Job Description

Seed Sector Advisor

GIZ-Internal Vacancy Announcement #162/2021

Supporting Sustainable Agricultural Productivity (SSAP)

The SSAP project supports the Ethiopian government’s efforts to improve conditions for the production of early generation seed strengthen the seed sector in Ethiopia and thus contribute to an increase in agricultural productivity on behalf of the German Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

The third phase of the SSAP project (2021-2023) will be implemented in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ethiopian Institute for Agricultural Research (EIAR). Several private and public partners support the project with providing expert advice and training opportunities.

Contract duration: Until December 31, 2023      

A. Responsibilities

The technical professional is responsible for:-

• managing the work area “Quality Early Generation Seed Production at the Ethiopian Institute for Agricultural Research (EIAR)” together with the EIAR focal person, including the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of all project activities in this area
• assisting the management of interventions related to the cooperation with EIAR,
• advising and supporting interventions related to faba bean and barley breeding as well as variety release and protection.

B.  Tasks

Under the technical supervision of the manager of cooperation with EIAR, the seed sector advisor performs the following tasks:

1. Management of the work area “Quality Early Generation Seed production at EIAR”

The seed sector advisor:-

• coordinates the results-based planning, implementation and monitoring of all project activities in the area of quality EGS production at EIAR,
• plans and monitors expenses related to the work area,
• manages the relationship to EIAR in the area of quality EGS production.

2. Assistance to the overall management of the cooperation with EIAR

The seed sector advisor takes over tasks in the areas of:-

• steering of project activities with EIAR
• planning and monitoring expenses
• monitoring and management of local contracts and procurement
• monitoring of activities and results
• reporting to BMEL and other project partners as requested by the manager of cooperation with EIAR.

3. Technical advice and support in the areas of fava bean and barley breeding, variety release and protection

Under the technical supervision of the manager of cooperation with EIAR, the seed sector advisor:-

• supports the implementation of activities related to faba bean and barley breeding at EIAR, specifically national and international training activities,
• supports the project’s interventions related to variety release and protection in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture,
• contributes to planning, monitoring and public relations measures of the corresponding activities.

4. Communication, knowledge management and networking

The seed sector advisor:-

• proactively makes proposals and prepares content for public relations measures,
• prepares reports and presentations in collaboration with and upon request of the manager of cooperation with EIAR and the project manager,
• keeps up-to-date with publications and events in his/her area of responsibility,
• participates in and contributes to GIZ sector networks or other communities of practice.

Other duties/additional tasks

The technical professional:-

• familiarizes him/herself and acts in accordance with GIZ rules and procedures,
• actively uses and independently contributes to important project instruments and tools such as results-based monitoring instruments, photo and document repositories, operational plans and MS teams,
• proactively contributes to meetings in the team, with the partner and in the cluster by moderating, taking minutes and taking responsibility for action points,
• performs other duties and tasks at the request of management.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• MSc from an accredited university in Plant Sciences or agricultural business, economics or closely related field

Professional experience

• At least 5 years’ professional experience in the fields of crop breeding or seed production
• Professional experience in international development projects is an asset
• Previous work or cooperation experience at/with EIAR preferred

Other knowledge, additional competences

• Willingness and ability to work in a team
• Good working knowledge of MS Office
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written Amharic essential
• Strong managerial and organizational competence
• Excellent time- and self-management skills
• Willingness to travel regularly within Ethiopia
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written English (level B2/C1) essential, certificate preferred
• Excellent knowledge of the Ethiopian agricultural research system, institutions and practices is essential
• Willingness and ability to work in a team

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates shall submit their motivation letter along with their non-returnable recent CV via Email: hreth@giz.de

Note: Please make sure you mention the Vacancy Number ‘Seed Sector Advisor #162/2021’ in the subject line of your email application. All CVs shall be submitted as pdf files and shall be concise (3 pages max), well formatted and spell-checked. Poorly edited and written applications will not be reviewed.  Due to large number of applications we categorize applications with the vacancy numbers.  Applications without vacancy numbers in subject lines might not be categorized in the appropriate folder and could be disqualified. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted  We encourage persons with disabilities to apply for the position. In case of equal qualification, persons with disabilities will be given preference. Applications from qualified women are encouraged. 

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