National Seed Expert

Organizational Setting

In collaboration with the Unilateral Trust Fund (UTF) programme, 'Strengthening the Resilience of the Agricultural Sector', the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will provide capacity-building and technical assistance to support the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Project Management Unit (PMU) in implementing this World Bank-funded project. FAO will also send experts to evaluate the existing capabilities of organizations in the seed sector and in crisis prevention and management.

The National Seed Expert will support the implementation of UTF/TAJ/023/TAJ “Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector”, especially about promoting national policy dialogue on seed sector reform process, updating the national seed quality standards and certification, aligning them with regional and international requirements, and seed industry development.

Reporting Lines

The National Seed Expert will work under the direct supervision of the FAOR Tajikistan, under the technical guidance and direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer and day by day supervision of Project coordinators in cooperation with other project experts, as needed. The incumbent will closely work in consultation with the relevant Technical Units at FAO country office, and the Regional Office of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (REU), and the Sub-regional Office for Central Asia (SEC).

Technical Focus

Provided technical inputs to IMWG in finalization of the Seed Law, by-laws, the seed farm registration and the revised Seed Standards and their validation and final approval by the Agency of Standardization, Metrology, Certification and Trade Inspection under the Government of Republic of Tajikistan (ASMCTI) ensured in accordance with the state rules ensured and achieved.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist the MOA team in organization and facilitation of at least two coordination meetings of the inter-ministerial working group (IMWG) with participation of MOA, PMU, SCVTP and the Committee on Food Security (CFS) in order to identify the feasible ways in enhancing the coordination mechanism among key state institutions on seed system (Seed Council Dialogue and Seed Sector Reform Process); 
•     Support technical guidance and the development of suggestions to finalize the revised Seed Standards and support their validation and approval by Agency of Standardization, Metrology, Certification and Trade Inspection under the Government of Republic of Tajikistan (ASMCTI) in accordance with the state rules on revision and approval of state standards policy documents (IMWG role is to review and to submit the seed standards to ASMCTI for final review and approval).
•     Support the International Seed Expert and provide technical inputs for a draft practical seed certification manual or technical guide and facilitate its validation by key stakeholders.
•     Contribute technical inputs and facilitate the process of updating a roster of seed-producing farms in close collaboration with the State Committee on Variety Testing and Protection.
•     Contribute technical inputs and facilitate the finalization of the seed farm registry system, including screening criteria document, 
•     Facilitate guidance and input to state responsible authority on realization of registration/ accreditation mechanisms of seed farms, 
•     With support of FAO Communication Expert, organize and conduct stakeholder engagement/ awareness raising workshops on seed farm registration/accreditation system and prepare comprehensive workshop reports.
•     Support FAO Communication Expert to draft at least three awareness materials (e.g. flyer, factsheet, infographic) related to seed certification and standards.
•     Other tasks to be performed as per request.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture production, seed multiplication, testing and protection
•     Minimum 5 years of work experience as a seed expert
•     Working knowledge (level C) of Tajik and Russian
•     National of Tajikistan or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions within Tajikistan.
•     Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered an asset.

Selection Criteria

•     Good knowledge of the seed sector;
•     Strong interpersonal skills;
•     Knowledge of English is an asset.