Programme Officer Vacancy Announcement

Vacancy Announcement

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.

It is headquartered in Nairobi, and its mandate covers 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.

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 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.

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 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

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.