The Agency for Village Support (AVISU) in The Gambia is a National NGO based in Kaur, Central River Region. AVISU is seeking applications for the positions of 1 Project Manager & 2 Technical Advisors for its SMILE-B project to be implemented in CRR North and South. AVISU offers employment contract that is subject to annual review and renewal based on satisfactory on- the  –job performance. The post is subject to 6 months probation period

PURPOSE: To support and assist in the effective delivery of AVISU’s responsibilities within the SMILE-B initiative and contribute to the success of the SMILE-B project in meeting its objectives.

The overall goal of SMILE-B is to improve the livelihoods of poor rural and peri-urban population through improved food security increased household incomes and improved access to potable water (through promotion of affordable, small-scale water-lifting and irrigation technologies)

Specific objectives:

1.  To make affordable, appropriate and small-scale water-lifting and irrigation technologies widely accessible;

2.  Private businesses manufacturing and marketing affordable, high quality appropriate technologies;

3. To improve the productivity of horticultural activities through improved access to inputs and information;

Vacancy 1- project manager

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

*  Holder of A Diploma in Development studies,

*  Agriculture, Business management or related field.

*  Must have strong training facilitation skills, experiences & commitment to learn

*  Must have strong business skills and understanding of basic business concepts.

*  Proven management and supervisory experience in either project management, general management or sales management roles

*  Must be open hearted and free to make consultations with the Director and with Concern Universal SMILE-B staff for clarification of SMILE-B activities and

* Computer skills: Excel and Word proficiency as a minimum

*  Experience writing reports, time conscious and ability to meet deadlines

*  Must be able to ride a motorcycle effectively

* Ability to speak two local languages

*  Willingness to live in CRR North and South policies at any time.

Responsibilities:

*  To be trained by Concern Universal through AVISU on techniques and concepts of SMILE-B technologies

*  To train smallholder SMILE-B clients (show garden committees, individual clients, etc…) on basic business concepts and the development and implementation of business plans prior to the reception of credit loans and the purchase of SMILE-B technologies. 

∑ To prepare monthly narrative and financial reports with the Finance Manager for submission to the CU Project Manager based on approved budget lines

*  To take good initiatives in line with the aims and objectives of the SMILE-B project.

*  To provide support to the TA for the promotion and marketing of SMILE-B products within the garden stores as well as for garden produce (review, revise prices for cost effectiveness).

*  To compile data and collate reports from the field staff.

*  To conduct monthly & quarterly planning, evaluation and reviews with TA.

*  To provide technical support and advice to SMILE-B smallholder clients regarding the their business plans

*  To facilitate linkage to credit schemes to help farmers acquire loans to purchase SMILE-B technology.

*  To collaborate when and where possible with other Concern Universal projects and their extension agents.  This would pertain to similar project activities being implemented in the same or nearby geographical areas.  Such examples may include collaborative efforts with Concern Universal FAMILIES, GiG, and/or LIFE projects involving trainings to communities on basic business

*  Concepts and business plans, trainings on store management, horticultural trainings, and so forth.

* To be answerable to the Director & fulfil any other tasks as required by Director for the good of the project

Vacancy 2- Two Technical Advisors

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

*  Holder of at least a certificate in Agriculture, Business management, Development Studies or related field or Hands on experience in field work 

*  Must be able to ride a motorcycle effectively

*  Must have strong training facilitation skills

*  Must have good business skills and understanding of basic business concepts.

*  Experience with any of the following technologies: manual water pumps, hand drilled tube wells, drip irrigation

*  Experience implementing business plans

*  Computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)

*  Ability to speak two local languages & Willingness to live in CRR North and South

Responsibilities

*  To be trained on techniques and concepts of SMILE-B technologies

*  To provide advice and support to smallholders or other interested clients in choosing the most appropriate equipment based on their needs

*  To give training and practical support to

*  Individual smallholders or other interested clients in effective operation; maintenance and repair of SMILE-B purchased equipment.

*  To supervise and manage the well being of the Show Gardens and all resources under your responsibility

*  o provide follow-up technical support for those who have adapted SMILE-B technologies especially in the areas of equipment maintenance and repair, additional training needs, and advice toward the improvement of Show Gardens

∑ To collect data & prepare monthly reports from show garden committees and other smallholder SMILE-B clients

*  To provide support to garden committees for the promotion and marketing of SMILE-B products

*  To provide technical support and advice to garden committees on the development and implementation of a business plan (Note: Project Manager will be responsible for the initial training of business plans to garden committees)

* To facilitate linkage to credit schemes to help farmers acquire loans to buy SMILE-B technology.

