The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Consultant in Rice Seed Legislation to be based in Monrovia, Liberia
About AfricaRice
AfricaRice is one of the 15 international agricultural research Centers that are members of the CGIAR Consortium. It is also an autonomous intergovernmental association of African member countries.
Authority
The Rice Seed Legislation Expert will be embedded in the Program Management Unit (PMU) at the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and based in Monrovia. S/he will receive backstopping from AfricaRice senior experts in seed legislation. S/he will report directly to the Leader of the Rice Sector Development Program at AfricaRice and the coordinator of PMU. The Rice Seed Legislation Expert will work closely with the USAID Food and Enterprise Development (FED) project in Liberia, other relevant seed initiatives, seed producers, private seed companies and extension agencies. S/he will be a dynamic, hands‐on, results‐oriented person recruited by AfricaRice with input from USAID. A supervisory team will be established consisting of the USAID Activity Manager, the Leader of the Rice Sector Development Program at AfricaRice and the PMU coordinator.
ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will focus on setting up the protocols for certification and advocacy of the Seed Board in Liberia. The incumbent will serve as part-time seed legislation TA providing expertise to fulfil the project mandate and coordinate with USAID partners, in particular FED, to identify appropriate complementary short‐term TA to ensure the implementation of the following tasks:
- Assess implementation status of the National Seed Policy and Regulatory Framework in Liberia beginning with an in-depth desk study, followed by a two-stage consultative project start-up process involving donor partners and key strategic experts and informants;
- Facilitate PMU/MoA with finalizing documentation (e.g. protocols for certification) on Seed Board;
- Fast track required documents, coordinate the legal processes in collaboration with PMU/MoA and ensure establishing a legal status in setting up the Seed Board of Liberia;
- Assist Seed System Specialist in elaborating profiles and job descriptions for each type of service delivery agent in certifying the rice seed value chain including updating already existing profiles and job descriptions;
- Assist Seed System Specialist in elaborating technical and auditing specifications across the seed value chain from seed breeders, seed multiplication, laboratory services, and certification domain;
- Undertake other duties as justified by the needs of key partners and AfricaRice.
Qualifications/Selection Criteria
Education:Post‐graduate degree in a relevant field
Work Experience: Experience in seed board legislation is essential; working experience in Africa and knowledge of rice‐based systems are highly desirable.
Language
Proficiency in English language and excellent written and spoken communication skills are required.
Terms and Conditions
- AfricaRice provides an attractive international remuneration package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
- This assignment is for two years and based on a part-time (50% of full-time) involvement.
HOW TO APPLY:
Application procedure
Expressions of interest (a full CV in MS Word format and supporting statement, including the names and addresses -telephone / fax / email- of three referees) should be directed in confidence toA.Kpadonou@cgiar.org with the following reference in subject:CONS/03/DPC/2015/09.
Applications will be considered until Saturday, October 03, 2015.
AfricaRice is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence in our operations and particularly welcome qualified applications from women, people living with disabilities and developing countries.
AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.AfricaRice.org
