Seed System Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE) is based in Addis Ababa and provides technical leadership and policy support to FAO country offices and member governments in the subregion, while also serving as a strategic liaison with the African Union Commission (AUC) and other regional institutions.

Job Overview:
The Seed System Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB-2025) project titled 'Continental Support to Harmonized Seed Systems in Africa.' This project aims to strengthen harmonized and resilient seed systems across Africa by promoting regulatory coherence and supporting the implementation of AU seed harmonization frameworks. The Specialist will work closely with the African Union Commission's Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (AUC-DARBE) and other relevant partners to operationalize AU seed harmonization guidelines. The position requires a strong focus on diagnostics, policy alignment, stakeholder engagement, and the development of technical guidance to support regulatory coherence and regional collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including coordinating national seed system assessments in Eritrea and Kenya, mapping national seed policies against AU Seed Harmonization Guidelines, and preparing technical gap analyses. They will organize national consultations and technical meetings to facilitate the domestication of AU seed harmonization guidelines, engage with various stakeholders including government agencies and private sector actors, and support the preparation of policy briefs and technical guidance notes. Additionally, the Consultant will coordinate the development of domestication roadmaps for pilot countries, support the operationalization of the African Seed and Biotechnology Platform (ASBP), lead mapping of biotechnology and biosafety initiatives, and prepare technical reports and analytical outputs to contribute to FAO project reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Seed Science, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Policy, Agribusiness, Agriculture, or a related field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in seed systems, regulatory harmonization, or agricultural policy is required. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English (level C).

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a relevant field is mandatory. For those with a bachelor's degree, an additional two years of relevant professional experience is necessary to meet the minimum requirements.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in seed systems, regulatory harmonization, or agricultural policy. Experience working across multiple countries and regions, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable. Proven experience in seed system development, including policy and regulatory frameworks, is essential, as well as experience in aligning national seed regulations with regional or continental frameworks.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders across the continent.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve travel to various countries within the region for consultations and assessments. The role is focused on regional coordination and institutional strengthening, and candidates should be prepared to engage with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad.