African Seed Trade Association Technical Officer Job in Kenya

Vacancy Announcement

Technical Officer with African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA)

About AFSTA

AFSTA is a continent-wide umbrella body representing the private seed industry. AFSTA was formally established on March, 2000, during an inaugural congress in South Africa where Kenya was elected as host country for the Secretariat.

The African Seed Trade Association arose out of a need to have a regional representative body for the seed industry, which could also serve to promote the development of private seed enterprises.

A range of African and international stakeholders commenced discussions early in 1997. This developed into a preparatory meeting held in Malawi in April 1999 where an Ad Hoc working group was nominated.

The group developed a draft constitution, by laws, and budgets, which were finalized at a meeting in Kenya in August 1999. AFSTA now has a diplomatic status in Kenya.

Currently, AFSTA’s membership is over 100, majority of whom are private seed companies and the other members comprise of National Seed Trade Associations (NSTAs), International seed organizations, etc.

AFSTA’s Mission is: To promote trade in quality seed and technologies in Africa for the benefit of members and farmers

AFSTA’s objectives are:

• To promote the use of improved quality seed,
• To strengthen communication with African seed industries and with the world,
• To facilitate establishment of national seed trade associations in Africa,
• To provide information to members,
• To interact with regional governments and NGO’s involved in seed activities in order to promote the interests of the seed industry,
• To promote activities that lead to regulatory harmonization throughout Africa to facilitate movement of seed, and
• To develop a statistical database on African seed production and trade

Technical Officer Position

Job Purpose:To assist in implementing seed harmonization in the COMESA region and other Regional Economic Communities and strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the AFSTA Secretariat.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Harmonisation of Seed Regulations:

• Collect and collate updates from COMESA, SADC, ASARECA and EAC the status of the seed harmonisation process.
• Prepare for the periodic reports needed for the implementation of the Harmonization of seed policy and regulations in COMESA and other Regional Economic Communities.
• Be a resource person on the training of NSTA on the AFSTA seed projects.

2. Strengthening of National Seed Trade Associations:

• Work with the Executive Directors of National Seed Trade Associations to ensure smooth running of the NSTA.

3. Implementation of the Strategic Plan:

• Deploy the AFSTA strategic plan to NSTA level.
• Assist the NSTA to develop annual plans in line with the strategic plan.
• Keep the committee of AFSTA on “Member Services” dynamic and reaching its objectives of improving AFSTA service to its Members.

4. Seed Projects and other assignments:

• Follow up any AFSTA seed projects and update in timely manner the Secretary General and the Chairman of the Committee on “Member Services” on any possible actions that would be necessary for good performance of such projects;
• Work closely with the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa to undertake seed activities such as implementation of the harmonization of seed regulations and policies in the 19 Member States of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA);
• Prepare for any AFSTA technical documents (position papers, technical presentation, report, seed projects, etc.), which are necessary in the pursuance of the AFSTA objectives;
• Organize technical training and other meetings in accordance with the approved program of work;
• Keep updated documentation on the African seed sector to be available for further reference especially for the International seed bodies (ISTA, OECD, 1SF, UPOV and FAO) for AFSTA members;
• Prepare proposals for joint action seed programs with other international and regional bodies;
• Contribute to the issuance of periodic and other publications covering seed and planting material and related activities in the region and provide documentation services concerning such activities inside and outside the region in cooperation with the Advocacy and Communication Unit of AFSTA;
• Undertake any reasonable request made by the Secretary General of AFSTA in the pursuance of the objectives of the Association.

Key Result Areas:

• Contribute to the implementation of AFSTA seed projects.
• AFSTA operational efficiency and sensible spending.
• Timely compilation and delivery of reports and minutes.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities:

• Direct linkages with ECOWAS, WAEMU, ACTESA/COMESA, SADC, ASARECA and EAC.
• Vital liaison with NSTAs.

Relationship Effort:

• Secretary General for direction.
• Peers for sharing.
• Governments, RECs and NGOs for partnership and policy formulation.

Mandatory Competencies and Qualifications:

This candidate must be an African citizen from any one of the African countries.

Career Background / Operational Experience:

• A commendable career with 10+ years experience in African agri-business at Technical Officer level, and specifically within the Seed Sector.
• Has worked or liaised with National Seed Trade Associations.
• 5+ years experience in delivering technical training.
• Has successfully worked in projects with various stakeholders including NSTAs, Regional Economic Communities including SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS, WAEMU, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to represent AFSTA in diverse important fora.

Academic Background

• At least Masters degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy or other related fields.
• A Bachelors degree in the same fields will be considered if supported by ample experience)
• Qualifications in Training & Management.
• Good Computer skills (MS Office / Internet).

Other Requirements

• Self disciplined and conscientious with the ability to work independently, without much supervision.
• Ability to work in a multi disciplinary team to achieve common goals in a challenging environment.
• Good Interpersonal skills
• Fluency in spoken and written English; Basic knowledge of French and Portuguese will be an added advantage.

Terms and Conditions

The Technical Officer shall be based in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Headquarters of the Association is located. The Technical Officer is recruited with a five (2) -year mandate with a high potential for extension based on a successful performance assessment.

The Remuneration is based on the regionally competitive and attractive salary scale of AFSTA

Application

Expressions of Interest with a full CV and supporting statement, highlighting your experience and skills against the requirements of the role should be submit to Ms. Susan Waweru, Director, SRI Executive Search, Nairobi, Kenya.

Email: swaweru@sri-executive.com

SRI Executive has been retained by AFSTA to manage both internal and external applications for this role.

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2012