Seed Production Manager African Agricultural Technology Foundation Nairobi, Kenya

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 position bears the responsibility for ensuring that partner seed companies produce and supply improved seed to target farmers in the volumes and as per set quality standards in a cost-effective manner.

The position is based at the AATF headquarters in Nairobi. The position is on a three-year contract, renewable based on performance and availability of funds. 

Reporting to the Director of Technical Operations and working closely with the AATF Seed Systems Manager, the incumbent will oversee production activities of seed based technologies at AATF. He/she will be expected to provide strong leadership to facilitate the achievement of the set targets.

2.1          Key duties and responsibilities

§  To facilitate production of required quantities of basic and certified seeds by partner seed companies as per AATF work plan.

§  To ensure timely engagement of seed companies and provision of technical support.

§  To facilitate maintenance of quality standards and compliance to regulations at all stages of seed production by working closely with the seed companies, certifying agencies, and other relevant public and private sector institutions.

§  Foster transparency and good governance practices with seed companies in target countries.

§  To ensure appropriate work plans are developed and executed on the basis of the AATF strategic and annual work plans, and seed production and commercialization targets.

§  Assist in formulation of AATF Seed Systems budget, develop comprehensive performance targets related to seed production and submit reports as and when required.

§  Manage information and data related to seed production and consistently seek to increase technical knowledge about seed production through interaction with AATF technical team.

§  Actively investigate new technologies and processes that will enhance the efficiency of the seed production.

2.2          Desired Candidate Profile

§  At least a Master’s degree in Agricultural or related sciences from a recognized University. Holders’ of a B.Sc. degree with substantial relevant experience will also be considered.

§  At least 8 years’ experience and sound knowledge in seed production and management with reputed private sector seed company, preferably in Africa.

§  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.

§  Be conversant with Seed laws and regulations, ISTA regulations and OECD requirements for varietal certification.

§  Excellent seed production planning, quality management and budgeting.

§  Results and detail-orientation and the ability to work with a sense of urgency in a multicultural and diverse environment.

§  Team player with capability to work with people in such a manner as to build high morale and group commitment to objectives.

§  Proven communication skills including the ability to clearly document and present information through oral or written English.

3.                                                       Submission of Applications

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications with detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the AATF 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.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.