*  To collaborate when and where possible with other Concern Universal projects and their extension agents.  This would pertain to similar project activities being implemented in the same or nearby geographical areas.  Such examples may include collaborative efforts with Concern Universal FAMILIES, GiG, and/or LIFE projects involving trainings to communities on basic business concepts and business plans, trainings on store management, horticultural trainings, and so forth.

*  To administer and collect SMILE-B Customer Impact Questionnaires to all SMILE-B clients on an annual basis.

• To fulfil any other tasks as required by Project Manager

AUTHOR: DO

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY

Gambia Association of the Physically Disabled (GAPD) currently has an opening for an Administrative Secretary to work from its office base in Banjul.  The role of the Administrative Secretary will be to manage the activities and functions of the organisation’s Secretariat / office base.  Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced Gambians for this post.

The criteria for the post are as follows:-

Essential Criteria (Note: Applicants must meet all the Essential Criteria in order to be shortlisted for interview)

1.  Interested persons must be first Degree holders with administrative and managerial skills, with at least 2 years post graduate work experience.

2.  Must have experience in project proposal writing.

3.  Must be able to work with minimum supervision.

4.  Person must be computer literate.

5.  Must be able to do simple accounting work; prepare salaries, social security contributions, maintain a cash book etc.

Desirable Criteria (Please indicate in your application which of the following criteria you also meet).

6. Experience in working with Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) or Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO’s) would be an advantage.

7.  Experience of supervising other employees.

8.  Should be able to take minutes during board meetings.

Additional information for applicants

The offer is for an initial period of one year with initial three month probation and the salary on offer will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience.

GAPD would particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced women and / or individuals  who are themselves disabled.  Applications should be submitted in writing with a curriculum vitae (CV) attached.

Closing date for applications for this post is Friday 4th July 2008. 

This is re-advertisement, previous applicants need not re-apply.

All interested persons should send their applications to:

Gambia Association of the Physically Disabled

8A Marina Parade, P.O. Box 815, Banjul

For more information Tel: 9926223 / 9933255 / 9942530

AUTHOR:DO

Vacancy for Client Services Supervisor
 
Position: Client Services Supervisor
Employer:  Pristine Consulting
Domain: A Technology Services company services providing global software integration services. 

Expected Environment: This new position will require frequent adaptation to changing business processes and technologies. Successful Candidate will need to learn fast, think and work independently, provide strong leadership, and operate with little supervision in a dynamic environment.   Successful Candidate will provide services to clients and users in The Gambia, United States, and Europe.

The Client Services Supervisor (CSS) will be responsible for ensuring that all company products and services meet the highest standards and that the company lives up to its credo of "delivering technology with excellence".

Key Responsibilities:
∑  Supervise administration of Client Services Department
∑  Manage the Acceptance Certificate process
∑  Conduct surveys of clients to gauge client satisfaction
∑  Maintain and update client accounts  as required
∑  Maintain and update Client Services business intelligence reports
∑  Answer client phone calls and emails
∑  Perform other tasks as may be decided by management

Knowledge and Skills
∑  Open-minded, aggressive and entrepreneurial personality
∑  Exceptional thought and people leadership
∑  Strong sense of ownership and independence
∑  Strong internal motivation and self-confidence
∑  Excellent communication skills
∑  Strong analytical and quantitative skills
∑  Experience and comfort in working in  a rapidly evolving work environment
∑  Experience or familiarity with Banking or Retail industries
∑  More than 2 years experience in Sales, Marketing or Product development
∑  Familiarity with the Internet and Internet-based software products.
∑  Bachelor degree required.

Note:
Send Resume by Wednesday 14th May 2008              
to jobs@pristine.bz

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

AUTHOR:DO

The AGENCY FOR VILLAGE SUPPORT (AVISU) in The Gambia is a national NGO based in Kaur, Central River Region. AVISU is seeking Two (2) qualified individuals for the post of PROGRAM COORDINATOR. AVISU offers employment contract that is subject to annual review and renewal based on satisfactory on-the-job performance. The post is subject to a 6-month probation period.

One (1) PROGRAM COORDINATOR for
Enterprise Development & Micro-Credit Program (EDMCP)

Qualification:
*  University Degree and/or Diploma in Business Management or relevant field in Rural Finance & Community Development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Requirements:
*  Knowledgeable in Project Proposal and Report Writing, and Enterprise Development Processes.

