Vacancy Announcement:Programme Officer
Background and Context
The
African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit
organisation 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.
More
information about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org
Since
its inception in 2003, AATF projects portfolio has grown to six (6) active
projects, namely, Striga control, Cowpea improvement, Banana improvement, Rice
improvement, Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and Aflatoxin control.
These
are at various phases of implementation.
Most
AATF projects will deliver technologies in the form of improved seed.
Thus
seed production is key to AATF achieving impact and fulfilment of its
mission.
In
pursuant to its vision of prosperous farmers and a food secure Africa, AATF
would like to engage a qualified and highly experienced expert to work with
partner seed companies and assist in projecting, planning and ensuring quality
seed production by seed companies that will be engaged by AATF.
Description and Objective of the Assignment
This is
a nationally recruited position and will be based at the AATF headquarters in
Nairobi.
The
position is on a 2 year contract, renewable based on performance and
availability of funds.
Only
short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Under the direct supervision of the AATF Seed Systems Manager, the incumbent is responsible for providing technical and logistical support for product deployment function of AATF.
He/She
will work with project teams to ensure that improved seeds emanating from AATF
projects are successfully commercialized and reach target farmers.
Key duties and responsibilities
- Support the
development and implementation of seed delivery strategies and work plans
for effective product commercialization
- Develop and
implement customized monitoring and evaluation plans for seed production
and quality management in target countries
- Assist in the
preparation of technical reports and publications, including editing,
proof-reading, and formatting
- Day to day
management of information and data related to seed production, deployment
and quality management
- Support
coordination and technical backstopping of product deployment partners and
stakeholders to enable efficient seed production, commercialization,
demonstrations and quality management in target countries
Desired
Candidate Profile
- At least a
Master’s degree in Agricultural or related sciences from a recognized
University. Holders’ of a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience will
also be considered
- At least 4
years’ experience and sound knowledge in seed production with reputed seed
industry organization, preferably in Africa
- 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
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 31 January, 2013.
Your CV
should include details of your qualifications, experience, current position,
telephone contact, email address, names and addresses of three referees.
