The Gyimah Institute of Viticulture & Enology Research (G.I.V.E.R) has announced its vision of establishing a Pan-African Vine and Wine Industry Group (P.A.V.W.I.G) in Ghana, with roots across Africa.
The new “Dream Team” vacancy is expected to create a chain of employee-owned grape and berry vineyards and wineries in Africa using an innovative, collaborative business model.
Over the past ten years, G.I.V.E.R’s US-based founders Paul Ekow Gyimah and Sedinam Moyowasifza-Curry have operated a hybrid online and on-the-ground operation with values rooted in Pan-Africanism, investing in people they work with, a shared wealth, and long-term vision.
The organisation is a pioneering research and educational institute established in 2014 with core members from around the world who are focused on the commercial cultivation of vine and wine. With its founders having roots in Ghana, and headquarters in South Kumasi, Ghana, G.I.V.E.R wants to give back to Ghana, and give rise to sustainable economic growth in Africa.
“Dream Team” vacancy
The Pan-African vine and wine industry offers the potential for long-term economic development in agriculture, tourism, exports, and value-added sectors. According to G.I.V.E.R’s founders, Ghana’s tourism, business culture, export opportunities, role in Pan-Africanism, and relative governmental stability makes it a perfect hub for their planned operations.
“We are looking for collaborative self-starters who share a commitment to excellence, and are looking for an opportunity to play a co-ownership role in what we believe will be a transformative industry that will lift people out of poverty in a socially and environmentally responsible manner,” said G.I.V.E.R’s founders to TheAfricanDream.net in a statement.
Mordor Intelligence estimates the total world grape market size to be $215.2 billion in 2024, with an estimated growth rate of 7.1% over the next five years. Statista Market Insights estimates that the global wine industry is estimated to generate $339 billion in revenue in 2024, growing to $378 billion in 2029.
“The Pan-African vine and wine industry is in its infancy, with soils, climates, and indigenous fruits amenable to quality vine and wine production,” said G.I.V.E.R’s founders.
Required skills
G.I.V.E.R’s founders are seeking up to 13 P.A.V.W.I.G “Dream Team” leaders from across the world who have entrepreneurial skills and experience in the vine and wine industry to create a comprehensive business strategy and actionable plan.
P.A.V.W.I.G “Dream Team” leaders will start as part-time independent contractors, and have the opportunity to grow into departmental heads and long-term shareholding business partners.
The 13 departments available for vacancy are:
1. Business;
2. Finance;
3. Executive Secretariat;
4. Policy and Legislation;
5. Media and Social Engagement;
6. Scientific Research and Development;
7. Event and Meeting Planning (focusing on the Pan-African Vine and Wine Industry Expo and Awards Show);
8. Legal Compliance;
9. Writing and Editing;
10. Logistics and Supply Chain;
11. External Affairs and Relations;
12. Cybersecurity; and
13. Physical security
Qualifications
An undergraduate degree and at least three years of work or volunteer experience in the area of interest. A postgraduate degree is a bonus.
Successful candidates must be able and willing to collaborate in the formulation and execution of a Pan-African vine and wine industry strategic vision and have most of the 16 traits common to collaborative entrepreneurial leaders listed below:
An ownership, strategic, and innovative mindset; business awareness; a willingness to take initiative; collaboration and values-based leadership; design and system thinking; cultural intelligence; and an understanding of information technology (including coding and artificial intelligence).
Others include, openness to continuous learning and training, including peer review, coaching, and mentoring, data analysis; adaptability; self-starting ability; creative problem-solving; excellent written and verbal communication; integrity; authenticity; and courage.
Benefits
As a P.A.V.W.I.G. “Dream Team” leader, recruits will enjoy a flexible work schedule, remote, hybrid, or work-from-home options with flexible hours; and a salary from $200 to $400 per month for part-time work or the local currency equivalent, depending on their experience and education.
Recruits can also earn shares in P.A.V.W.I.G. after a 90-day probationary period; and opportunities for developmental growth and career advancements, including being a co-owner in P.A.V.W.I.G.
“There’s also the opportunity of a lifetime to catalyze the emerging Pan-African vine and wine industry, which offers the potential to develop Africa and her Diaspora in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, which according to the African Union is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future,” said G.I.V.E.R’s founders.
How to apply
Candidates are to submit their application by Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 4:59 pm PDT or 11:59 pm GMT that includes the following components, the first four of which in separate attachments to giverinstitute.africa@gmail.com:
1. A one-page cover letter;
2. A current curriculum vitae or resume;
3. A tentative eight-week (Monday, August 26, 2024, to Friday, October 25, 2024) work schedule (days, hours, with appropriate time zones);
4. A succinct proposal of two pages maximum to lead one of the 13 areas listed above that addresses the following questions:
i. Which one of the 13 areas listed above are you applying to lead and why?;
ii. How do you propose creating and developing the position you are applying for, including building and managing a successful long-term team in the area you are applying to lead?;
iii. Based on what you have read about us and the vine and wine industry, what ideas would you recommend for the P.A.V.W.I.G.’s short-term (less than 3 years), medium-term (3-5 years), and long-term (5+ years) visions?;
iv. How would you recommend implementing the ideas discussed in the previous question?;
v. Why do you want to become an employee owner-operator and potential future shareholder of the P.A.V.W.I.G.?; and
vi. Do you have any (up to three) questions for G.I.V.E.R?;
5. Connect with G.I.V.E.R on LinkedIn and Instagram if you have not done so. After G.I.V.E.R receives a complete application, the candidate can expect a response within two weeks.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of G.I.V.E.R.’s journey from establishment through leading the Pan-African Vine and Wine Industry Movement. With a view towards history, including the First Pan-African Conference held in London in July 1900, we have been looking forward to this new chapter for Mother Africa based on ‘Ubuntu,’ economic empowerment and liberation. We look forward to your application. Forward Ever, Backward, Never,” said G.I.V.E.R’s founders.
Source: G.I.V.E.R.
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
