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Seed Systems Development Coordinator (Rice)

Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) - Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

About the employer / working context

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Seed Systems development
Coordinator (Rice) to be based at AfricaRice, Abidjan

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 25 African
member countries.

Authority
The Seed Systems Development Coordinator will be part of a multi‐disciplinary research
team working to sustain and improve the productivity of rice‐based systems in Africa in line
with AfricaRice’s mission and mandate. He/she will report directly to the head of the Rice
Sector Development Program.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will focus on the development of viable and sustainable seed production systems for rice in Africa. He/she will pro‐actively facilitate the dissemination of
rice varieties that are developed through the “Africa‐wide Rice Breeding Task Force” – the Task Force is convened by AfricaRice and regroups rice breeders from 30 countries in Africa.
More specifically, he/she will:

• Build a strong AfricaRice ‘seed team’ from among staff working on seed systems

development across the continent;
 Pro‐actively anticipate seed production needs for varieties that are particularly
promising as per results obtained in the Africa‐wide Rice Breeding Task Force;
 Develop seed road maps for ARICA or other improved varieties for major rice
producing countries based on targets specified in the countries’ national rice
development strategies. This will involve identifying roles and responsibilities of public
and private sector partners in different regions in a particular country and using both
formal and informal seed production routes.
 Catalyze national and regional cooperation in seed production of new rice varieties;
 Liaise with Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA) seed initiatives and
rice teams in sub‐Saharan Africa;
 Lead a debate within AfricaRice on appropriate licensing and IP strategies for
enhanced access to seeds and impact;
 Build business skills in small seed companies and/or farmers’ cooperatives to produce
quality seed and contribute to open‐source training materials for seed production;
 Develop annual research and project proposals, work plans and budgets in
consultation with the Program Leader and team members;

Undertake any other duties as required by the needs of the Center

Job Qualifications & Skills / Selection Criteria

Qualifications/Selection Criteria

Education: Post‐graduate degree in a relevant field
Work Experience: Private sector experience in seed systems development is essential;
working experience in Africa and knowledge of rice‐based systems desirable.

Language

The candidate should be fluent in English or French. A good working knowledge of the other
language would be an asset.

Terms and Conditions

• This is an  internationally recruited position.

• AfricaRice provides an attractive international salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender‐sensitive working environment.

Application procedure

Candidates should send an application (including a cover letter and a detailed CV with the following information: Name, surname, gender, certificates obtained, professional experience (stating clearly beginning and end dates of each experience: day, month, year), language skills
(French/English), and the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / email) of three referees.

Please note that the normal retirement age for internationally recruited staff at AfricaRice is 65.

To apply for this position, please send your applications:
To: H.Zok@cgiar.org with the vacancy reference in subject: IRS/02/PC/2014/07
Or to the following address: Head, Human Resources Unit, AfricaRice, 01 B.P. 2031,
Cotonou, Benin Republic

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
AfricaRice is an equal opportunity employer. AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations and particularly welcomes applications from women and developing countries.
AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at
www.AfricaRice.org

Additional Information about the position

Position Type: Temps plein

Working Hours: Horaire normal

Working Language: Français

Second Language: Anglais

Closing Date: 2014-12-31

Application

Apply	Apply for the Job on Company Website
By Email:	H.Zok@cgiar.org
By postal mail:	Head, Human Resources Unit, AfricaRice, 01 B.P. 2031, Cotonou, Benin Republic