Careers

Reports to: Managing Director

Location: Accra, Ghana

Type: Full-time

Background

World Trade Centre Accra (WTC Accra) is a member of the global World Trade Centers Association, headquartered in New York, USA. As part of a network of over 330 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries, WTC Accra leverages international connectivity, trade facilitation, and business networking to drive economic growth, trade opportunities, and investment flows into Ghana and the broader West African region.

WTC Accra serves as a dynamic hub that connects businesses, entrepreneurs, and government agencies with international markets through trade missions, investment services, conferences, exhibitions, memberships, facilities management, and new business initiatives. The Centre promotes innovation, partnerships, and sustainable economic development in alignment with the global World Trade Centers Association’s best practices.

Position Summary

The Head, Memberships & New Business Initiatives leads two of WTC Accra’s most commercially significant functions: growing and engaging its membership base while developing new revenue-generating ventures. The role is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a world-class membership program that attracts corporates, SMEs, and multinationals while simultaneously identifying and developing new business opportunities and investment partnerships that align with WTC Accra’s strategic mandate. This is a high-impact role that blends relationship management, business development, and strategic innovation, requiring a commercially astute leader with a deep understanding of Ghana’s and Africa’s trade and investment landscape.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive membership strategy to acquire, engage, and retain members across various tiers.

• Align membership programming with WTC Accra’s global mission, ensuring tangible value through access to services, events, and the international WTC network.
• Lead the design and rollout of digital engagement tools such as the WTC Accra app for member onboarding, communication, and engagement tracking.
• Identify, evaluate, and launch new business initiatives that expand WTC Accra’s commercial footprint and revenue base.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies to inform strategic decisions and investment cases.

2. Functional and Technical Duties

• Design a structured corporate partner benefit program involving banks, airlines, telecom companies, hotels, and chambers of commerce.
• Oversee the creation of pitch decks, investment proposals, and business plans for new ventures under WTC Accra or in partnership with Strategic Initiatives Ltd. and/or Strategic Africa Securities Finance Group.
• Manage the due diligence and structuring of potential ventures, including identifying investors, partners, and management teams.
• Lead negotiations and partnership agreements to ensure strong returns and strategic alignment.
• Develop reporting frameworks for membership growth, satisfaction, and new business initiative outcomes.

3. Relationship Management and Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with members, partners, investors, and government agencies.
• Collaborate closely with the Heads of Trade & Investment Services, Facilities & Events, Travel & Tours, and Marketing to integrate membership value into all WTC Accra offerings.
• Liaise with Strategic Initiatives Ltd., Strategic Africa Securities Finance Group and external investors to explore new venture partnerships and investment facilitation opportunities.
• Represent WTC Accra in local and international forums, promoting membership benefits and partnership opportunities.

4. Administration and Reporting

• Prepare annual membership and business development plans, budgets, and forecasts.

• Maintain accurate records of membership data, renewal cycles, and partnership agreements.
• Produce quarterly performance reports and financial summaries for the Managing Director and Board.
• Track progress on new business ventures from concept to implementation and report on ROI.

5. People Leadership

• Lead and mentor membership officers and business development staff to deliver exceptional client service and results.
• Build a performance-driven culture that emphasizes accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Provide professional development opportunities for the team and ensure operational excellence across all membership functions.
• Encourage cross-departmental teamwork and participation in institutional initiatives.

Qualification and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in business development, membership management, consulting, or investment facilitation, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven ability to design and scale membership programs or subscription-based business models.

• Strong understanding of trade, investment, and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Ghana and internationally.
• Demonstrated experience developing and structuring new ventures, partnerships, or investment projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Financial acumen with the ability to analyze business cases and assess commercial viability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic vision and execution capability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM or other membership management systems and AI tools.

Remuneration

A competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualification and experience.