agriculture
agriculture
NEPAD Business Foundation: Chief Financial Officer
NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF)Please note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, April 19, 2013The NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF) is a non-profit company promoting sustainable economic development in Africa through the private sector. Through its Project Management Unit, the NBF is implementing the Removing the Barriers in Agriculture (RtB) Programme which is aimed at removing barriers constraining private sector investment in the agricultural sector in order to increase participation of smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs’ in agricultural production, agribusiness, and agricultural value chains throughout Southern Africa.Opportunity type:Employment
The NBF seeks to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), based in Johannesburg, South Africa (only those with South African work permits need apply).
The CFO is responsible for the administrative, financial, human resources, stakeholder relations: communications, events and marketing, programmes, technology and risk management operations of the organisation, to include the development of a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, the on-going development and monitoring of systems and report accurate financial results.
S/he will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
This is a one-year, full-time renewable contract position.
Principal duties and responsibilities:
General management- Management and administration: coordinating the day-to-day operation and management functions of the organisation;
- Assist in formulating the organisation’s future direction and supporting tactical initiatives;
- Monitor and direct the implementation of strategic business plans;
- Develop financial strategies;
- Designing, improving and implementing the systems the company uses to deliver its services;
- Develop and administering operational administrative policies, processes and procedures;
- Managing the risks of the NBF as set out in the risk management strategy, including the risk management framework and fraud prevention plan;
- Develop performance measures that support the organisation’s strategic direction;
- Provide information for evaluation of the organisation's activities;
- Management of the risks of the NBF as set out in the risk management strategy, including the risk management framework and fraud prevention plan.
- Manage and monitor the finance and administration team, human resources, stakeholder relations: communications, events and marketing of the organisation, programmes, technology and risk management operations of the organisation;
- Implement operational best practices;
- Participate in key decisions as a member of the executive management team;
- Maintain in-depth relations with all members of the management team;
- Ensuring operational diligence;
- Supervise acquisition due diligence and negotiate acquisitions;
- Maintaining and administering the Board-approved personnel policies;
- Providing adequate supervision and evaluation of all staff Overseeing the recruitment, management and disciplinary procedures of personnel, including legal and labour-related matters;
- Developing, monitoring and evaluating Key Performance Indicators and management of the Performance Appraisal system for staff and devising incentives/rewards appropriately;
- Managing staff employment contracts and renewals and/or non-renewals
- Ensuring operational diligence;
- Managing the different business units and programs and ensuring effective delivery of services and streamlining of efforts and communication.
- Oversee the issuance of financial information;
- Managing external accountants;
- Collating and reporting monthly management accounts for presentation to Operations Committee;
- Submitting and reporting quarterly financial statements to Board meetings;
- Preparing the annual financial statements and integrated annual report;
- Overseeing and managing annual internal and external audit procedures with the auditors;
- Ensuring effective audit trails;
- Implementing recommendations from internal and external audit reports;
- Tracking and complying with grant fund reporting requirements for funds received by NBF;
- Oversee and provide guidance to business units in the development and management of programme budgets and expenditure;
- Compiling grant funding reports on financial expenditure;
- Approving and overseeing organisation expenditure;
- Preparing, collating and tracking annual budgets for the organisation and business units and related programmes;
- Provide proper fiscal record-keeping and reporting;
- Maintain banking relationships;
- Invest funds.
- Ensure the organisation’s compliance with good corporate governance;
- Ensure the organisation’s compliance to CIPC, SARS and other legal requirements;
- Maintain and implement the organisation’s policies and procedures manual;
- Liaise with appointed legal firm on legal issues such as MOI, trademarks etc;
- Develop and implement a detailed risk assessment and management tool for the organisation;
- Preparation of notices and legal requirements for the organisation’s Annual General Meeting and compliance to the MOI and other statutory requirements.
- Assist the Chairs in planning the agenda and materials for the Annual General Meeting, Board, Operations Committee and Audit & Risk Committee meetings;
- Initiate and assist in developing policy recommendations and in setting priorities for the organisation;
- Provide input regarding the organisation strategy and operational implementation implications.
- Ensure appropriate representation of company/organisation by all employees;
- Deliver presentations on behalf of the organisation and standing in for the CEO as and when required;
- Understand the broader vision and objectives of the organisation and bring in relevant partners / organisations that may assist or partner with the organisation in achieving its goals.
