The impact of solar power in remote areas can be huge. Health Clinics can have their medicines stored in vaccine fridges and source electricity for necessary items (such as radio equipment and microscopes).

Schools can be transformed into functioning spaces at night, where night classes or community events can be held.

Renewable energy is a practical and durable technology for Liberia and Sierra Leone, especially for areas where grid electricity is unlikely to reach in the foreseeable future and where the cost of running generators are prohibitive.

Generators, which are widely used in these countries, are extremely costly environmental liabilities with their emissions of noise and hazardous atmospheric gases. Solar electricity can provide 24 hour electricity in a remote area with little or no running costs, thus making it, not only an eco-friendly financially viable energy alternative to generators, but rather a logical one. 

As a qualified Google for Nonprofits organization, EFASL will be able to raise its profile online through Google’s adwords product offering. The Google Grants program empowers over 6,000 organizations to achieve their goals by helping them promote their websites via advertising on Google.

Google Grants is a part of the Google for Nonprofits program and is Google’s product offering for the nonprofit sector.

The GAWA network was established in 2005, by a number of leading national environmental organisations in the ECOWAS region. Since then its efforts have been focussed towards building a platform for high level advocacy for sound natural resource management in the national, regional and international contexts. GAWA members are active in all of the ECOWAS countries. 

The meeting this week will provide members of GAWA and other participants, with an invaluable opportunity to review GAWA’s approach and to prioritize action for the next year. In essence, the meeting will provide a platform for strengthened cooperation and collaboration with a view to underpinning not only the positive developments in the region but also to address the significant and emerging challenges related to natural resources management in the national and regional contexts.

The participants are from Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo and UK and include representatives from NGOs, UN agencies, Media Commissions, Academia and  Government. It is expected hat this gathering of committed environmentalists and civil society activists will contribute meaningfully to the discussions and debates that will hopefully enable the network to develop a realistic and achievable activity plan for 2012.

GAWA has now evolved into a regional civil society network, promoting synergy between environmental organizations, and has succeeded in building a solid platform for effective environmental advocacy in the national, regional and international arenas. 

However, while GAWA presents a platform for strong coordinated action, the region is also facing unprecedented challenges. GAWA now has a window of opportunity to review its approach to meet these challenges head-on.

It is often said that many African countries suffer from the ‘resource curse’  – that Africa’s challenges of poverty and governance exist because the continent is so rich. Despite this challenge there exists strong signs of positive change, with many countries embarking on the path to true democracy.

Over recent years several African countries have recorded high economic growth rates, even surpassing some developed economies, and projections for economic growth in many natural resource-rich African countries during the next decade are very promising.  

Still, these facts can fade into insignificance when we consider the many destructive and unprogressive leaderships that have governed the people and resources on this continent during the past half century. From a political, geographical and historical standpoint, West Africa has been considered a volatile region for the best part of four decades. Conflicts fuelled by natural resources have emerged in several West African countries often with significant backing from external actors.  These conflicts have created untold suffering for millions, while wreaking havoc on the national economies and social fabric of the affected countries, often with regional implications.

Due to limited markets, many West African countries do not offer attractive returns to potential investors, and progress in diversifying production and exports is slow in developing. This limits investment in essential infrastructure that depends on economies of scale for viability. Exacerbating these dynamics have been natural disasters – among them droughts, floods, pest invasions and other climate-related abnormalities.  Together, these factors compound issues of poverty and undermine efforts to achieve all forms of sustainable development and economic growth in the West African sub-region and indeed on the rest of the African continent. 

Despite several indicators of positive change, West Africa and its people are faced with increasing hardships due to unregulated and unsustainable use of natural resources and unprecedented environmental change among other social, economic, political and environmental problems.

These conditions underpin the need for West African countries to pool their resources and enhance regional development and economic integration.  Indeed, it was this that was the impetus for the creation of GAWA.

Given the magnitude and complexity of the challenges that lie ahead: climate change,  persisting problems of governance and transparency in the NRM sector, land tenure problems, environmental degradation, low empowerment of the local people due to high illiteracy levels and so on it is critical that GAWA redefines its approach as a leading regional civil society network. It must be an approach that is founded on the ownership of, and responsibility for, the integrity and effectiveness of the network.

It is through such ownership that GAWA members will be fully empowered to play active and decisive roles in:

• Enhancing coordination and mainstreaming of sustainability thinking in policies governing natural resource management in WA
• Strengthening capacities for negotiation & monitoring of contracts/concessions in the extractives sector
• Enhancing financial benefits and revenue transparency in the NRM sector
• Strengthening mainstreaming of social and environmental sustainability in the mineral sector
• Ensuring the incorporation of environment and security factors into development, conflict prevention and climate change strategies
• Ensuring the review of national policy and legislation and the practice of due diligence in the review or development of any old or new NR projects
• Aiding the empowerment of communities and vulnerable groups, by lending voice internally and internationally to specific needs and threats
• Increasing lobbying activities, ensuring heightened attention by news media, policy-makers, donors, the private sector and other stakeholders, and advocating for change where necessary
• Providing expert assistance to governments and communities, where appropriate, in resource management, conflict prevention and mediation, through the provision of non-partisan and pro-people expertise on natural resources-related matters.

