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Title: Project Coordinator- Seeds2B.
Duration: 2 year contract with the possibility of renewal, depending on performance and funds
Employment Type: Full time
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organization that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to access, develop, adapt and deliver appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable use by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is headquartered in Nairobi, and its mandate covers sub-Saharan Africa. More information about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org
Since its inception in 2003, AATF projects portfolio has grown to ten (10) projects, namely, Striga control, Cowpea improvement, Banana improvement, Rice improvement, Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA), Aflatoxin control, Commercial Products (COMPRO) 11, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Cassava Mechanisation and Agroprocessing Project (CAMAP). Hybrid rice and Seeds2B. These are at various phases of implementation.
Most AATF projects will deliver technologies in the form of improved seed. In collaboration with the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA), AATF has recently initiated the Seeds2B project.
This project aims to access appropriate seed-based technologies from partner technology developers/owners and facilitate it delivery to target users based on royalty payment system to complement the mainstream royalty free projects.
In pursuant of this effort, AATF would like to recruit a qualified and experienced individual to fill the position of Project Coordinator-Seeds2B.
Key duties and responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Technical Operations and working in liaison with AATF line Managers, the incumbent will coordinate the implementation of the Seed2Bobjectives.
Specifically, she/he will:-
- Facilitate technology needs assessment and scouting to identify and prioritize seed technologies to address challenges in target countries
- Facilitate agronomic, technical and socio-economic feasibility assessment of identified technologies
- Identify and evaluate capacity of seed companies that could be engaged to access and deliver the identified seed-based technologies to target users
- Facilitate engagement of seed companies to utilize the appropriate technologies in target countries
- Coordinate technology adaptation, trialing, including development of seed varieties for use in target countries
- Conduct project monitoring and evaluation to ensure target are met within timeline and budget
- Ensure that the contract obligations between AATF, technology ownersand seed companies, including royalty payments, are implemented
- Liaise with other specialized AATF Units to ensure effective implementation of the project
- Liaise closely with SFSA Seeds2B staff in Kenya and Europe.
- Compile technical reports and archive electronic data base capturing project milestones.
Desired Candidate Profile
- At least a Master’s degree in Agricultural sciences from a recognized University. Applicants with agronomy background will have an added advantage.
- At least 2 years’ experience of seed industry in the Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Experience in agricultural technology assessment/evaluation will be a distinct advantage
- Excellent negotiation and analytical skills
- Team player with capability to work with people in such a manner as to build high morale and group commitment to objectives
- Results and detail-orientation and the ability to work with a sense of urgency in a multicultural and diverse environment.
- Ability to work with public and private sector partners
- Maintain confidentiality of all information that comes by virtue of appointment and in the course of assigned duties
- Knowledge of Seeds laws and regulations, ISTA regulations and OECD requirements for varietal certification is a distinct advantage
- Proven communication skills including the ability to clearly document and present information through oral and written means
- Terms of appointment:This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at Nairobi, Kenya. Initial appointment is fixed term for 2 years with the possibility of renewal, depending on individual performance and availability of funds.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications together with detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Human Resource Associate aatf-hr@aatf-africa.org on or before 24th January, 2014.
Your CV should include details of your qualifications, experience, current position, telephone contact, email address, names and addresses of three referees. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