- Tertiary qualification in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience, backed by a B Com, CIMA, CTA or CA (SA) and minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience within an organisation of at least 30 staff;
- Knowledge of nonprofit company’s accounting in accordance with IFRS accounting principles, management accounting, financial reporting, auditing, risk management, SARS tax legislation, King 3 Corporate Governance and the Company Act;
- Create and assess financial statements and budget documents;
- Recognize and be responsive to the needs of all stakeholders of the organisation, including donor organisations, the Board of Directors, local community advocates, and employees;
- Organisational development, human resources, and program operations;
- Ability to foster and cultivate business opportunities and partnerships;
- Supervise staff, including regular progress reviews and plans for improvement;
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Understanding of NEPAD, the African Union and current initiatives/developments NBF’s five focus areas, namely:
- Agriculture and food security
- Climate change and natural resource management
- Economic and corporate governance
- Human development and capacity building
- Regional integration and infrastructure
- Consultative capabilities – ability to work with all levels of people;
- Resilience – maintaining composure and dealing effectively with pressure;
- Methodical and systematic, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy;
- Action-oriented, confident and show initiative;
- Operate with integrity and ethics;
- Delivery and deadline orientated.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No telephone phone will be accepted.
For more about the NEPAD Business Foundation, refer to www.nepadbusinessfoundation.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF)Opportunity closing date:Friday, May 31, 2013The NEPAD Business Foundation is a neutral non-profit institution promoting public and private sector collaborations to achieve social and economic development across Africa.Opportunity type:Employment
Established in 2011 by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs and the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Strategic Water Partners Network South Africa (SWPN-SA) is a partnership between the Department of Water Affairs and the private sector in South Africa who have an interest in addressing the countries water challenges. The aim of the partnership is to close the water gap between supply and demand which is expected to rise to 17% based on current demographic trends and industrial growth plans. The SWPN has three working groups that identify and implement projects: Water Use Efficiency and Leakage Reduction ; Agriculture and Supply Chain Water; and Effluent and Wastewater Management. The Nepad Businses Foundation is the host and secretariat of the SWPN.
The NBF seeks to appoint a Programme Assistant for the Strategic Water Partners Network South Africa (SWPN-SA), based in Johannesburg.
The Programme Assistant will provide programme management, administrative and secretarial support to the SWPN Secretariat. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, demonstrate strong client orientation and the ability to work with and respond to members from diverse organisational backgrounds. Excellent organisation and time management skills, and the ability to work under pressure are a must.
Responsibilities:
- Proactively participate in the day to day activities that ensure the smooth operations of the SWPN secretariat and programme;
- Plan for and minute all SWPN meetings of the Steering Committee and working groups and assist the Programme Manager with following up on actions;
- Support the marketing and communications functions of the Secretariat including contribution to or proof reading of materials for publication and dissemination;
- Assist in following up progress on agreed actions and preparing progress reports;
- Maintain the SWPN calendar of events;
- Act as personal assistant to the SWPN Senior Advisor and Programme Manager;
- Proactively maintaining an accurate database of members and programme documents;
- Any other duties as directed by Management.
- Diploma and two years work experience applicable to the position and an interest in water management;
- Computers literacy especially Microsoft Office;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Team orientation – working in an integrated team environment;
- Focus on results for divers clients;
- Resilience – maintaining composure and dealing effectively with stress;
- Action-oriented placing emphasis on timely delivery of outputs;
- Operate with integrity (high ethics);
- Willingness to work long hours from time to time;
- Own car and hold driver’s licence is essential.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No telephone phone will be accepted.
For more about the NEPAD Business Foundation, refer to www.nepadbusinessfoundation.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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The Executive Board of the World Bank has approved two credits for a total of US$50 million to improve Mozambique's agricultural performance.
The loans are intended to boost the country’s efforts to improve the performance of commercial agriculture and smallholder farmers, while also improving people's food and nutrition security.
One of the loans, for US$50 million, will support the government's First Agriculture Development Policy Operation, described as the first of three operations designed to promote private sector-led agriculture in order to improve access to food and better nutrition.
To read the article titled, “World Bank loans for agriculture,” click here.Source:All AfricaCSOs Condemns SADC Protocol on Plants
Civil society organisations (CSOs) from around the world have condemned a Southern African Development Community (SADC) draft protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (Plant Breeders’ Rights), saying it spells disaster for small-scale farmers.
The groups, representing millions of farmers globally, have submitted a list of their concerns to the SADC secretariat, urging it to throw the document away and consult farmers and CSOs.
According to the groups, the protocol is inflexible, restrictive and imposes a ‘one-size-fits-all’ plant variety protection (PVP) system on all SADC countries, irrespective of the nature of agricultural systems and socioeconomic development.
