Terms of Reference:Programme Officer
1. 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 porifolio 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.
2. 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 MTF 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.
2.1 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
2.2 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 ¡n 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
3. 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.
