Junior Professional - West Africa

Position Overview

Palladium seeks a Junior Professional to support its West Africa team on the Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use Programme – Phase 2 (IFSLU2). This full-time role is primarily based in Accra, Ghana, contributing to a global sustainable land use initiative funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The position offers early-career development opportunities, fostering the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed for a future career in international development and environmental sectors.

The successful candidate will aid the regional Business Incubation, Design Side Measures, and Enabling Conditions portfolios by supporting project development, management, technical aspects, research, compliance, and programme coordination alongside Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), Grants, Communications, and External Relations teams.

Program Context

The IFSLU2 programme, running for an initial five years from February 2025 and possibly extendable up to 2035, aims to promote sustainable business models that enhance returns from forests and land use while conserving natural resources across tropical forest regions. The Junior Professional will primarily engage with the first two components of this program.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct market and value chain research to facilitate the design of commercially viable projects.
• Support business diagnostics and feasibility assessments to identify investment opportunities and barriers.
• Develop business plans and conduct economic analyses to evaluate project viability and sustainability.
• Assist in designing innovative business solutions to boost private sector investment in forestry and sustainable land use.
• Draft and review Idea Notes and Project Concept Notes with input from partners and leadership.
• Ensure integration of gender and safeguarding considerations into project designs.
• Collaborate with MEL teams to identify and track potential project outcomes.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement, maintaining comprehensive records and supporting follow-up actions.
• Manage communications and documentation flow with prospective grantees, coordinating reviews and feedback.
• Aid project implementation by supporting budgeting, risk management, reporting, and payment processes in coordination with Grants teams.
• Serve as a contact point for select projects, overseeing reporting and issue resolution.
• Support preparation and coordination of internal and client reports, meetings, and event management.
• Maintain project documentation using program management tools such as SharePoint and Monday.com.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is motivated to learn about global programme management within international development, environment, or land use sectors.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or master's degree in Economics, Finance, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics, International Development, or related fields.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and research capabilities including financial and economic analysis and market assessment experience.
• Interest or experience in international development, climate change, nature conservation, forestry, or stakeholder engagement.
• Capability to prepare business plans, feasibility studies, and investment cases.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.
• Fluent English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexibility and openness to innovative approaches and change.
• Strong interpersonal skills with respect for diverse individuals and effective networking.
• Excellent organizational ability and meticulous attention to detail.
• Passion and commitment to the sector’s mission.
• Accountability for delivering high-quality work.
• Legal eligibility to work in Ghana without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with FCDO-funded or other major international development programs.
• Specialized academic background relevant to the sector, such as Environmental Studies, Agribusiness, Public Policy, or International Relations.
• Knowledge of managing forest-risk commodity sectors like rubber, cashew, or oil palm.
• Fluency in French language.

Company Overview

Palladium is a global organization dedicated to creating lasting positive impacts on livelihoods, access to essential services, sustainable market systems, and environmental conservation. Operating in over 90 countries with a diverse workforce, Palladium fosters equity, diversity, and inclusion across all operations.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The company actively welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds and is committed to innovative, inclusive work practices. Adjustments and accommodations during recruitment are available upon request.

Safeguarding Commitment

Palladium prioritizes safeguarding by protecting its people and communities from harm, with a rigorous candidate vetting process including safeguarding-focused interviews and due diligence.