Read about the project and view the images

EFA-SL is in partnership with Welthungerhilfe- WHH, to implement a European Union -financed project titled – Food Security for Economic Development (FoSED) in Bo, Kenema and Pujehun Districts. The expected results of the project are:

Result 1: Sustainable farming systems are developed on-farm and “best agricultural practices” promoted

Result 2: Market opportunities for agricultural products are promoted and rural households empowered to make use of them

Result 3: Mechanisms for the sustainable management of natural resources are introduced

Result 4: Local institutions are strengthened to promote the economic development process

EFA is tasked largely with implementing Result 3, in addition to supporting WHH with implementation for result 4, the details of which are outlined below:

Result 3: (EFA)

• Facilitate the development of participatory land use plans in designated Communities;
• Ensure the environmentally sound implementation of land use plans in collaboration with Gola Forest Programme and other actors.
• Plan and implement Environmental Awareness Raising activities;
• Develop and promote the introduction of primary and secondary school curricula for environmental education and introduce them in schools in the project area and promote up-scaling at national level;
• Identify and promote sustainable income opportunities based on non-timber forest products (NTFP) and promote marketing concepts (linkage to result 2);
• Identify and develop new eco tourism projects together with communities;
• Ensure continued extension support, record activities and assess benefits of the action for the target groups.

Result 4: (EFA/WHH)

• Set up and support coordination committee at District level and take active part in donor coordination;
• Conduct participatory baseline survey and needs assessment in all targeted communities;
• Identify and promote areas of cooperation with government (MAFFS) and private (CBOs) organisations;
• Train personnel of local government institutions and organisations involved in project implementation for an effective service delivery;
• Promote demand driven small community projects jointly funded by the project, local government and the communities;
• Develop and facilitate a cost-effective, participatory project M&E-system and organise external monitoring missions

VACANCIES

FIELD COORDINATORS (3) – FOR BO, KENEMA AND PUJEHUN DISTRICTS

This exciting position would be responsible for the development of work plans and capacity building programs for project beneficiaries and facilitate needs identification by the communities with direct supervision from the Project Officer of the FoSED project.  S/he would be responsible for the day to day field implementation of the project. The Field Coordinators will be based in the District with extensive travels to all project communities in the district.  

Key Job Responsibilities

• Support the Project Officer in field based programme and project administration, including preparation of project documentation, monitoring and quality reporting
• Carry out day to day activities associated with environmental awareness raising, sustainable natural resource management and school outreach programs
• Support the Project Officer in ensuring the environmentally sound implementation of land use plans in collaboration with Gola Forest Programme and other actors
• Proactively and in a timely manner follow through on areas of responsibility with minimum supervision
• Contribute to the development of core curricula and related educational materials for integrating environmental education in the schools learning programme, in conjunction with other relevant actors and liaise with various partners where necessary
• Ensure timely completion of and processing or reports and other critical documentation
• Coordinate with the local community leaderships, school authorities and other community stakeholders to ensure strategic objectives are achieved.
• Draft official correspondence to local schools, traditional & local government authorities, CBOs, and respond to general queries from the communities, regarding environmental issues in their respective localities
• Contribute to preparatory work on proposal development, advocacy and learning alliances
• Liaise with GoSL officials and other development partners, and foster / establish good links with other (I)NGOs
• Undertake other duties that may be determined by the project officer and / or the Program Officer based in Bo

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• BA/BSc degree in Development or Social Studies or a related field (a Natural Resources Management discipline is preferred) from a recognized University, with 2+ years progressively responsible experience in natural resource related work, preferably with a non-profit organization
• A Diploma in Natural Resource Management from a recognized institution with 4+years progressively responsible experience in natural resource related work, preferably with non-profit organisation
• Experience and knowledge of programming approaches such as Land Use Plan, NTFPs, advocacy, community empowerment and strengthening local community leadership.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and to maintain confidentiality
• Must be a computer literate and conversant with the internet
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to speak Mende and ride motorbike is required
   

Key Competencies

• excellent interpersonal skills including an ability to work with people from diverse culturesStress tolerance and an ability to multi-task
• Proactive problem solving
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Respect, integrity, excellence

