Technical Advisor – Regional Coordinator, Cocoa Sustainability (Full-Time)

Location: Accra, Ghana

Company Profile

GIZ Ghana is part of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, a leading international development organization that works with partners to promote sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and improved livelihoods. Through its programmes, GIZ supports innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that address global challenges while strengthening local capacities.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Advisor – Regional Coordinator, Cocoa Sustainability to support the implementation, monitoring, and verification of sustainability initiatives within the cocoa supply chain across Ghana and Nigeria. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to responsible cocoa sourcing, due diligence, and sustainable supply chain management while collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability Programme Implementation, Data Management and Due Diligence

• Coordinate the implementation of sustainability investments and field-based programme activities across Ghana and Nigeria.
• Conduct regular field visits to cocoa-producing communities, suppliers, and farmer organizations to monitor project implementation, verify compliance, and support due diligence requirements.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of responsible sourcing and due diligence processes.
• Coordinate and facilitate independent audits to strengthen supply chain compliance and transparency.
• Collect, verify, and maintain accurate supplier and traceability data in accordance with programme requirements.
• Organize and support field missions for internal teams, partners, clients, and other stakeholders.

Programme Monitoring, Reporting and Communication

• Coordinate regular review meetings with suppliers to monitor implementation progress against agreed objectives and performance indicators.
• Support suppliers in understanding programme requirements, reporting systems, transparency standards, and regulatory obligations, including EUDR requirements where applicable.
• Maintain accurate internal reporting systems and ensure programme documentation remains current and complete.
• Monitor reporting deadlines and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely submission of required information.
• Assess and verify the quality, completeness, and accuracy of supplier reports against contractual commitments.
• Prepare regular technical and progress reports for the Company’s Responsible Cocoa Sourcing Manager.
• Support the preparation of presentations, briefing materials, and sustainability reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collect relevant communication materials, including photographs, videos, success stories, and testimonials to showcase programme achievements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, farmer organizations, government institutions, industry associations, development partners, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the Company at relevant sector meetings, workshops, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among programme partners to strengthen sustainability outcomes.

Innovation, Risk Assessment and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor emerging trends, innovations, risks, and opportunities within the West African cocoa sector.
• Conduct assessments and provide recommendations to strengthen sustainability initiatives, including agroforestry, zero deforestation, living income, gender inclusion, and responsible sourcing.
• Identify opportunities to leverage partnerships and create synergies with existing or planned sustainability programmes.
• Contribute technical expertise to improve programme implementation and operational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in Agriculture, Agroforestry, Supply Chain Management, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience working within the cocoa supply chain or with cocoa companies in Ghana and/or Nigeria, with a strong focus on sustainability.
• At least 2 years’ experience preparing reports and managing reporting processes within a corporate or international development environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing sustainability programmes, supply chain compliance, or due diligence initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong analytical skills with the ability to manage and interpret large datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality results.
• Existing professional network within the Ghanaian and Nigerian cocoa sectors.
• Willingness and ability to undertake frequent domestic and regional travel.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience implementing or evaluating due diligence systems within the cocoa sector or similar agricultural value chains, such as coffee.
• Experience monitoring and evaluating sustainability programmes and development projects.
• Experience working directly with farmer organizations or community development initiatives in Ghana or Nigeria.
• Technical expertise in one or more cocoa sustainability areas, including monitoring and evaluation, farmer livelihoods, child labour prevention, women’s economic empowerment, agroforestry, climate resilience, or zero-deforestation initiatives.
• Knowledge of international sustainability standards, responsible sourcing frameworks, and evolving regulatory requirements affecting agricultural supply chains.

What We Offer

• A competitive remuneration package.
• Opportunities to work on high-impact regional sustainability programmes.
• Continuous professional development and learning opportunities.
• A collaborative, multicultural, and inclusive work environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to sustainable cocoa production and responsible supply chain development across West Africa.

Application Deadline

20 July 2026

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the Application button.