To read the article titled, “New pact spells doom for smallholders,” click here.Source:The CitizenNEPAD Business Foundation: Infrastructure Desk Manager
NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF)Please note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, April 15, 2013The NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF) is a non-profit company promoting sustainable economic development in Africa through the private sector. Through its Project Management Unit, the NBF is implementing the Removing the Barriers in Agriculture (RtB) Programme which is aimed at removing barriers constraining private sector investment in the agricultural sector in order to increase participation of smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs’ in agricultural production, agribusiness, and agricultural value chains throughout Southern Africa.Opportunity type:Employment
The NBF has launched an Infrastructure Desk to unlock concrete business opportunities along the North-South Corridor, focusing on rail, locomotive, ports and pipeline sectors. The desk will drive the infrastructure platform, carry out focused research, maintain relationships with current and new partners, identify projects and business opportunities and perform feasibility and socio-economic development impact studies.
The NBF seeks to appoint an Infrastructure Desk Manager, based in Johannesburg.
The person should exhibit deep knowledge of and experience on infrastructure developments in Africa, especially along the North-South Corridor. The desk manager will coordinate all activities and initiatives of the infrastructure development forum and its associated working groups, assist in identifying and preparing projects, drive and manage relationships with various senior level stakeholders, provide project oversight and build linkages with selected stakeholders.
S/he will report to the Chief Operating Officer.
This is a one-year, renewable contract position. Only those with South African work permits need apply.
Responsibilities:- Generating and developing new business and project opportunities by locating, developing, negotiating and closing business relationships within the Southern and East African region;
- Developing and managing relationships with current key stakeholders within the public and private sector which lead to /actionable commercial projects and investment opportunities;
- Driving and coordinating the development of a forum for infrastructure development for targeted stakeholders and its associated working groups for interested parties;
- Coordinating research activities and trade missions, undertaken by various infrastructure work-streams, as required;
- Developing project proposals and concepts;
- Assisting in mobilising additional funding for project implementation.
- Minimum of seven years experience in business development, project management or related field;
- Tertiary qualification;
- Relevant experience in the infrastructure (rail, ports, pipeline, etc.) sectors in Africa;
- Experience in relationship and stakeholder engagement, managing workshops and stakeholder meetings;
- Proven record on programme delivery, relationship management and closing deals;
- Proven ability to develop, document, maintain and write project proposals and reports and manage project timeframes/budgets;
- Ability to self-manage and meet deadlines;
- Excellent co-ordination skills across different levels of stakeholders;
- Ability to work within a team context;
- Competence of project management methodologies and tools (e.g. Microsoft Project);
- Experience in working in Africa and dealing with governments, private sector, civil society and development agencies;
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A good understanding of NEPAD, the African Union and current initiatives/developments NBF’s five focus areas, namely:
- Agriculture and food security
- Climate change and natural resource management
- Economic and corporate governance
- Human development and capacity building
- Regional integration and infrastructure
- Versatility – ability to work across the board, changing functions as necessary;
- Team orientation – working in an integrated team environment;
- Consultative capabilities – ability to work with all levels of people;
- Resilience – maintaining composure and dealing effectively with pressure;
- Flexible and adaptable – changing opinions / behaviour in the light of changing situations;
- Methodical and systematic, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy;
- Action-oriented, confident and show initiative;
- Operate with integrity and ethics;
- Delivery and deadline orientated.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No telephone phone will be accepted.
For more about the NEPAD Business Foundation, refer to www.nepadbusinessfoundation.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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ONE Campaign says that increasing agriculture investment is one of the best ways to reduce poverty in Africa.
ONE Campaign's deputy director, Nachilala Nkombo, says Africa has the potential not only to feed itself but also to become a major food supplier for the rest of the world.
Nkombo points out that unlocking Africa's potential will also unlock its development, adding that farming is Africa's predominant lifestyle with more than two-thirds of Africans depending on agriculture for their incomes.
To read the article titled, “Agriculture best way to reduce poverty - NGO,” click here.Source:Post ZambiaNEPAD Business Foundation: Communications Assistant
NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF)Please note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Wednesday, March 27, 2013The NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF) is a non-profit company promoting sustainable economic development in Africa through the private sector. Through its Project Management Unit, the NBF is implementing the Removing the Barriers in Agriculture (RtB) Programme which is aimed at removing barriers constraining private sector investment in the agricultural sector in order to increase participation of smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs’ in agricultural production, agribusiness, and agricultural value chains throughout Southern Africa.Opportunity type:Employment
The NBF seeks to appoint a Communications Assistant, based in Johannesburg.
