Capacity Development Expert - MDF West Africa

MDF West Africa (MDF WA) – www.mdf.nl/offices/Ghana is a management consultancy and training firm operating in the West African region, which has become an Enterprise Support Organization. MDF WA was registered to commence business in Ghana as Management for Development Foundation (MDF) West Africa Limited on May 15, 2009, and enables projects and programs, professionals, organizations, partnerships, and networks to achieve sustainable results and results that matter for a better world.

We are a multi-project organization, which means we have approximately 10 projects under implementation at any given moment in time. With a core staff of 28 professionals and access to more than 25 associate national, regional, and international consultants, we have extensive working experience in the (West) African context and specifically Ghana.

Being part of the MDF Global network and as an independent Ghana-based regional management consulting and training firm, MDF WA brings the best of both worlds. We have over 35 years of global experience in development intervention, project design, and program management enriched with our locally gained expertise. We draw upon our extensive experience in implementing both public and private sector initiatives in developing economies. MDF WA can draw upon expertise from other regions where we work.

We provide comprehensive services tailored to support organizations and entrepreneurs in their growth and development. Our core offerings include: Training & Consultancy Services, Monitoring & Evaluation Services, Program Management & Implementation Services, Entrepreneurship Support Tools

Job Description

Type: Full-time

Reports to: Director

Position Summary

The Capacity Development Expert will play a critical role in strengthening the skills and knowledge of our staff, partners, and stakeholders. The expert will lead capacity-building initiatives, develop and implement training modules, and support organizational growth and sustainability through tailored development programs. The role requires a strong background in training and capacity development, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in diverse cultural contexts.

Key Responsibilities

Capacity-Building Strategy:

• Develop, implement, and monitor an organizational capacity-building strategy in alignment with program goals.
• Conduct capacity needs assessments to identify skills and knowledge gaps in the organization and among partners.

Training and Facilitation:

• Design and deliver training modules, workshops, and hands-on sessions for team members, local partners, and stakeholders.
• Utilize adult learning principles to develop engaging, effective, and practical training materials.

Technical Support and Coaching:

• Provide technical assistance, mentorship, and coaching to individuals and teams to improve their effectiveness and impact.
• Develop frameworks and tools for self-assessment and improvement to encourage ongoing learning and development.

Program Development and Evaluation:

• Collaborate with program teams to integrate capacity-building components into project designs.
• Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of capacity-building interventions and ensure continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with local partners, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to support capacity-building goals.
• Coordinate with other capacity development experts, NGOs, and academic institutions to share best practices and resources.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Prepare comprehensive reports, case studies, and documentation on capacity-building activities and results.
• Maintain detailed records of all training and coaching activities, tracking the progress and impact of capacity-building initiatives.

Required Skills or Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Social Sciences, Organizational Development, Human Resources, or a related field; master’s preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of [3-5] years of experience in capacity development, training, or a related field within NGOs, public sector, or development organizations.
• Proven track record in designing and delivering effective training programs and capacity-building initiatives.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating capacity-building interventions.

Skills:

• Strong facilitation and coaching skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in [Languages, if required] and fluency in [primary language, e.g., English].
• Familiarity with adult learning principles, participatory approaches, and cross-cultural communication.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decision-making.

Technical:

• Familiarity with capacity assessment tools, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and knowledge management tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and virtual collaboration platforms.

 Key Attributes

• Strong cultural sensitivity and understanding of diverse communities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.