Ghana Recycling Initiative Job Vacancy For Project Manager

The Ghana Recycling Initiative by Private Enterprises (GRIPE) is an industry-led coalition formed under the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) with a stake in the plastics sector to integrate sustainable waste management solutions, particularly around plastics. GRIPE was founded in November 2017 by 8 multinational companies with a proven track record of involvement in sustainability actions concerning plastics in other countries. The founding members are Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana; Dow Chemical West Africa Limited; Fan Milk Ghana Limited; Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited; Nestlé Ghana Limited; PZ Cussons Ghana Limited; Unilever Ghana and Voltic (GH) Limited. The Expanded Purpose of the group is to:

• Advocate for improved waste management practices

• Connect various organizations working to create an improved waste management system

• Contribute to increased collection and recycling rates countrywide

• Provide employment opportunities through scalable recycling solutions

These objectives will be achieved via 4 pillars of Data and Research, Education and Public Awareness, Solutions Implementation and Multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The organization is seeking a project manager who will support the vision of the organization by managing projects of GRIPE, while also identifying key opportunities to engage with our stakeholders including other private companies with a stake in plastics, NGOs, community and government. The project manager will support the facilitation of new relationships for the organization that drive its agenda, while also leading to increased visibility and membership. The ideal candidate will understand how to navigate sensitive and high profile relationships, foster and environment of teamwork and cooperation and have an understanding of circular economies and value chains. The person must also be comfortable engaging with diverse audiences and have the ability to adapt and deliver key messages in a concise manner. This position is part time and may require oversight of interns and volunteers that support the project manager’s work. The position will be a part time position where the chosen candidate will work 25-30 hours per week from an agreed upon location.

Primary Responsibilities

Manage GRIPE’s Plastic Waste Management Projects

? Corresponding with project partners to ensure delivery on milestones and providing feedback to GRIPE member companies

? Managing project budgets and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and further expansion of project size and scope

? Researching other existing recycling projects in the country and engaging project implementers for possible leverage for GRIPE or support for scale up

Monitoring and Engaging on Plastic issues and platforms

• Create GRIPE stakeholder map and utilize in plan for engaging different stakeholders on appropriate levels

• Influence others in the value chain, including trade associations, universities, converters, and brand owners to actively support goals and projects that are in alignment with GRIPE’s objectives.

• Participation on key plastic industry trade associations and other sustainability related organizations such as AGI, UNDPs Plastic waste management platform project and attendance of plastic and sustainability related conferences and events

• Understanding of public policy and legislative process in Ghana especially around waste management Drive Membership & Funding

• Engage potential members on GRIPE from expression of interest to sign-up

• Identify, develop and write proposals and grants on behalf of the organization

• Manage GRIPE’s budget and ensure effective utilization of funds

Communications and Reporting

? Provide monthly and annual reports of GRIPE’s activities and project status updates to member companies and key stakeholders

? Manage GRIPE’s social media channels via Digital marketing agency

? Ensure GRIPES key messages are visible to target audiences

? Recruit and oversee interns and volunteers, as needed

The chosen candidate will possess the following skills:

Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science or management or other technical field required; MBA or other advanced degree desirable.

Experience Requirements

? 3-5 years’ experience of handling multi-stakeholder relationships

? 3-5 years of proven experience/training in gender inclusion, waste management value chains and/or circular economies

? Experience working with trade associations, NGOs, and value chain members is preferred

? Experience working and engaging with high level government officials

? Experience in one or more of the following: customer or industry facing roles including but not limited to sustainability, advocacy, public policy, sales, marketing, technical service, and/or value chain initiatives is required

Desired Skills

? Strong interpersonal skills are critical to developing relationships across the value chain and throughout industry organizations and collaborating effectively both externally and internally

? Strong negotiation skills and experience in high level strategic communications

? Ability to work independently and be strategic in thinking in ambiguous situations

? Critical thinking skills and comprehension of lifecycle and other scientific principles needed to achieve sustainability goals

? Ability to build and maintain strong long-term relationships with industry leaders and key influencers across the packaging industry and sustainability spaces

? Ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet tight deadlines

? Ability to work independently and make critical decisions in a timely manner