JONATHAN NYARKO OCRAN
Accra
Summary
Senior agriculture and business consultant with over 32 years of expertise in agriculture, livestock, and policy implementation. Successfully authored a $10 million project proposal for resource mobilization for the African Union's Ecological Organic Agriculture initiatives, demonstrating a proven track record in securing funding for large-scale projects. Skilled in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and conducting comprehensive industry analyses to drive informed decision-making. Committed to driving impactful change and agricultural advancements, ready to leverage unique insights to propel organizational goals forward.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Agriculture and Business Consultant
Freelancer
03.2022 - Current
- Delivered expert consulting services in business and public administration, agriculture, and livestock
- Conducted comprehensive research and industry analysis for various clients
- Successfully closed consulting contracts through effective consultative selling techniques
- Devised comprehensive consulting proposals and bids for diverse projects
Policy Officer, Livestock
African Union Commission
03.2012 - 02.2022
- Implemented African Union policy directives on organic agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture
- Championed initiatives to promote sustainable livestock production across Africa
- Facilitated collaboration between Regional Fisheries Bodies (RFBs) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) regarding fisheries and aquaculture
- Assisted in establishing the Continental Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) Steering Committee
- Fostered partnerships between Africa, Turkey, and Arab Nations in agriculture, food security, and agribusiness
- Organized training programs on organic agriculture, enhancing the skillsets of farmers and practitioners
- Authored research papers, articles, and policy briefs on critical agricultural issues
- Managed and moderated various meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences
- Crafted a 10-million-dollar project proposal for resource mobilization for the EOA initiative in Africa
- Delivered impactful speeches and statements at various high-profile events
Consultant
OcranConsult
02.2005 - 02.2012
- Engineered successful project proposals and concept papers for a diverse client base
- Completed 51 writing projects for remote research and writing firms, enhancing service delivery
- Secured consulting contracts, driving improved outcomes for various clients
- Provided strategic advisory services to livestock farmers, enhancing their profitability
- Engaged proactively in project planning and management
Independent Researcher/Analyst
Independent Capacity
06.2001 - 01.2005
- Conceptualized and managed secondary/desk research projects
- Conducted competitor analysis for client companies, informing market entry strategies
- Identified new market opportunities and potential business ventures
- Developed comprehensive project and grant proposals for funding
- Published research papers, reports, reviews, and summaries in agriculture, business, and marketing
Head, Livestock and Fisheries Section
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
11.1999 - 05.2001
- Scrutinized and recommended project proposals on livestock and fisheries for funding
- Led the development of the Manual for the Ghana Agricultural Research Grants Scheme
- Coordinated and planned projects to achieve timely and impactful results
- Authored project proposals and detailed progress reports
- Served on various committees within the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Secretariat (AFFS)
Scientific Secretary (Research Officer)
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
09.1995 - 10.1999
- Served as Secretary to the National Research Grants Board, overseeing a one million-dollar National Research Grants Scheme
- Conducted preliminary analysis and evaluation of research grant applications
- Monitored grant recipients' progress and reviewed their financial and activity reports
- Provided logistical and administrative support for 16 National Agricultural Programs and Projects
- Participated in the planning and review of 16 National Agricultural Programs and Projects
- Managed the Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations engaged in Agricultural Research in Ghana
Farm Manager
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
11.1989 - 10.1991
- Pioneered innovative breeding and pasture development programs
- Provided strategic managerial leadership to a ten-member staff
- Authored quarterly progress and annual reports to track farm performance
- Achieved a 5 percent increase in overall farm output
- Acted as a Resource Person on livestock production during monthly training programs in the Nkwanta district
Tutor
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
02.1988 - 07.1989
- Instructed courses in Animal Science and Biology, fostering student engagement and learning
- Oversaw management of the college's livestock farm, enhancing educational practices
Education
Executive MBA - Public Administration
Girne American University
05.2023
Master of Science (Honors) - Agriculture
Sokoine University of Agriculture
12.1994
Bachelor of Science (Honors) - Agriculture (Animal Science major)
University of Ghana
08.1987
Skills
- Consulting Leadership
- Analytical
- Project Management
- Financial Management
- Change Management
- Strategic Planning and Thinking
- AI delegation
- Microsoft Office
- Communication
- Team Building and Management
- Problem-Solving
- Business Analysis
Accomplishments
1. Authored 25 publications, including refereed journal papers, articles, project and grant proposals, policy briefs, conference reports and a book.
2. Undertook work-related missions to 30 countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Affiliations
- Member, Institute of Directors-Ghana
Certification
- Certified Manager, Institute of Certified Professional Managers, USA, 2016, September
Timeline
Senior Agriculture and Business Consultant
Freelancer
03.2022 - Current
Policy Officer, Livestock
African Union Commission
03.2012 - 02.2022
Consultant
OcranConsult
02.2005 - 02.2012
Independent Researcher/Analyst
Independent Capacity
06.2001 - 01.2005
Head, Livestock and Fisheries Section
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
11.1999 - 05.2001
Scientific Secretary (Research Officer)
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
09.1995 - 10.1999
Farm Manager
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
11.1989 - 10.1991
Tutor
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
02.1988 - 07.1989
Master of Science (Honors) - Agriculture
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Bachelor of Science (Honors) - Agriculture (Animal Science major)
University of Ghana
Executive MBA - Public Administration
Girne American University
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