*  Skilled in Business Planning & Management; Credit Mgt.; Training Mgt. & Facilitation; Project Cycle Management and Participatory Techniques; IT literate in word, excel & power point; and can drive or willing to drive motorbike.

*  At least 3 years experience in NGO managed Micro-Credit/Finance and Enterprise Development Program and in a Supervisory function.

*  Good communication skills both spoken and written and at least can speak 2 local languages spoken in CRR.

*  Team Player, hard working, and committed to work some weekend & unsociable hours.

*  Willing to live within Kaur & Lower Saloum District. 

One (1) PROGRAM COORDINATOR for 
Environment Natural Resources & Agriculture Program (ENRAP)

Qualification:
•  University Degree and/or Diploma in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management or relevant field in Community Development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Requirements:
•  Knowledgeable in Agric-Enterprise Development; Participatory Approaches to Development; and Proposal and Report Writing.

•  Skilled in Agric Development Planning; Appropriate Agriculture Technologies; Training Mgt. & Facilitation.;  IT literate in word, excel & power point; and can drive or willing to drive motorbike.

•  At least 3 years experience in NGO managed Environment Natural Resource and Agric. Development Program and in a Supervisory function.

•  Good communication skills both spoken and written and at least can speak 2 local languages spoken in CRR.

•  Team Player, hard working, and committed to work some weekend & unsociable hours.

•  Willing to live within Kaur & Lower Saloum District. 

Responsibilities:
• Both Coordinators are expected to oversee and drive the  program planning and implementation; Provide technical assistance to program team for effective and efficient delivery of the programs and projects of AVISU; Develop and deliver relevant training required by the staff and partner groups/  communities; and Supervise & Monitor AVISU’S program team/staffs.

All interested applicants should submit their CVs and Letter of Intent specifying the position applied for and explaining why they are best suited to the position. Application should be submitted to: The Chairman of the Board of AVISU, C/O NCCE Office, Opposite Muslim Cemetery, Kanifing or AVISU Office in Wharf town Kaur, CRR. Closing date: Wednesday 28rd May 2008 at 12:00 noon. Late applications will not be considered and only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Qualified women are encouraged to apply. Interviews for short-listed candidates will be on Saturday 31st May 2008.

AUTHOR:DO

THE GAMBIA SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (SDF)

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR SDF MICRO FINANCE OFFICER
Under the general supervision of the Fund Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
* Acting as a focal point and a clearing house for information of SDF’s micro finance operations.
*  Be responsible for pocessing, reviewing and screening of loan proposals submitted by individuals, groups and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) for financing and provide technical and financial analysis.
*  Prepare and produce appraisal report on each loan proposal for FMT and Board of Directors to act upon.
*  Preparation fo quarterly reports for the various credit funds under SDF management.
*  Preparation and administration of loan agreements and other contractual documents.
*  Follow up and monitor loan recipient inst it uons’ perfromance on how to loan is being adminstered..
*  Select, prepare and establish a data base for the micro finance department and maintain fully updated recors of loans, repayments, uses, MFIs’ perfomance and beneficiairies’ socio- economic characteristics.
*  Prepare and produce a brieft on activity plans and schedules s well as progress made on activities, perticularly launching workshops and annual project reviews.
*  Participate as a member of the Fund Management Team.
*  Any other duties assigned by the Fund Manager or his designated representatives.

Person specification for the position of micro finance officer

Education: An advance University education (MSC) in a field related to Development Studies, Finance, Economic or related Social Science. Additional courses in SME, Micro Finance, or Financial management will be an added advantage

Experience: A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in micro finance operations and savings mobilization. Candidates should also have a minimum of four years experience in the field of development or integrated rural development.

Other Desirable Skills: Knowledge  of computer applications for MS Word, Spread Sheets and presentations and internet  applications

Competencies: Excellent communication skills: good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with sensitivity and respect for diversity: ability to work under pressure and to independelty plan and organize workloads in order to meet deadlines; ability to build and sustain  effective working relationships with various contacts at different levels.

Salary very attractive
Closing date for applications is 26th May 2008.
Previous applicants need no re-apply. Interested persons should apply to: The Fund Manager
The Gambia Social Development Fund (SDF), Naccug House
Behind the Independence Stadium, Kanifing Institutional Area, Bakau
Only Short listed applicants will be contacted.

AUTHOR: DO