The Position: The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) seeks to recruit a Seed Procurement Officer who will be responsible for planning, exploration, collection, processing, testing, storage, documentation and distribution of tree seed accessions.
General: The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry-ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health. The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org.
Key Responsibilities:
The Seed Procurement Officer is responsible for the coordination of seed procurement activities of Provision of Adequate Tree Seed Portfolios (PATSPO);
Responsible for the implementation of the seed procurement activities as outlined in the Project Implementation Plan (PIP), and for all applied seed research activities supported by PATSPO;
In collaboration with the Regional Seed Centre Heads and the Tree Seed Technology Coordination (TSTC) responsible for national coordination and monitoring of seed demand and seed collection planning and implementation;
Support the Seed Source Officer in his/her efforts to establish seed sources in line with estimated future demand;
In collaboration with the Capacity Building and Outreach Officer support his/her efforts to implement relevant information- and training activities;
The Seed Procurement Officer is answering to the ICRAF Country Representative (ICRP) and the Senior Team Leader (STL).
Other Responsibilities:
The duties of the Seed Procurement Officer will under the supervision of and in close collaboration with the ICRAF Country Representative (ICR) and Senior Team Leader (STL) that will include the following duties:
Based on the species specific priorities of integrated seed procurement/tree improvement/gene conservation, plan, prepare and implement the activities accordingly;
Prepare and implement annual work plans in the subject matter;
Prepare and follow up subject matter budgets;
In collaboration with the Regional Centre Heads, the Tree Seed Technology Coordinator (TSTC) and the Capacity and Outreach Officer compile annual national seed collection plans and support/coordinate collections;
In collaboration with the Seed Source Development Officer, plan, supervise and assist in national seed source exploration for priority species;
Prepare guidelines for and support seed processing activities/routines at the TSTC and the four Project Seed Centres (PSCs);
Prepare guidelines for and support proper routines at the seed laboratories at the TSTC and the four PSCs;
Support applied seed research on developing appropriate species wise techniques for monitoring of fruit formation, seed processing, storage and testing of seed of priority species at the TSTC and the four PTSCs;
Develop guidelines for seed crop assessment, seed collection, processing, storage, pre-treatment and sowing of priority species in Ethiopia;
Carry out networking with other professionals, organizations, institutions, projects, etc. in Ethiopia and the region;
Record all relevant data, process and document, whenever relevant, in Ethiopian publications and in international journals and other media.
Education:
At least BSc degree or MSc degree in Forestry or related field with postgraduate specialization in seed procurement and/ seed technology, and with a broad understanding of tree improvement
Experience:
Familiarity with development and relevant research techniques in the subject matter
Ability to plan work and multi-task
Computer literacy i.e. knowledge in MS Office
Ability to analyze data and prepare progress records and reports
Manages staff in their day to day activities
Updates relevant manuals/protocols
Flexible on work hours including travel and extended field work
Follows policies and procedures
Prepares progress reports for review
Provides candid and helpful feedback taking into consideration the job level of the person
Aware of impact of own work
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Grade: 3A
Minimum Base: Birr 30,863.00 (Negotiable depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)
Terms of appointment: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position, initial appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc. The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Dining and sports facilities are located on site.