Palladium is recruiting a Junior Professional to support the West Africa team working on the Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use Programme – Phase 2 (IFSLU2).

The successful candidate will be based primarily in:

Location: Accra, Ghana
Work arrangement: Full-time position (40 hours per week)
Expected start date: October 1, 2026
Programme duration: One-year professional development opportunity

The role provides hands-on experience in:

• Sustainable land-use projects
• Climate and environmental programmes
• Investment development
• Business incubation
• Grant management
• Research and analysis
• Project coordination
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

The Junior Professional will work closely with teams responsible for grants, communications, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and external relations.

About the Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use Programme – Phase 2 (IFSLU2)

The IFSLU2 programme is one of Palladium’s flagship initiatives under its Natural Capital and Climate, Environment and Natural Resources practice areas.

The programme aims to support businesses, investors, governments, and communities in developing sustainable economic opportunities connected to forests and land use.

The initiative focuses on creating investment models where economic growth can happen while also:

• Protecting existing forests
• Restoring degraded land
• Improving agricultural production practices
• Supporting sustainable businesses
• Increasing private-sector investment in environmentally responsible activities

The programme operates across tropical forest regions and is funded by the United Kingdom government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

IFSLU2 began in February 2025 and is planned to operate for five years, with possible extension depending on performance and funding availability.

Key Responsibilities of the Junior Professional

The selected candidate will support the West Africa team in several important areas.

1. Project Development Support

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting market research and value-chain analysis to support sustainable business projects.
• Supporting business diagnostics and feasibility assessments.
• Preparing business plans and economic analyses.
• Evaluating investment opportunities and project sustainability.
• Supporting innovative solutions that encourage private-sector investment in forestry and sustainable land use.
• Assisting with the preparation of project concept notes and idea documents.
• Reviewing project proposals submitted by partners and improving them according to programme requirements.
• Supporting the inclusion of gender considerations and safeguarding requirements in project planning.
• Working with monitoring and evaluation teams to identify expected project outcomes.
• Participating in stakeholder meetings and documenting important discussions.

2. Project Management Support

The Junior Professional will assist with effective project implementation through activities such as:

• Supporting project monitoring and reporting.
• Reviewing technical and financial reports.
• Working with grant recipients to resolve reporting challenges.
• Supporting payment processes, including verifying payment information and preparing documentation.
• Helping identify lessons learned and impact stories from projects.
• Maintaining communication with selected project partners.
• Supporting regular engagement and problem-solving activities.

3. Reporting and Programme Coordination

The role will also involve:

• Supporting the preparation of client reports and internal programme updates.
• Organising meetings, events, and coordination activities.
• Preparing documentation for project approval committees.
• Maintaining programme records and information systems.
• Uploading research documents and reports into platforms such as SharePoint and Monday.com.
• Supporting quarterly, annual, and special reporting requirements.
• Contributing to technical reports and programme deliverables.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and professional potential.

Educational Requirements

Candidates should have a:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in:
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Agribusiness
  • Environmental Economics
  • International Development
  • Environmental Studies
  • Public Policy
  • International Relations
  • Related fields

Technical Skills Required

Successful applicants should have:

• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Experience conducting financial analysis or market assessments.
• Ability to prepare business plans, feasibility studies, or investment cases.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially:
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Personal Qualities

Palladium is seeking candidates who are:

• Adaptable and open to new approaches.
• Innovative problem-solvers.
• Strong communicators.
• Able to build professional relationships.
• Responsible and accountable.
• Passionate about climate, sustainability, and international development.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, candidates with the following experience may have an advantage:

• Experience working with international development organisations.
• Experience supporting FCDO-funded programmes.
• Background in environmental studies or sustainable agriculture.
• Knowledge of forest-risk commodities such as:
  • Rubber
  • Cashew
  • Oil palm
• French language skills.

Benefits of This Opportunity

This Junior Professional position provides several career-development benefits, including:

1. Professional Growth

Participants gain practical experience working on an international development programme while developing skills needed for careers in sustainability and global development.

2. Exposure to Global Projects

The role provides experience working with:

• International development specialists
• Environmental professionals
• Investment teams
• Grant management experts
• Monitoring and evaluation specialists

3. Career Development Skills

Participants can strengthen abilities in:

• Research
• Business analysis
• Project management
• Reporting
• Stakeholder engagement
• Sustainable investment planning

4. Contribution to Environmental Sustainability

The opportunity allows professionals to contribute to projects focused on:

• Forest protection
• Climate resilience
• Sustainable agriculture
• Responsible investment

Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding Commitment

Palladium promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout its recruitment process.

The organisation welcomes applications from people regardless of:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Gender identity
• Religion
• Disability
• Nationality
• Socioeconomic background
• Age
• Other personal characteristics

Palladium also provides reasonable adjustments during recruitment for candidates requiring accommodations.

All successful candidates will participate in safeguarding-focused recruitment procedures and due diligence checks.

Deadline and Application Information

Application deadline: Not specified in the opportunity announcement. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

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