Market Linkages Specialist - STTA

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Short Term Technical Assistance (STTA) – Market Linkages Specialist to join our dedicated and talented team in Ghana on our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

Since its inception in 1953, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) has been committed to local ownership and sustainable outcomes. MEDA is currently working in over 37 countries around the world. We use a business-oriented approach to local economic development that results in positive social, environmental and economic impact. We facilitate the development of sustainable enterprises that benefits women, men, and youth small scale producers, including those most marginalized within agri-food market systems. Our development values are wealth creation by adding value in managing human, financial and environmental resources; participation of those with whom we work - at all stages and levels of a project - regardless of gender, race, class, ethnicity, nationality, or religion; collaboration with others engaged in development to avoid duplication and competition; sustainability, both programmatically and environmentally; and direct investment in businesses that serve the poor. For more information, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

The Greater Rural Opportunities for Women 2 (GROW2) project is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by MEDA.  The GROW2 project is women-focused, driven by a strong market system approach, and fully integrates Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, Human Rights, Nutrition, and Innovation in its implementation. The Project will increase the economic and social empowerment of women farmers, entrepreneurs, and agribusinesses in the Northern, Savannah, and Upper West Regions of Ghana through increased productivity, and an improved business environment focused on the soybean and groundnut value chains.

Position Summary

The STTA will support MEDA’s GROW2 project team by strengthening market linkages and coordinating the implementation of the Integrated Financial Service Delivery (IFSD) model through a digital platform (MfarmPay). This role is critical to promoting access to market and input services for project clients, including WSHFs (Women Smallholder Farmers), Entrepreneurs, and Agribusinesses. The STTA will also lead documentation efforts, ensure compliance, support training and coordination activities, and help track and report on progress in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Title:            Short Term Technical Assistance (STTA) – Market Access & IFSD Coordination

Reports To:        Senior Small Business & Financial Services Officer
Location:            Tamale, Ghana

Department:       GROW2 (1239)

Job Level:           Technical

Start Date:           As soon as possible

End Date:            March, 2026

Job Status:         Contract / Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA)

Key Responsibilities

Market Linkages Support – 40%

• Identify and engage major Aggregators, Offtakers, and Processors within the soybean and groundnut value chains.
• Facilitate market linkage meetings and partnerships between project clients and Aggregators.
• Support clients in reviewing supply contracts to maximize benefits.
• Track and maintain records on produce aggregation from project clients.
• Collaborate with market information service providers (e.g., Farmerline) to ensure timely dissemination of market information.
• Resolve any issues between entrepreneurs and Aggregators on contract execution.

IFSD Model Coordination – 35%

• Conduct joint site assessments with stakeholders to identify and onboard SLGs into the IFSD model.
• Sensitize SLGs on the IFSD model and secure their buy-in.
• Coordinate input requirement planning with dealers and facilitate payment through digital platforms (MfarmPay).
• Monitor the delivery of services, aggregation of produce, and payment distribution to SLGs.
• Organize partnership review meetings periodically.

Documentation, Compliance, and Reporting – 20%

• Maintain organized records of intervention activities in the designated MEDA-GROW2 SharePoint folder.
• Ensure full compliance with all guidelines, MOUs, and contracts related to the IFSD model and market access.
• Provide monthly and weekly status updates and reports on progress.
• Flag implementation risks and propose corrective actions.
• Maintain proper data collection systems for project reporting.

Other Responsibilities – 5%

• Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor in line with project objectives.

Position Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of Five (5) years of relevant experience working in Market Systems Development (MSD), Agribusiness Linkages, or Rural Entrepreneurship Development projects.
• Experience working with actors in the soyabean and groundnuts value chains in Northern Ghana preferred.
• Experience working within the non-profit sector particularly with international NGOs is a plus.
• Prior experience working with smallholder farmers, market linkages, and financial services delivery models.
• Familiarity with digital payment platforms and mobile technologies is an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and SharePoint document management.

Competencies

• Strong coordination and relationship-building skills with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan and execute tasks effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

Organizational Fit

Organizational Policies and Procedures

• Ensure and adhere to all MEDA management, professional, finance, audit, legal, human capital, security, corporate and other policies as required
• Prepare quarterly and other required internal reports and planning documents
• Complete and participate in all training as required

Organizational Culture

• Appreciation, understanding and commitment to MEDA’s mission of creating business solutions to poverty
• Demonstrate MEDA’s Core Performance Values: Collaboration, Respect, Entrepreneurship and Accountability

Image and Engagement

• Adherence and demonstration of MEDA image according to MEDA values
• Comply with board approved brand strategy
• Promote MEDA through speaking engagements, media appearances and convention as required

Contractual Notes

• This is a full-time, fixed-term STTA contract from August, 2025, to March, 2026. It does not create employment relations.
• The position includes mentorship and training opportunities with experienced teams.
• The STTA will receive monthly payment in accordance with deliverables and agreed terms.

Mode of Application

Interested candidates shall submit their CV and a cover letter**.** The CV/Cover letter shall provide a summary of their work experience related to this opportunity, highlighting key competencies.

The role is open until August 04, 2025 5:00pm GMT. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis when received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

MEDA is an equal opportunity employer, and accommodation is available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring accommodation make their needs known in advance.