Seed Sector & PGRFA Strategy Consultant
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing the resilience of food systems to climate change.
Job Overview:
The Seed Sector & PGRFA Strategy Consultant position is critical in addressing the challenges faced by Mauritius in ensuring food security and agricultural resilience, particularly in the context of climate change. The consultant will provide strategic leadership in strengthening the seed sector and plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). This role involves policy and institutional analysis, development of national strategies, and alignment with international frameworks such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (MAIFSBEF) and other stakeholders to modernize the seed system, ensuring the availability and accessibility of high-quality seeds for all farmers in Mauritius. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting assessments, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and guiding the formulation of strategies that integrate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive set of tasks, including: conducting an inception workshop to present project objectives and mobilize stakeholders; reviewing seed sector policies and assessing institutional frameworks; analyzing the seed value chain and identifying gaps; evaluating the status of the National Seed Gene Bank and other institutions; conducting field visits and stakeholder consultations; drafting the Seed Sector Status Report and the PGRFA Status Report; facilitating validation workshops; guiding the formulation of the Seed Sector Strategy & Action Plan; developing Standard Operating Procedures for seed conservation; and preparing end-of-assignment reports detailing contributions and recommendations for sustainability. The consultant will also be expected to perform any other related duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in crop science, seed technology, genetics, plant breeding, biodiversity conservation, or related fields. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in seed systems, plant genetic resources conservation, and policy development is required. Candidates should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of plant genetic resources conservation and utilization, experience in drafting national PGR strategies, and proven ability to implement regulatory frameworks governing access and use of PGRFA. Familiarity with agricultural policies in Mauritius and the Southern African region is also essential.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as crop science, seed technology, genetics, plant breeding, or biodiversity conservation. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify for the role.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in seed systems, plant genetic resources conservation, and policy development. Candidates should have experience in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, planning, budgeting, and monitoring of PGR conservation projects, as well as collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners on biodiversity initiatives.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory, while knowledge of French will be considered an asset. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication with stakeholders and facilitate the execution of project objectives.
Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be a consultancy role with specific deliverables and timelines. The consultant will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles, and will collaborate closely with the National Project Coordinator and other stakeholders. The role may involve travel within Mauritius for field visits and stakeholder consultations. The consultant is expected to demonstrate strong organizational and coordination skills, the ability to work independently, and excellent analytical and report-writing skills. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing the resilience of food systems to climate change.
Job Overview:
The Seed Sector & PGRFA Strategy Consultant position is critical in addressing the challenges faced by Mauritius in ensuring food security and agricultural resilience, particularly in the context of climate change. The consultant will provide strategic leadership in strengthening the seed sector and plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). This role involves policy and institutional analysis, development of national strategies, and alignment with international frameworks such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (MAIFSBEF) and other stakeholders to modernize the seed system, ensuring the availability and accessibility of high-quality seeds for all farmers in Mauritius. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting assessments, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and guiding the formulation of strategies that integrate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive set of tasks, including: conducting an inception workshop to present project objectives and mobilize stakeholders; reviewing seed sector policies and assessing institutional frameworks; analyzing the seed value chain and identifying gaps; evaluating the status of the National Seed Gene Bank and other institutions; conducting field visits and stakeholder consultations; drafting the Seed Sector Status Report and the PGRFA Status Report; facilitating validation workshops; guiding the formulation of the Seed Sector Strategy & Action Plan; developing Standard Operating Procedures for seed conservation; and preparing end-of-assignment reports detailing contributions and recommendations for sustainability. The consultant will also be expected to perform any other related duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in crop science, seed technology, genetics, plant breeding, biodiversity conservation, or related fields. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in seed systems, plant genetic resources conservation, and policy development is required. Candidates should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of plant genetic resources conservation and utilization, experience in drafting national PGR strategies, and proven ability to implement regulatory frameworks governing access and use of PGRFA. Familiarity with agricultural policies in Mauritius and the Southern African region is also essential.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as crop science, seed technology, genetics, plant breeding, or biodiversity conservation. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify for the role.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in seed systems, plant genetic resources conservation, and policy development. Candidates should have experience in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, planning, budgeting, and monitoring of PGR conservation projects, as well as collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners on biodiversity initiatives.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory, while knowledge of French will be considered an asset. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication with stakeholders and facilitate the execution of project objectives.
Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be a consultancy role with specific deliverables and timelines. The consultant will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles, and will collaborate closely with the National Project Coordinator and other stakeholders. The role may involve travel within Mauritius for field visits and stakeholder consultations. The consultant is expected to demonstrate strong organizational and coordination skills, the ability to work independently, and excellent analytical and report-writing skills. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.