Individual Consultant: Seed Technical Secondment to the Ministry of Agriculture-Ethiopia

Job Description

Background

AGRA is a not-for-profit organization working with African governments, other donors, NGOs, the private sector, and farmers to improve the productivity and incomes of resource-poor smallholder farmers in Africa. AGRA aims to catalyze an inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa by increasing incomes and improving food security for millions of smallholder farmers. For more information about AGRA, please visit www.agra.org.

The Ethiopian seed sector has the potential to produce improved seeds for priority crops, thereby contributing to enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The Ethiopian government has been at the forefront of reforms in the sector, as witnessed by an evolving pluralistic policy environment aligned with regional and international conventions. To strengthen and speed up the seed sector transformation, AGRA is recruiting a seed technical secondment to provide Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture in seed planning and coordination, executing the National seed sector strategy and investment plan, and SeedSAT recommendation for Ethiopia.

Objectives

This assignment aims to strengthen and harmonize Ethiopia’s seed sector by enhancing the capacity and coordination of key committees, ensuring effective implementation of strategies and recommendations, and building leadership within the Ministry of Agriculture. The assignment mainly aims to support the national seed planning and coordination efforts made by the Ministry of Agriculture and provide technical backstopping for executing the national seed sector strategy and investment plan.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for this assignment is detailed below:

a. Provide technical backstopping that would enable the National Seed Sector Steering Committee (NSSSC), Regional Seed Sector Coordination Committee (RSSCC) and National Seed Technical Committee (NSTC) to discharge their respective duties and responsibilities.

b. Ensure alignment and harmonization of national and regional seed coordination platforms.

c. Follow up on the execution of decisions and directives by the National Seed Sector Steering Committee.

d. Support the socialization, execution and fundraising of the National Seed Sector Strategy and investment plan.

e. Provide technical support for the execution of the SeedSAT recommendations for Ethiopia.

f. Provide technical backstopping to the ongoing AGRA-supported seed initiative at the country and continental levels.

g. Develop a road map for the institutionalization of seed coordination by documenting best practices, evidence, experiences and learnings from other countries.

h. Coaching and mentoring seed champions in the Ministry of Agriculture to drive seed agenda.

Qualifications and Experience

Requirements for the qualifications, expertise, and experience of the consultant.

i. Academic qualifications

• The Consultant shall possess a PhD or MSc in Agriculture, preferably in seed systems, breeding or Agronomy, with 5 years’ post-qualification experience.

ii. Experience of the consultant in similar assignments

• Have demonstrated relevant working experience of at least five (5) years post-qualification experience in seed systems, breeding or Agronomy.
• Familiarity with agricultural development programs
• Strong relationship management skills with seed public and private sector
• A good understanding and experience in supporting agricultural sector coordination platforms and mutual accountability mechanisms.

iii. Consultant’s understanding of the assignment

• In-depth knowledge of seed sector dynamics, policies and best practices.
• Ability to plan, execute and monitor projects efficiently.
• Proficiency in using project management tools and methodologies.
• Strong skills in coordinating and collaborating with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Experience in organizing and facilitating meetings, workshops, and consultations.
• Expertise in developing and implementing M&E frameworks.
• Ability to track progress, analyze data, and report on outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills for socializing strategies and raising awareness.
• Experience in preparing funding proposals and engaging with donors.
• Skills in training, coaching, and mentoring individuals and teams.
• Strong analytical skills for gap analysis, case studies, and comparative policy analysis.
• Ability to document best practices and lessons learned

iv. Relevant experience in the region

• Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in seed systems, breeding or Agronomy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both Amharic and English.

About the Organization

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