FAO recruits 01 National Seed Specialist
FAO
Maputo, Mozambique
Humanitaire (ONG, Associations, …), Projet/programme de développement
Job Description 2101173 National Seed Specialist
Closure Date: 28/Apr/2021, 11:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: FRMOZJob Type: Non-staff opportunitiesType of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)Grade Level: N/APrimary Location: Mozambique-MaputoDuration: 12 monthsPost Number: N/A IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. Qualified female applicants are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Organizational SettingFAO is implementing project GCP/MOZ/127/EC named PROMOVE Agribiz, Improving rural competitiveness in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. The project has a set of activities related to seed in Component 1 “Enabling Environment for Agri Food Value Chain Development” and “Market Driven Sustainable Agriculture and Resilience”. In this context, it is expected that the National Seed Expert will lead all seed related activities and will support the activities referring to the formulation of the National Seed Policy, National Seed Legislation and regulations.
This position is based in Maputo – Mozambique with frequent visits to the target districts.
Reporting LinesThe National Seed Specialist will work under direct supervision of Chief Technical Advisor and Programme Coordinator for project PROMOVE and overall supervision of the FAO Representation in Mozambique and the technical supervision of the Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP) and in close collaboration with other partner organizations of PROMOVE Agribiz (GIZ, DME, FNDS) and government institutions and development partners involved on the seed sector. The incumbent will supervise the seed component of the project.
Technical Focus Seed production and seed policy
Tasks and responsibilities
The National Seed Specialist will supervise all necessary activities to properly implement the following actions:1- Supervise and coordinate the activities related to seed quality control
• Capacity building in seed related matters for government officials, private sector and other stakeholders; • Strengthen capacity in the seed-testing laboratory in Nampula and Zambezia to support local quality seed production (it will include equipment for germination chamber with memory of temperature and humidity, magnifiers, original guidelines for seed testing, pliers, computer, microscope and herbarium);• Auditing and expert advice from ISTA to the central laboratory in Maputo.
2- Carry out the following activities related to development of seed sector• Support to Association for Promotion of the Seed Sector (APROSE) by carrying out studies on demand for seed• Strengthen the organization and information management aspects, as well as the development of a web page for APROSE;• Ensure participation of smallholders’ organizations (including Farmer Field School groups/networks) in seed value chain, particularly in APROSE through the promotion and formalization of FFS networks;• Work with the national Seed Authorities to develop the strategy and protocol for evaluation, registration and release of certified and new varieties, aligned with SADC regulations• Involve private sector in – Seed policy reform- Basic seed production and sales- Plant breeding- Seed testing- Field inspections
3- Carry out the following activities related to increase productivity based on sustainable and climate smart agricultural practices:• At Farmers Field Schools, performance tests and bulking of drought and pests tolerant seed;• Perform variety tests/demonstrations and other demonstrations as considered useful (involving private sector input providers);• Establish a network of demo plots to include new varieties (drought and pest tolerant and nutrient dense) produced by National Agricultural Research Institutes, old varieties, local landraces and bio-fortified varieties (produced by CGIAR centers) of the main crops of each district;• Coordinate activities for seed production for business and the establishment or strengthening of community seed production for improved varieties, local varieties and underutilized crops such as native vegetables;• Coordinate the implemntation of field days to share experiences and results (involving private sector input providers);• A seed security assessment to be conducted in each of the targeted districts aiming to understand the reasons behind adoption or not of new varieties and/or quality seed. This is to be carried out in cooperation with Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
4. Cooperate with relevant authorities (at central and province level), FAO HQ sector exports to promote dialogue on the National seed policy, formulation of the Seed law and regulations.
5. Any other duties as deemed necessary for the proper implementation of the programme.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements • University degree required (degree in Agronomy/Seed Technology, Rural Development or related field is preferable);
• At least, eight years of proven experience in the seed sector including work related to seed production and quality control;• Work experience in areas of work (Zambezia and Nampula) desirable;• Proven network of key stakeholders in the seed sector of Mozambique and possibly of the region;• Good knowledge of Portuguese and English (written and spoken);• National of Mozambique.
FAO Core Competencies• Results Focus
• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work (Zambezia and Nampula)
• Experience in food security interventions desired.• Experience in conducting seed assessments in rural areas.• Training and training of training experience in seed bulking and seed inspection would be desirable.• Familiarity with seed sector involved in the supply chain of agro-inputs.• Good command of Microsoft package.• Capacity to work under minimum guidance.• Capacity to build effective relationships and partnerships with team members and external partners.• Ability to take initiatives and carry out tasks in a timely fashion due time.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: Careers@fao.org
Applications received after the closing date will not be acceptedOnly language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applicationsFor additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLYTo apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile.
Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be consideredCandidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENTPOSTULER