Program Specialist

The incumbent will provide support in the development of the seed sector in Somalia and provide technical backstopping to different programme teams in FAO Somalia. (S)he will also guide and provide technical support to designing and implementation of seed system development interventions as well as providing technical backup to different units/teams in FAO Somalia in the implementation of its mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide guidance in the preparation, implementation and/or assessment of seed programmes and projects.
• Provide technical support to the government in the development of national seed sector policy, regulatory frameworks, protocols, and standards.
• Provide support in institutional capacity building and advise on appropriate institutional arrangements for sustainable seed sector development.
• Support the government in the establishment and operationalization of national seed certification service (variety testing, release, registration, inspection, and quality testing).
• Build the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) in seed security assessment (SSA), offer support and advice on the formation and operationalization of SSA task force.
• Work closely with stakeholders i.e., government authorities and private sector on issues related to seed sector development.
• Work with MoAI in developing linkage and networks with regional and international agricultural research organizations to facilitate access to improved technologies.
• Support transfer of improved technologies to farmers through various extension tools e.g., farmer demonstrations.
• Support establishment of national seed system database for generation, storage of accurate and comprehensive information and data national planning and decision-making.
• Support periodical seed security assessment to inform development and relief interventions in the seed sector.
• Lead the drafting and supervision of terms of agreement (as a part of Letters of Agreement) to be signed with Government agencies in relation to seed interventions.
• Support the Federal government in the adoption and implementation of regional and international crop variety assessment, seed standards and protocols.
• Formulate and facilitate technical training for various stakeholder participating in project activities covering seed system development, production, quality assurance and crop variety testing and release.
• Lead in developing technical specifications for laboratory equipment and consumables destined for the National seed inspection and quality testing facilities.
• Provide guidance and support towards the establishment of the National Variety Release Protocol and List at federal level.
• Support the Ministry of Agriculture in promoting regional and international linkages, cooperation and increased policy dialogue related to seed sector development i.e., relevant bilateral agreements and conventions.
• Participate in project proposal development and resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy.
• Travel to various states/locations in Somalia to attend meetings, offer technical support and advice in implementation of projects and capacity building of MoAI and other partners.
• Ensure and nurture good working relations and communication between the FAO Somalia and the other stakeholders to ensure maximum synergies to meet the greater objective of assisting the government and peoples of Somalia.
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

• University degree in seed system, agronomy, plant breeding and genetics, or related fields in crop and plant sciences or other relevant discipline from a reputable institution.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in supporting project management in seed system the field of value chain/market systems analysis and development, food systems analysis and development, systems analysis and development, or other related areas.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian for COF.REG. Working knowledge of English (level C) for PSA.SBS.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2401381