Jobs in Zambia and Zimbabwe

International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT): Seed Systems/Partnership Liaison Assistant

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Position Summary

The Seed Systems/Partnership Liaison Assistant will play a leading role in planning, organizing and implementing the seed production and seed commercialization plans for Zambia.

Main Responsibilities:

1) Partnership Outreach

  • Maintain functional and effective partnerships with various HarvestPlus partners across seed value chains;
  • Develop and network with new potential strategic partners to enhance the spread of biofortification agenda in the Agri-food industry;
  • Facilitate for the establishment of collaborative agreements amongst HarvestPlus partners to foster the HarvestPlus biofortification agenda.

2) Seed System Planning, Implementation and Monitoring

  • Ensure accurate capture of data on biofortified seed production, storage, and distribution by private seed player partners;
  • In liaison with private seed players, develop biofortified seed distribution plans and ensure execution on a seasonal basis;
  • Ensure seed companies working with Harvest Plus comply with seed standards as stipulated by Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI);
  • In liaison with private seed players, plan market activation of biofortified seed promotions and point of sale materials;
  • Close monitoring and evaluation of seed supply chains to improve the efficiency of biofortified seed supply to farmers;
  • Monitor seed market trends and facilitate commercial production of biofortified seed by the private sector
  • Support establishment of field demos of biofortified crops and help popularize the crops among farmers and value chain players;
  • Provide technical capacitation of seed companies for the production of early generation seed (EGS).

Personal Attributes

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also participate as a team member in the accomplishment of duties.
  • Strong ability to coordinate, prioritize and organize workload; take initiative and work under pressure.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Requirements

  • BSc. Degree in Agriculture, specializing in crop production.
  • At least 2 years of related work experience with demonstrated knowledge of applied crop production
  • Working knowledge of agricultural practices and procedures, plant breeding, crop management.
  • Advanced computer use skills (database, spreadsheet, word processing, presentations)

Terms of employment:

This is a nationally recruited position based in Lusaka, Zambia. The initial contract will be for a period of One (1) Year and is renewable depending on the performance and availability of resources. CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with a competitive salary and excellent benefits; we believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. CIAT is an equal opportunity employer, and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

How to apply:

Applicants are invited to visit http://ciat.cgiar.org/ciat-jobs to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications should include reference number: HV-1827-2020 as the position applied for. Applications should be saved as one document using the candidate’s Lastname, Firstname for ease of sorting.

Applications closing date: 31st January 2020

Please note that email applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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