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCE OFFICER

This position will provide lead support on the finance and administration of the project. S/he will perform broad range of financial & administrative tasks in accordance with donor guidelines, EFA systems & procedures and the AOA signed with WHH.  S/he will be responsible for supporting project staff on all project related finances, budget tracking and regular financial reports. The officer holder will perform human resource and Personnel responsibilities with logistical support. S/he will be based in Bo and supervised by the Programme Officer with oversight support from the Operations Manager.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Process and manage all documents and records related to admin/personnel/finance issues in the Bo office (maintain current staff records, prepare salary sheets, withhold tax and social security contribution and ensure payment of same to income tax and NASSIT authorities)
• Provide support to FoSED Project staff on all project related finances, budget tracking and regular financial reports in accordance with donor guidelines, EFA systems & procedures and the AOA signed with WHH
• Ensure that EFA program policies are implemented and adhered to
• Organize and hold weekly/monthly staff meetings in coordination with the Program Officer
• Maintain updated accounts of income and expenditure as well as proper filing system of all receipts, contracts and cash transactions
• Maintain and monitor staff attendance records with an updated staff list in the Bo office
• Verify requests for supplies in co-ordination with the Program Officer
• Supervise and monitor Logistics  and Administrative support staff and ensure proper co-ordination and allocation of tasks to various support staff
• Development of  a computerized inventory control and ensuring stock control policies and control measures are adhered to
• Conduct periodic visits to the field office to address administrative and personnel matters as may be determined by your supervisor
• Manage the disbursement of petty cash to other field/support staff
• Represent EFA in meetings from time to time as required
• Undertake other duties that may be determined by the programme Officer

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A holder of either HND from a recognized institution, CAT (Certified Accounting Technician) of ACCA ( Association of Certified Chartered Accountant) skills level
• 3+ years progressively responsible experience in Admin/personnel and finance related issues, preferably with a non-profit organization
• Experience and knowledge of SL Labour laws, and income tax/NASSIT withholdings.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and to maintain confidentiality
• Must be a computer literate in Microsoft Word and Excel, and conversant with the internet
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Key Competencies

• excellent interpersonal skills including an ability to work with people from diverse cultures
• Stress tolerance and an ability to multi-task
• Proactive problem solving
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Respect, integrity, excellence
   

DRIVER

S/he will be based in Bo and will be expected to drive project staff to all FoSED project areas within the three districts.  S/he will be supervised by the Admin/Finance Officer and will work with the administrative department in providing support to the implementation of result 3&4 in the FoSED project

Key Job Responsibilities

• Drive personnel in EFA/Project vehicles to project areas as may be assigned
• Ensure that the vehicle assigned to you is always clean and in good working condition
• Submit weekly report on status of vehicles to the Admin and Finance Officer
• Always make sure that the passengers onboard your vehicle use seat belt before you move the vehicle
• Identify genuine spare parts and process request for repairs on faulty vehicles, etc. and ensure that repairs are done in time
• Adhere to EFA’s code of conduct for drivers and follow regulations on speed limits
• Ensure vehicle log books are logged appropriately and are properly kept, to truthfully reflect all journeys(either private or official)
• Facilitate the loading and unloading of  EFA consignment vehicles
• Assist with the collection and fuelling of vehicles
• Take responsibility for tools, equipment and any other items within the vehicle assigned to you
• Provide plastic bags for the collection of rubbish and daily disposal of them
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by your Supervisor

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A certified driving license
• 3+ years progressively responsible experience in driving, preferably with a non-profit organization
• Experience and knowledge of general driving rules and regulations.
• Ability to drive on bad roads with understanding of 4wheel drive vehicles
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Key Competencies

• excellent interpersonal skills including an ability to work with people from diverse cultures
• Stress tolerance and an ability to multi-task
• Proactive problem solving
• Can read and write basic English
• Respect, integrity, excellence 

CARETAKER/SECURITY GUARD

S/he will provide day security cover for the Bo office; S/he will be supervised by the Admin/Finance Officer and will work with the administrative department in providing support to the implementation of result 3&4 in the FoSED project  

Key Job Responsibilities

• Provide security for EFA office premise, all EFA/Project vehicles, motorbikes and all other items within the office premises
• Monitors the security phone and respond to official calls whilst on duty and ensure the phone is properly maintained
• In the event of any emergencies whilst on duty, always call on admin/finance officer or any other personnel for assistance
• Assist with the loading and unloading of EFA consignment vehicles
• Assist the logistics office with the fuelling of vehicles, motor bikes, generators.
• Assist with the cleaning of generators
• Take care, of the welfare of security dogs
• ensuring a clean office working environment at all times
• daily cleaning of offices, reception hall, corridors, furniture and regular disposal of refuse
• ensuring clean toilet facilities and maintaining a water reserve
• pruning flowers and brushing of grass as and when necessary
• periodic cleaning of windows, floors, and other areas around the office premises
• Prepare continuous report on activities while on duty
• Perform any other function as may be assigned

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• High school certificate
• Work experience in any recognized institution will be an advantage
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Key Competencies

• excellent interpersonal skills including an ability to work with people from diverse cultures
• Stress tolerance and an ability to multi-task
• Can read and write basic English
• Respect, integrity, excellence

To Apply

Interested candidates should express their interest in writing to the Program Officer at jnavo@efasl.org.uk and copy the Admin Officer at info@efasl.org.uk.

Candidates for the driver and Security/Caretaker position can drop their applications in the EFA Bo Regional Office at 116 Abu Street, Off Bo Taiama Highway, Bo.

All Applicants should PLEASE INDICATE IN THE SUBJECT LINE WHAT POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR, and applicants for the Field Coordinator position should PLEASE INDICATE THE DISTRICT OF THEIR INTEREST. Closing date for submission of applications is Monday, 19^th September 2011.  

Only short listed applicants will be contacted; women are encouraged to apply.

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