Strong organizational and communication skills with great attention to detail
• Experience working to promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation preferred
• Experience working with international organizations on program management, delivery, M&E, and communications
• Fluent in written and spoken English