Business Development Officer - Wilder Institute Ghana

Our team at Wilder Institute Ghana is growing and is seeking a fixed-term, full-time Business Development Officer to support programs and initiatives in Wechiau, Ghana. This is an incredible opportunity to support the creation of sustainable, conservation-compatible livelihood strategies and?builds governance capacity?within communities to ensure transparent,?equitable, and effective local leadership structures.

The Business Development Officer will?be responsible for?designing, coordinating, and delivering business and governance training?initiatives across Wilder Institute Ghana’s community conservation programs. The officer will work collaboratively with community groups, cooperatives, and local institutions to foster economic resilience and stewardship of natural resources in alignment with the Wilder Institute’s mission.

The position will also support market access, enterprise growth, and community participation by strengthening local capacity to develop sustainable income-generating activities that contribute to both improved livelihoods and conservation outcomes.

Start Date: October 2026 or as soon as possible

End Date: December 2029

What you will do

Business Capacity Development

• Develop and deliver business skills training programs tailored to the needs of rural and community-based organizations?(e.g., bookkeeping, cooperative management, financial literacy, marketing, and value chain development).

• Support the development and implementation of sustainable, conservation-friendly microenterprises or cooperative ventures (e.g., ecotourism, agroforestry products, value-added goods).

• Facilitate business?activities?in collaboration with partners or experts.

• Support producer groups and cooperatives in developing business plans, marketing strategies, and financial sustainability plans.

• Facilitate linkages between community enterprises and buyers, financial institutions, service providers, and relevant government support programs.

Governance Training and Support

• Design and deliver governance workshops and leadership development initiatives for community conservation committees or other local institutions.

• Support the development of standard operating procedures for local organizations or committees to improve transparency and accountability.

• Provide coaching and mentorship to community leadership to foster good governance practices, democratic decision-making, and conflict resolution.

• Support communities to establish clear governance structures, roles, responsibilities, and succession planning mechanisms.

• Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in governance and decision-making processes.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and?maintain?positive working relationships with local businesses, government departments, NGOs, and community organizations to?facilitate?collaborative business development opportunities.

• Represent Wilder Institute Ghana in meetings, workshops, and business forums that promote community-driven development and conservation finance.

• Engage with traditional authorities, district assemblies, and relevant government agencies to support community enterprise development and conservation objectives.

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance market access, training opportunities, and resource mobilization.

General Administrative and Operational Support

• Assist?in budgeting, procurement, and logistical planning for training sessions and business development events.

• Contribute to proposals and donor communications to secure funding for community enterprise development.

• Support annual work planning and budget development processes related to community enterprise and governance programming.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of community conservation and livelihood objectives.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Rural Development, Community Development, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in business development, enterprise development, cooperative strengthening, community development, or a related field.

• Equivalent combinations of relevant education and significant practical experience may be considered.

• Experience working with rural communities, community-based organizations, farmer groups, or conservation-linked livelihood initiatives. Is required.

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development is required.

• Professional certification in entrepreneurship development, cooperative management, project management, or adult education would be considered an asset.

• Strong facilitation and training delivery skills, with the ability to adapt material to varied literacy and education levels.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, work respectfully in diverse cultural settings, and support community-led decision-making.

• Understanding of gender equity, inclusive business practices, and participatory governance approaches

• Approach community and relationship building with cultural awareness and sensitivity

• Ability to think strategically by incorporating broader business concepts and impact to address business queries

• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to remote field locations.

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in local Ghanaian languages (Ewe, Twi, and/or Wala) is required.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite; knowledge of business or data management tools is preferred.

Location: Wechiau, Ghana

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