The person will plan, research, and produce accurate, analytical content for corporate and programmatic publications: newsletters, press releases and social and digital media with the aim of encouraging corporate businesses towards active membership and participation in NBF programmes.
The ideal candidate will be a strong copy editor and stakeholder service skills. During four months the person´s responsibility will include Maternity Leave Cover assisting with the preparation for and running of events.
Maternity leave (4 months):
All aspects of administration and logistical support for external events (speakers, venue sourcing, catering, pre and post administration, coordinate RSVPs and registration, prepare information packs, book IT equipment/furniture, and progress reports for each event).
Responsibilities:- Lead research, authoring, development of content: speeches, presentations, newsletters, website content, editorial-style articles, video and radio scripts;
- Support campaign and organisation spokespeople through the development of media messaging, and briefing notes;
- Create break through content that engages target audience and has an understanding of what constitutes newsworthy copy that journalists will publish;
- Review and edit content to ensure the voice is consistent with NBF brand and proper usage of English grammar, spelling and structure;
- Assist with NBF website maintenance and representation on other social media outlets;
- Familiarity with search engine optimisation, including keyword strategy, key term discovery and optimised content development;
- Proactively seek media opportunities that support the organisation’s and programmes objectives with key media partners including African outlets – local and national newspapers, trade magazines, radio and television, PR agencies and contractors;
- Assisting with press briefings and press attendance at conferences, seminars and networking events;
- Work closely with stakeholder and project team to conceptualise and design creative copy content;
- Assist in the management of identified projects that enhance membership beneficiation;
- Any other duties as directed by Management.
- Diploma or degree in journalism, media studies, copywriting, communications, advertising or relevant qualification;
- Strong research, analysis, editing and interviewing skills;
- Electronic portfolio that reflects creative copywriting proficiencies;
- Experience with African agriculture, infrastructure and/or financial journalism will be a distinct advantage;
- Computer literate - proficiency in Microsoft Office products: Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel; Website maintenance (content management);
- Excellent analytical writing skills;
- Versatility – ability to work across the board, changing functions as necessary;
- Team orientation – working in an integrated team environment;
- Consultative capabilities - able to work with all levels of people;
- Resilience – maintaining composure and dealing effectively with stress;
- Flexible and adaptable – changing opinions/behaviour in the light of changing situations;
- Methodical and systematic, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy;
- Action-oriented, confident and show initiative;
- Operate with integrity (high ethics);
- Delivery and deadline orientated;
- A passion for exceptional client service;
- Willingness to work long hours from time to time;
- Own car and hold driver’s license is essential.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No telephone phone will be accepted.
For more about the NEPAD Business Foundation, refer to www.nepadbusinessfoundation.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Want to reach the widest spectrum of NGO and development stakeholders in South Africa as part of your communication and outreach objectives? Learn more about how the NGO Pulse Premium Advertising Service can support your communication requirements. Visit http://goo.gl/MUCvL for more information.Govt Vows to Tackle Food Insecurity
The Department of Agriculture says the lower than expected electricity tariff increase announced last week will help curb household food insecurity.
Agriculture Minister, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, points out that, "Electricity and fuel increases are among factors that are beyond the control of agriculture but they determine the competitiveness and costs of the sector."
Joemat-Pettersson further states that her department would ensure that it could produce enough food to curb household food insecurity across the country.
To read the article titled, “Minister vows to tackle food insecurity,” click here.Source:Fin24Govt to Convene Food Security Summit
Minister in The Presidency, Trevor Manuel, has told residents of Khayelitsha, on the Cape Flats, that government is to convene a food summit to plan improved food security for cities.
Speaking at a presentation of the objectives, between now and 2030, of the National Planning Commission (NPC), which he heads, Manuel was responding to a recent survey that revealed that only one in 10 households in Khayelitsha and Philippi townships could be regarded as ‘food secure’.
Accompanied by ANC deputy president and NPC deputy chairperson, Cyril Ramaphosa, Manuel said that though the government require active citizens, people could not be expected to act on their own.
To read the article titled, “Food security summit on government's to-do list,” click here.Source:Times LiveSA Wants Agricultural Sector to Grow
Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, says the government has an interest in ensuring the agricultural sector is profitable.
Speaking at the end of a ‘dialogue’ with farmers and commercial farming organisations in the Western Cape town of Paarl, Motlanthe pointed out that, “As government, we have an interest in ensuring the industry becomes profitable and continues to grow."
He further stressed the importance of the farming sector remaining competitive internationally.
To read the article titled, “Motlanthe: Government wants agriculture sector to grow,” click here.Source:Mail & Guardian
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